Johns Hopkins University’s PILOT program is introducing artificial intelligence (AI) technology, specifically ChatGPT, to some of its sessions in mid-October. The move aligns with the university’s broader goal of integrating AI into education. The experiment will run for three weeks, during which study participants will use ChatGPT as an additional resource.

The students will be divided into three groups: one with no access to ChatGPT, one with one round of access with a prompt instruction, and one with multiple rounds of access with the same prompt instruction. Data collected during the PILOT sessions will be provided to the Center for Teaching Excellence and Innovation (CTEI) to support a research project on the impact of AI tools on college students’ academic learning.

While some students are excited about the incorporation of AI, believing it can enhance post-class analysis and aid in answering questions, others express concerns. Some fear that AI tools might distract students from the learning process and discourage collaboration. However, the move reflects the university’s commitment to integrating AI into education, as seen in recent initiatives such as the JHU + Amazon Initiative for Interactive Artificial Intelligence (AI2AI) and the creation of a new AI institute on Homewood Campus.

These developments aim to advance AI technology and its role in academia, with plans to introduce more AI content in courses across various disciplines, expanding opportunities for students and aligning with the global surge in AI development.