According to Amac News, the move is aimed at maintaining academic integrity, encouraging students to think independently, compete in a healthy manner, and preventing the misuse of AI tools in assignments and assessments.
With the proliferation of AI-based chatbots like ChatGPT, teachers are concerned that students’ over-reliance on technology may hinder the development of vital skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity.
The decision to restrict AI tools like ChatGPT was taken by school administrations to promote a more authentic learning environment.
With these new regulations, schools will ensure that students complete their assignments and assessments without resorting to digital shortcuts.
Educational experts believe that while AI can have potential benefits, its overuse in educational settings can distort assessments, mislead students, and ultimately reduce their ability to think independently.
In response to these issues, educational institutions have increased their efforts to raise student awareness. Workshops have been held to educate middle and high school students about the dangers of relying on AI chatbots.
Teachers are now focusing on oral exams, independent research projects, and written assessments, all designed to test students’ real abilities without the help of external tools.
Ibrahim Baraka, principal of Al-Shulah Private School in Sharjah, expressed concern, saying that ChatGPT does not understand the topics it covers. Instead, it reproduces content, misleading students into believing it provides reliable knowledge.
“The Balanced Council”
Baraka added that students are increasingly turning to ChatGPT for everything from solving math equations to writing essays, raising concerns about the future of education.
Media activist Ibrahim Al-Tahli also criticized the growing reliance on AI tools like ChatGPT, warning that this overreliance reduces students’ capacity for innovation and independent problem-solving.
Adel Al-Rasheed, a journalist and member of the Emirates Journalists Association, also expressed concern, saying: “When students use ChatGPT to do their homework without engaging with the material, they miss out on vital learning opportunities that build essential skills.”
Legal expert Fatima Al-Niyadi also warned that over-reliance on AI could undermine students’ critical thinking abilities. “The goal of the education system should be to teach students how to think, not just extract information from AI-generated sources without analyzing it,” she said.
Schools have also put in place plans for weekly assessments using traditional and non-digital methods to ensure that assessments are conducted independently.
AI awareness workshops will also continue to educate students about the dangers of over-reliance on AI in academic tasks.