From Sept 28, the University of Chicago’s autumn quarter will require students to read printed texts and join discussions without laptops, phones, smartwatches or any wearable that can record. The university says the change is meant to protect independent thinking.

In the same courses, students may not use artificial‑intelligence tools to finish assignments. Only tasks that instructors explicitly approve—such as analysing a data set or searching for citations—are allowed to involve AI.

University President Paul Alivisatos explained that students should learn to think both with and without machines. He added that education should foster ethical, skeptical and ambitious attitudes toward AI.

Law professor William H.J. Hubbard warned that AI’s “superpower” can become educational kryptonite. He called the situation an “AI learning paradox,” insisting that AI should make studying demand more effort, not less.

According to Hubbard, the goal of the restrictions is not to reject AI altogether but to ensure students build judgment and reasoning skills for responsible AI use. The university hopes this will prepare learners for thoughtful engagement with technology.