NYC Pauses AI Tools for Younger Students
Listen to the story
New York City has introduced a new rule about the use of artificial intelligence in schools. City leader Mamdani announced a moratorium on this technology for younger students.
Artificial intelligence, often called AI, refers to computer systems that can perform tasks that normally need human thinking. A moratorium is a temporary stop on an activity.
Under the new rule, students below 9th grade will not be allowed to use generative AI for their studies. Generative AI is a type of AI that can create new content, such as text or pictures.
This means the ban covers both elementary school and middle school students in New York City's public schools. Public schools are schools run and paid for by the government.
Elementary schools teach the youngest children, while middle schools teach older children who have not yet reached high school. The ban will not affect students in high school, who are in 9th grade or above.
The moratorium will last for one year. After this period, city officials will likely review the policy and decide whether to continue, change, or end it.
The decision reflects growing concern about how young students use AI tools in the classroom. Many educators worry that generative AI could affect how children learn to think and write on their own.
For now, the focus of this policy is limited to younger grades, while older students can continue using AI as part of their education.
Vocabulary6 words
- artificial intelligence
- computer systems that can do tasks like human thinking
- moratorium
- a temporary stop on an activity
- generative AI
- AI that can create new text or images
- elementary school
- school for the youngest children
- middle school
- school between elementary and high school
- public schools
- schools run and paid for by the government
Quiz
Answer key
1. A temporary stop on an activity 2. Students below 9th grade 3. One year
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
New York City has introduced a new rule about the use of _____ in schools.
City leader Mamdani announced a _____ on this technology for younger students.
Under the new rule, students below _____ grade will not be allowed to use generative AI for their studies.
This means the ban covers both _____ school and _____ school students.
Public schools are schools run and paid for by the _____.
The moratorium will last for _____ year.
Many educators worry that generative AI could affect how children learn to _____ and write on their own.
Older students in _____ school can continue using AI as part of their education.
Discussion questions
- Do you think young students should be allowed to use AI for schoolwork? Why or why not?
- What are the possible benefits of pausing AI use for younger students?
- How might generative AI affect the way children learn to think and write?
- Should high school students be treated differently from younger students regarding AI use? Why?