AI-enabled cheating is forcing some schools to go analog (www.businessinsider.com)

The University of Chicago Law School has implemented a laptop-free policy for first-year students this fall, aiming to foster independent thinking amidst the rise of AI in the legal profession. This decision comes in response to the challenges universities face with AI-assisted cheating, as seen in recent scandals at institutions like Brown University. Rather than banning AI, the school is redesigning its curriculum to ensure students develop critical reasoning skills before integrating AI tools into their education. The initiative includes in-person proctored exams, oral defenses for major papers, and enhanced AI instruction in legal writing courses, using tools like Harvey and Legora. Dean Adam Chilton emphasized the need for students to be equipped with ethical AI use while also ensuring they possess the foundational skills to think critically on their own. This dual approach acknowledges the growing relevance of technology in legal practices, advocating for a balanced education that prepares students to navigate both traditional and AI-driven landscapes effectively.