Throughout elementary and middle school, AI was not something that teachers worried about, nor discussed. However, come 2017, it was one of the top stressors for my high school teachers. They continuously told us not to use any sort of AI tool to assist with our learning or assignments, as they knew it would have consequences. This put a lot of fear in me, to the point I avoided pretty well all of them, except some of the free photo AI filters on TikTok. So imagine my surprise when a presentation was assigned to watch in class that discusses how AI can be used within schools.
I became very excited about this blog post, as I decided to finally try out ChatGPT, a virtual assistant and chatbot that focuses on conversations and language.
I have been curious about this tool for a while as I have heard about it across many different social media platforms and from peers in University classes. I played around with the newest version until I hit the limit for questions and had to go to the older version. I was quite impressed with the different things ChatGPT could do, such as research, technical help, entertainment, and math problems. I also liked how it answered questions. It used jot notes and for questions about how to do something, it provided:
step-by-step instructions,
examples of tools needed,
Created an example of the process,
And a visual example.
I believe ChatGPT, if used appropriately, could be applied in many different ways in the classroom. For teaching, this could be:
- Developing questions for quizzes, assignments, or worksheets.
- Developing exemplars.
- Editing questions, exemplars, or assignments to incorporate a students interest
- Create a list of topics for inquiries, essays, or other projects
- Create lesson plans
- Create stories with students
- Creating writing prompts
- Feedback on essays
These factors could all help improve student engagement. However, I would not use what is directly written by ChatGPT. I would edit each thing I generate so then it suits my students, is not bias, and is appropriate for the curriculum.
When it comes to how this tool can be useful for students, there are many ways they could use it for, including:
- Revise their paragraphs
- Check over their work
- Develop main and sub topics for assignments
- Expand knowledge on a topic
- Find resources
- Create examples of things they do not know, such as a thesis statement, concept map, or making a video
- Use it to rewrite unclear sentences or paragraphs
Despite how useful of a tool ChatGPT can be, there are some issues to be aware of. This tool can create essays for students and develop answers to questions. Ethically, this is not students work, and could include plagiarism, biases, or be inaccurate. It is also important to check the sources ChatGPT uses, as many of the questions I asked came back with answers from Wikipedia.
Upon exploring ChatGPT and watching the presentation from June 17th, my personal perspective on AI in education has changed. As I stated before, in highschool, AI was seen in a very negative light as it always alluded to cheating. Now, I understand that, as long as students are educated on how to use them appropriately, they can be very useful tools. I also see how many people already use AI and believe its popularity will continue to grow. Thus, I think it is important to be ahead of the game and implement these tools into the classroom, where students can be taught to backtrace the research provided, identify biases in the replies, and learn how to use it as an assistant rather than the creator.
Hi Hailey,
Your exploration of ChatGPT and reflection on its potential in education is both insightful and encouraging. It’s fascinating to see how your perspective on AI has evolved from high school to now. The initial fear and caution surrounding AI tools, instilled by your teachers, is understandable given the concerns about academic integrity. However, your recent experience with ChatGPT highlights its diverse applications and potential benefits in a learning environment.
Your experimentation with ChatGPT showcases its versatility. The tool’s ability to assist with research, technical help, entertainment, and even complex math problems demonstrates its wide range of capabilities. The step-by-step instructions and visual examples provided by ChatGPT, like the concept map creation, are particularly impressive. These features can significantly enhance the learning experience by offering clear, structured guidance.
I appreciate your balanced view on integrating ChatGPT into the classroom. Your suggestions for teachers—such as developing questions, exemplars, and lesson plans—are practical and can undoubtedly enhance student engagement. It’s wise to mention the importance of editing AI-generated content to ensure it aligns with curriculum standards and is free from bias. This approach ensures that while the tool aids in efficiency, the teacher’s expertise and judgment remain central to the educational process.
For students, the applications you listed are equally valuable. From revising paragraphs and checking work to expanding knowledge and finding resources, ChatGPT can be a powerful assistant. Teaching students to use AI responsibly, verifying information, and understanding its limitations is crucial. This not only prevents misuse but also promotes critical thinking and digital literacy.
Thanks for this great post!