"Why Not Use This Amazing Thing?" The First U.S. University Partnering with ChatGPT

Arizona State University, the First Higher Education Institution to Collaborate with OpenAI

Screenshot of Arizona State University news announcing collaboration with OpenAI

As the education sector struggles with generative artificial intelligence (AI), a new case has emerged that is drawing attention as the first official adoption of AI tools at a university.

Arizona State University (ASU) in the United States announced on the 18th (local time) that it has become the first higher education institution to collaborate with OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT. The university signed an official contract with OpenAI and decided to introduce the company's enterprise AI tool, "ChatGPT Enterprise," which was launched in August last year, to the school. ASU President Michael Crow said, "I am optimistic that AI systems will be an incredible tool to help students learn faster and understand subjects more thoroughly."

However, specific plans for utilization have not yet been determined. The school plans to first solicit ideas on how to use ChatGPT Enterprise from faculty and staff starting next month.

The school stated that it plans to focus on three areas: enhancing students' successful learning, exploring new methods for innovative research, and streamlining administrative organizational procedures. ASU Chief Information Officer (CIO) Lev Gonick explained, "Our goal is to revolutionize teaching methods, support academic research, and improve administrative efficiency through AI-driven project development based on ASU's core knowledge competencies." The school added that ChatGPT Enterprise adopts enterprise-grade security measures to provide a safe user environment without privacy concerns.

OpenAI Chief Operating Officer (COO) Brad Lightcap said in a press release, "Learning is a key reason why many users love ChatGPT," and added, "We will learn a lot from ASU and strive to expand ChatGPT's influence in higher education."

Meanwhile, some education authorities have banned the use of AI on campus due to concerns that students might cheat on exams and assignments using ChatGPT. The New York City Department of Education banned ChatGPT use in all public high schools in early January last year. Some public high schools in Seattle have also banned ChatGPT use. Oxford and Cambridge universities in the UK have banned ChatGPT, and RV University in Bengaluru, India, has also blocked students from using ChatGPT. Australian universities are reportedly planning to change exam formats to eradicate the use of AI tools.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.