The first calculator was invented in the early 1640s. It was a large device, and could only perform addition and subtraction. In the early 1960s the electronic desktop calculator was created, but it wasn’t until 1967 that calculators were small enough to be hand held. 

Over time the idea of using a calculator became widely accepted, but fears that students might never learn computational or analytical skills were prominent. In 1983 calculators were allowed on an AP Calculus Exam for the first time. Today, they are considered a fundamental tool in education, and most people couldn’t imagine life without them.

ChatGPT, one of the first public AI language models to be released, has raised many questions about the implications of its capabilities. Although its release came as a surprise to many, the language model is not the only one of its kind. Large tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Meta have their own versions of ChatGPT, and advancements in AI will only continue. 

As students become more and more comfortable using these tools, teachers and administrators have cracked down on ChatGPT, labeling it as cheating and taking disciplinary action against its use. But with such a powerful tool at the hands of thousands of students, is attempting to ban it really the right approach?

Similar to the transition from scratch paper to calculators, ChatGPT simply reflects a technological advancement that we must adapt to. While the increase in access to AI can be a difficult adjustment, it is important to remember that this debate is not new. It is our responsibility to discover how to implement these tools for good. By approaching ChatGPT with curiosity rather than judgment, students and adults may find that it has the potential to advance society in ways we can’t even imagine.