Drucker: Primary and Secondary School Teachers to Receive ChatGPT Licences

Bratislava, 12 May (TASR) - Primary and secondary school teachers will receive licences to use the ChatGPT language model from OpenAI as part of cooperation with the US technology company, but the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education will be voluntary for teachers, Education Minister Tomas Drucker (Voice-SD) told a press conference on Tuesday, adding that the model will not be trained on data from Slovak schools. Drucker said that AI already forms part of society, with children often having more experience using it than their parents or teachers. "According to last year's research, eight to nine out of ten young people, or children, use generative AI tools. If we want them to use these tools as effectively as possible, without a negative impact on the development of many skills such as critical thinking, as well as creativity and problem-solving, we need these tools to be used in a way that will mean that such other necessary skills aren't weakened," stated Drucker. The Education Ministry purchased some 20,000 ChatGPT licences for pedagogical faculties a few months ago. As part of cooperation with OpenAI, the possibility to use generative artificial intelligence ChatGPT Edu has been expanded to include some 80,000 primary and secondary school teachers. Teachers will be able to use the model on a voluntary basis; for example, when preparing for lessons. According to Drucker, the state will only pay for the licences that teachers actually use. "There's no way that AI can have the ambition to replace the human dimension in education. Its goal is to strengthen it, relieve many teachers of routine tasks, and afford them more time for what matters the most, that is, working with pupils and building relations, while also supporting and developing them," said Drucker, adding that AI shouldn't be viewed as an enemy but rather as a helper that can become a safe and useful part of the school system. He noted that the Education Ministry intends to cooperate with OpenAI in terms of feedback, focusing on research into the impact of AI tools on educational outcomes. According to Drucker, cooperation with OpenAI will take place through the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava and the Technical University in Kosice. According to statistics from OpenAI, ChatGPT is used every week by some 950 million people, many of whom are young. Jayna Devani from OpenAI said that 20 percent of conversations are linked to teaching and learning, with ChatGPT being used as a learning platform. However, she added, this must be done in a responsible manner to promote critical thinking, creativity and cognitive abilities. jrg/df