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Moving legal studies from the textbook to the digital arena, a new AI-based model for K-12 learning is taking shape at the University of Florida. In his graduate-level school law course, Chris Thomas, J.D., Ph.D., has found a way to deepen his students' legal comprehension by replacing a short essay assignment with a dynamic, interactive role-playing exchange using ChatGPT.

The new assignment, called PrincipalGPT, allows students to simulate real-world practice via legal conversations that mirror those taking place in schools across the country.

"The assignment has students take on the role of the school attorney while the custom GPT takes on the role of the school principal," said Thomas, assistant professor of educational leadership and policy in the UF College of Education.

"The scenario is that the principal is coming to the attorney for legal advice on how to handle an employment law issue, and the students have to work through that conversation in an ethical and…