Alaska’s education commissioner, Deena Bishop, faced criticism after using AI to create a cell phone policy for schools. The draft included six citations, four of which referenced fake studies that do not exist. These citations incorrectly linked to real organizations like the American Psychological Association, but the studies claimed were not found anywhere online. Bishop later admitted that the incorrect citations were part of an early draft mistakenly published before a meeting. Although citations were supposed to be removed before the final vote, one fake reference remained. This incident highlights the risks of relying on AI for important documents and raises concerns about accuracy and responsibility in the use of technology in education.
Alaska’s education department recently faced scrutiny after the state’s top education official, Deena Bishop, admitted to using AI to create a new school policy on cell phone usage. This policy aimed to encourage the banning of cell phones during classroom hours. However, it was discovered that the document included several fictitious studies as citations, raising eyebrows among educators and the public.
The Alaska Beacon reported that the document cited six studies as evidence for the proposed ban, but four of these references were entirely made up. Although the organizations mentioned, such as the American Psychological Association and Pew Research Center, are legitimate, the studies did not exist. For instance, one citation claimed a 2019 study supported restricting phone usage in classrooms, but no such study could be found; instead, it linked to unrelated research.
Commissioner Bishop claimed the false citations were part of an early draft that was mistakenly posted online. Although corrections were made before the policy was finalized and sent to the board, the updated document still retained one of the fabricated references.
This incident sparked a debate about the reliability of using AI for serious tasks, highlighting the potential pitfalls of technology if not used judiciously. It serves as a reminder that while AI can be a helpful tool, its output requires careful oversight to avoid mishaps like this one.
Tags: Alaska Education, AI in Education, Cell Phone Policy, Education News, AI Misuse
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What is the Alaska School Cell Phone Policy about?
The policy outlines rules for using cell phones in schools to ensure a good learning environment and minimize distractions. -
Are students allowed to use cell phones during classes?
Generally, no. Students are expected to have their phones off or in silent mode during class time unless teachers give permission for specific activities. -
What happens if a student uses their phone during class?
If a student uses their phone without permission, they may have it taken away for the class period or face other consequences, depending on the school rules. -
Can students use their phones during breaks or lunch?
Yes, students can usually use their phones during breaks and lunch, but they should still follow any specific school guidelines. - How can parents stay informed about the cell phone policy?
Parents can check the school’s website or contact school administrators for information about the cell phone policy and any updates.
