The Question of Equity in the Age of ChatGPT
Author: Samantha Goldman; info@ciddl.org
CIDDL has been discussing all things related to ChatGPT and AI lately. In a previous blog, we explored equity, diversity, and access issues related to integrating this technology into the classroom. Challenges raised included access to devices, non-bias AI, and AI that empowers all students rather than perpetuates stereotypes and should reduce disparities between students. With recent updates to ChatGPT and the added premium features, the issues related to AI and equity are becoming very apparent.
Premium Features of ChatGPT
ChatGPT released a premium version in February 2023, which charges users $20 a month to access features such as faster answers and “premium features”, which are not readily defined. OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT, claim that by offering a premium feature, they will be able to continue to offer the free version. It’s understandable that, given the $10 billion investment from Microsoft, and other companies, there is a need to generate a profit. However, it is important to consider the repercussions of creating a paywall and how that paywall will impact access. How will this issue trickle down to our K-12 schools and students and create a further equity gap in how we prepare future students for the world?
Budgets and Equity
Budget constraints are not a foreign concept to K-12 teachers who often have to turn to crowd-funding type grants such as Donors Choose in order to bring the latest and greatest tech to their classroom, let alone bring basic supplies like books to their classrooms. It took a global pandemic to increase access to one-to-one devices with middle schools and high schools across the nation reporting 90% of students have access and 84% of elementary students have. Now, districts have to budget to maintain the devices and evaluate which subscriptions are worth keeping. Will the controversial “ChatGPT” make the cut?
More importantly, how can school leaders afford to not teach students to use these technologies, as the world is becoming more reliant on AI? A Recent EdWeek blog, shared that data support that schools in more affluent areas use technology for creating, whereas in lower socio-economic areas, technology is used for independent practice and “drill and practice” based assignments. How will this model translate to the use of AI and conversational bots in the classroom? It could mean that students from lower socio-economic status schools use the technology for lower-level tasks like basic question and answer, whereas more affluent communities would use it for more critical thinking skills. That’s assuming that all students would maintain access to technology.
Share Your Thoughts
We’re talking all about AI in our community and we’d love your voice. What are your views on how the premium features of ChatGPT will impact equity and access to the technology? Tell us in our community.