ChatGPT ignites new plagiarism debate in schools

ChatGPT, the new artificial intelligence tool that can write remarkably cogent essays on any topic based on simple prompts, is sparking intense debates among educators about the nature and purpose of modern teaching methods -- and how to sniff out plagiarists. Why it matters: Some teachers foresee "a flood of cheating," while others envision a big opportunity to improve -- and modernize -- how writing is taught. Driving the news: Several school districts have blocked the chatbot from their systems, but critics say such bans are shortsighted and ineffective. Catch up quick: ChatGPT was released for free public use in November by research firm OpenAI, delivering an early holiday gift to tech-savvy students in need of, say, a pre-vacation essay about "Macbeth." What's happening: Teachers have been holding meetings and comparing notes about the tool's ramifications and possible responses.