Summary

Exploring the use of AI and ChatGPT in the classroom.

With the release of ChatGPT, school administrators and educators alike are grappling with many questions: Do we ban it for our students or allow them to use it? If we allow the use of the software, how do we implement it across the district? What policies and procedures should be in place? How can educators promote a culture of academic honesty and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools?

ChatGPT, just one of many AI tools available, is an innovative language model that allows users to enter questions or prompts and receive responses in seconds. Undoubtedly, this has upended writing assignments. Rather than shy away from the use of AI, educators should consider how it can greatly benefit educators and the students in their classrooms.

AI and ChatGPT as an Educator

As a versatile tool, educators can use ChatGPT to enhance their work in numerous ways.

For example, educators can:

  • Utilize ChatGPT in lesson planning to quickly research and gather relevant information.
  • Create learning objectives for a specific unit of instruction.
  • Generate creative ideas for engaging activities.
  • Use it as a proofreading and editing assistant to help provide feedback on students’ written assignments.

AI and ChatGPT as a Student

Incorporating ChatGPT into the learning process can deepen students’ understanding and critical thinking skills.

Ways educators might engage students using ChatGPT or another AI tool include:

  • Asking Clarifying Questions: Students can interact with ChatGPT by asking questions related to their coursework, assignments, or any topic they want to learn more about. ChatGPT can provide quick answers and explanations, helping students gain a better understanding of the subject matter.
  • Brainstorming Ideas: When working on projects, essays, or creative writing, students can use ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas. When the student provides a prompt or a topic, ChatGPT can generate potential ideas, themes, or perspectives to inspire their work.
  • Exploring Different Perspectives: ChatGPT can be an excellent tool for students to explore different perspectives on a particular issue or topic. By asking questions from different angles, students can gain a broader understanding of complex subjects and develop critical thinking skills.
  • Creative Writing and Storytelling: Students can use ChatGPT as a co-writer for creative writing projects. They can take turns with ChatGPT to build a story, create a dialogue between characters or develop imaginative narratives.
  • Practicing Interview Skills: For students preparing for interviews, ChatGPT can serve as a mock interviewer. It can ask relevant questions, and students can practice articulating their responses effectively.
  • Historical Figures or Fictional Characters: Students can have “conversations” with historical figures or fictional characters by assuming their roles and asking questions they would like to ask them.
  • Exam and Quiz Preparation: Before tests or quizzes, students can use ChatGPT to quiz themselves on specific topics, reinforcing their understanding and memory retention.

 

These AI tools can complement traditional learning methods and empower students to explore new concepts, improve their skills, and unleash their creativity in exciting and innovative ways. However, it is essential for students to use these tools thoughtfully and responsibly, understanding their limitations and always valuing their own critical thinking and original contributions. ChatGPT can be an invaluable resource for educators to enrich their teaching strategies and deepen students’ learning experiences, provided it is used responsibly and in a way that encourages genuine academic growth.

To further explore AI: