The University of Chicago Law School is prohibiting the use of electronic devices for 1L students. Why? Because of AI, of course.

As reported by Casey Newton in Project Counsel Media (The University of Chicago kicks AI out of its law school (sort of), forgetting the history of technology, available here), the University of Chicago Law School is prohibiting the use of electronic devices such as laptops, tablets and phones in all first-year law school sections and courses as part of new policies dictating the use of AI at the school.

In its policy writeup, the school said first-year students need to embrace “effortful struggle” to better facilitate learning, specifically in core classes such as civil procedure, constitutional law and statutory interpretation.

As part of its announcement last week, the school will allow for limited exceptions – a designated classroom “scribe” to take notes, specific tech-enabled activities such as an interactive in-class poll and any accommodations for disabilities.

The policy, however, also emphasizes the use of AI during a student’s law school education.

For example, the first-year legal research and writing curriculum will task students with writing without AI but allow its use for research, revision and oral argument preparation. Similarly, first-year elective courses taken in the spring will follow the default “no-device” policy, but instructors will be encouraged to experiment with potential AI involvement. The school already offers AI-focused electives, as well.

As Newton notes, for second-year students, a required “substantial research paper” will involve an oral argument to side-step potential overreliance on AI for writing. The policy also noted the incorporation of AI into their various clinics, with instructors deciding the level of involvement needed.

So, there will be AI in the curriculum, but no laptops, tablets and phones in all first-year law school sections and courses?!?

Seems like an overreach to me.

For comparison purposes, Newton also states: “It might be a surprise to some, but almost 45 years ago Harvard Law School banned the use of the first truly portable computers. Students were bringing (lugging) the 25lb (11.5kg) Osborne 1 to exams to type and then print their answers.”

Hey, I remember luggable computers. I had a Compaq Portable (luggable) 386 at my job – in the 80s. It was so heavy (how heavy was it?) that I was robbed at gunpoint and the robber chose NOT to take the computer I was carrying – because it was too heavy. True story.

Banning all laptops, tablets and phones in all 1L classes seems like the University of Chicago Law School is partying like it’s 1979! Then again, trusting the students not to use AI for midterms and finals doesn’t seem to be working for some schools either. It’s a challenging time to be a college or law school professor.

So, what do you think? Are you surprised that the University of Chicago Law School is banning all laptops, tablets and phones in all 1L classes? Please share any comments you might have or if you’d like to know more about a particular topic.

Image created using DALL-E 3, using the term “robots in college chiseling notes on stone tablets”.

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