I want to jump into the conversation about ChatGPT or other Artificial Intelligence applications being used in education. I am choosing to look at the bright side of this new technology instead of harping on the possible disruption or negativity. This does not mean that I don’t see how it can create opportunities for students to cheat.
If you don’t know what I am talking about…ChatGPT what?…please let me explain. As the education sector continues to embrace technology in the classroom, chatbots like ChatGPT are emerging to offer some exciting opportunities for teachers to enhance their students’ learning experience. ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is a language model that has been trained on a massive amount of data, making it capable of responding to a wide range of questions and providing accurate information.
HOW COULD THIS CHANGE THINGS IN THE CLASSROOM?
There has been a shift in my mindset when I hear about new technology, especially in terms of the implications it might have in the classroom. In the past, I would have been cynical and possibly adverse to seeing more positive outcomes than negative ones. Let me give you an example. I can remember, years ago, when there was a movement to put devices into the hands of all students. Panic ensued as teachers, including myself, were concerned about what that would mean for their role in the classroom and what would students do if they had a device that could give them answers by simply Googling it.
Now, I try to look at things, like ChatGPT, as something we need to learn (even if it is in steps to understand) and then teach our students how to use it appropriately. Here are just a few high-level questions swarming in my mind, if and when we use artificial intelligence in learning environments:
How can we continue to support our students to be good digital citizens?
How can students use citations when using someone else’s words or ideas (including AI)?
How can we use AI in our schools to save time, enhance learning, and properly promote innovation?
How can we prepare students for their future goals using AI?
HOW CAN WE USE IT TO SUPPORT LEARNING?
Virtual tutoring: When students are struggling with a particular topic, they can use ChatGPT to receive one-on-one help and support. This can be particularly useful for students who are shy or don’t feel comfortable asking questions in class.
Classroom engagement: Teachers can use ChatGPT to create interactive activities and informative assessments that engage students and keep them focused on the lesson. This can help to reduce boredom and increase motivation.
Personalized learning: ChatGPT can be used to create customized learning paths for students, taking into account their individual strengths and weaknesses. This can help to ensure that each student is learning at their own pace and receiving the support they need to succeed.
Research assistance: Students can use ChatGPT to receive quick answers to their research questions, allowing them to focus on their work and save time.
HOW DO WE HANDLE CHEATING BECAUSE OF AI?
I had a chance to listen to the Education Week webinar with Turnitin that had a panel of people who represented their platform to educators, and it was wonderful. For those of you who are concerned about the implications for cheating, check out their website to see what they are doing to stay on top of these quickly evolving language models and to aid educators in recognizing what plagiarism will look like with AI.
One of the educators at the webinar said, “AI is forcing us to be more authentic”. ChatGPT has the potential to revolutionize the way that teachers and students interact. For right now, I am going to focus less on the disruption and more on the opportunities for innovation and authentication. For now, we should find ways to support our students to properly use this model in their learning. Let me know how you plan on using it in the classroom.
See You Real Soon,
Erin
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION AND TO BUILD A NETWORK WITH FUN & INNOVATIVE TEACHERS?
I am in education. I love working with students and sharing a passion for learning. I need time for problem-solving and decision making. I’m looking to build on my professional career and/or pedagogy. I want to network with other teachers to find a community of support.