University of Chicago bans devices, AI use in social science classes. Here's why

As artificial intelligence becomes part of everyday student life, one top US university is taking a different approach. The University of Chicago is making its social sciences classrooms largely AI-free and device-free from 2026–27. The shift puts paper texts and face-to-face discussion at the centre of classrooms as universities debate AI in education.University of Chicago bans AI, laptops and phones in social sciences classes The University of Chicago is taking a step away from the technology-heavy classroom. From the 2026-27 academic year, its Social Sciences Core courses will move towards an “analog” model, with students generally expected to put away laptops, phones and other personal devices during classes.The move comes as universities worldwide are still figuring out how to deal with artificial intelligence in education, as per student-run newspaper, The Chicago Maroon.Under new guidance from the university’s Social Sciences Collegiate Division, students will primarily work with texts on paper and take part in guided discussions without devices. AI-assisted writing will also be prohibited, while instructors will generally not be allowed to use AI for grading. Course syllabi will be prepared by human scholars.BACK TO PAPER AND PEOPLEThe university says the idea is not simply to remove technology for the sake of it. The Social Sciences Core wants students to read, write and think without becoming dependent on AI. The guidance reflects what the division described as a strong faculty consensus that these courses are better suited to an AI-free setting. The courses are discussion-based, making face-to-face interaction a central part of the classroom experience.For students, that means a familiar university scene may look different: printed texts instead of digital readings, conversations instead of screens, and handwritten notes potentially replacing a laptop on the desk.NOT A TOTAL TECHNOLOGY BAN The policy does leave room for exceptions.Faculty can seek permission to use technology for specific academic purposes, including examining datasets, troubleshooting code, revising text or accessing library resources. Students with approved disability-related accommodations will also be allowed to use devices.Professors can also experiment with AI when there is a clear educational purpose, subject to consultation with divisional leadership.AI OUTSIDE, JUDGEMENT INSIDE?The move is particularly interesting because the university is not rejecting AI altogether.UChicago is also rolling out access to Anthropic’s Claude Enterprise for students from September, while encouraging a broader approach that weighs AI’s usefulness against its limitations.The message appears to be less about banning technology everywhere and more about deciding when students should learn without it.The Social Sciences Core is not the only part of the university moving in this direction. The Law School has also announced restrictions on electronic devices in most first-year core courses from the next academic year.- EndsPublished By: Princy ShuklaPublished On: Sep 5, 2026 11:43 IST