OpenAI and Common Sense Media launched a ChatGPT guide for educators

As part of a collaboration first announced in January, Common Sense Media and OpenAI have recently published a free online course to introduce educators to the fundamentals of AI, responsible AI practices in school settings, and the basics of ChatGPT, including some suggested ways to incorporate the technology into teaching workflows. According to the announcement, the online course, titled "ChatGPT Foundations for K-12 Educators" and geared towards US-based educators, has been successfully piloted in nearly a dozen school districts, including Agua Fria Union High School District and the Challenger School.

OpenAI's strategy to break into the education market has become increasingly aggressive. After the launch of ChatGPT Edu, a product designed for and marketed to universities, OpenAI hired former Coursera chief revenue officer Leah Belsky this September. Belsky, now VP and General Manager of Education at OpenAI, is tasked with bringing OpenAI's projects to more schools. She commented on the "ChatGPT Foundations for K-12 Educators" course launch: "Our first priority is to equip educators with resources to use OpenAI's tools thoughtfully and set the classroom standard for responsible use. This course, in partnership with a trusted organization like Common Sense, offers this critical foundation."

However, teachers may not be sure they want what ChatGPT offers. According to the Pew Research Center, many K—12 teachers—a quarter—think using AI tools such as ChatGPT in educational settings causes more harm than benefit. Even more concerning is that 35%, the majority, are unsure. Only 6% believe it will bring more benefits than harm, and the remaining 32% find it is an equal mix of harms and benefits. The available research, with its mixed results, is also not very helpful in convincing teachers about the potential of tools like ChatGPT. Even students have reported that, while they perceive generative AI has brought them benefits such as improved exam scores and better quality assignments, they also worry they are not retaining as much knowledge.