University of Hong Kong introduces free ChatGPT usage

According to the university, this restriction is meant to prevent misuse by outsiders. Pauline Chiu, HKU's vice president for teaching and learning and a professor of chemistry, also emphasizes that this way, students would "think carefully before they throw a question at ChatGPT."

Limited prompts, limited value

In fact, students are likely to be more careful with the few prompts available and, for example, not give away their access lightly. On the other hand, 20 prompts are so few that you will quickly reach your limits, especially in image generation, and will not be able to fully utilize the technology.

The restriction seems a bit arbitrary and probably has to do with cost. Besides, ChatGPT's GPT 3.5 model, which is also very powerful, can be used for free anyway, even if only via VPN access, since ChatGPT is not officially available in Hong Kong.

Lingnan University in Hong Kong has also purchased a license for ChatGPT with GPT-3.5 and plans to train students and teachers in the use of the tool.

In June, the Hong Kong Education Bureau announced an AI curriculum for secondary schools that includes topics such as machine vision, robotic reasoning, ethics, and the societal impact of AI. Yu Chun Keung Memorial College in Hong Kong is also integrating AI tools such as ChatGPT into the classroom.