Has Chatgpt Already Started Making A Dent

When it comes to education there is no doubt that academics all over the world have strong opinions on the use of ChatGPT in educational settings. As education rapidly develops, technological advancements make their way into teaching and into classrooms, determining the way students learn and study and the way educators teach. One such innovation making waves in the educational sphere is ChatGPT, a powerful language model developed by Open AI. ChatGPT is positioned as an Artificial Intelligence tool (AI), it has the capability and potential to reshape the educational landscape. Here, we explore the way ChatGPT has started to affect education. 

What is ChatGPT? 

By now we have all heard of this interesting new AI tool released by research organisation OpenAI. At its core, ChatGPT is a language generation model based on the GPT-3.5 architecture, designed to understand and generate human-like text. It has the ability to understand context and respond coherently and is a tool that most of us have not had access to previously. It is versatile and easy to use, making it the ideal companion for students and educators alike. It is already making waves by acting as a virtual assistant for students, aiding in research, offering support in learning complex concepts, providing additional resources and potentially the most contentious, assisting with homework. 

ChatGPT and students 

Exploring further how students use ChatGPT, the tool lies in the realm of personalised learning - a topic which is becoming increasingly common as students increasingly rely on tech and data for their studies. ChatGPT tailors responses to each student’s capabilities, needs and learning styles, making it the perfect learning assistance tool. For example, the tool can help a student struggling with a particular concept by offering targeted explanations and examples from across the internet. This adaptive learning approach helps students progress at their own pace, addressing gaps in knowledge and building a solid foundation for further learning. 

Moreover, ChatGPT is available 24/7, 365 days a year. It can also be integrated into virtual learning platforms, acting as a virtual tutor. Students are able to access this virtual tutor tool to seek clarification on assignments, ask questions they may not have asked in class and even practice language skills through interactive conversations. This constant access allows students to work at their own pace and on their own timetable, giving them the freedom to learn and study in a manner that suits them individually. 

ChatGPT and group assignments 

Most students and educators would agree that group assignments have been a pain point for some learning environments, especially while transcending language constraints and large egos. However, we know that group tasks are key to fostering a collaborative learning environment. In group settings, students can leverage ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas, facilitate discussions or work through complex problems collectively. Its ability to comprehend and respond to natural language makes it a seamless participant in group interactions, fostering collaboration and communication skills among students. 

ChatGPT and educators

On the other side of the coin, ChatGPT is also helpful to educators when integrated into their teaching practices. Like providing additional resources to students, the tool can do the same with educators when lesson planning. It can also suggest interactive activities or generate creative prompts for assignments. This may also help in increasing participation and attention from students in class. It is integral for educators to engage students in learning within the classroom and this enhancement of teaching materials not only saves time for the educator but also introduces unique ways to engage students in the learning process. 

On the other hand, educators also undertake many administrative tasks that can be time-consuming and require attention. ChatGPT can automate these tasks so that they educator can focus more on teaching. The tool can streamline administrative tasks like generating quizzes and grading assignments to answering frequently asked questions, providing educators with more time to invest in the intellectual and emotional aspects of teaching. 

The other side

While we speak about the bright side of ChatGPT, we must also be aware of the downsides and potential risks of using a tool rooted in Artificial Intelligence. There are challenges and ethical considerations that arise from the use of the tool, especially when working on assignments and teaching plans. Not only does one need to consider issues such as plagiarism and incorrect or outdated information but we also need to keep in mind data privacy and algorithmic bias. 

In education, safeguarding student data and bridging the gaps are paramount, especially in creating an inclusive and ethical learning environment. Educators and education institutes need to ensure that ChatGPT is used and handled securely and responsibly. Also, addressing potential biases in the model's responses is important to prevent reinforcing potentially harmful and disruptive stereotypes. Additionally, efforts must be made to bridge the digital divide, ensuring equitable access to AI-powered and electronic educational tools. 

In conclusion, while the introduction of ChatGPT in education marks a significant step towards a more personalised and engaging learning experience, we need to make sure that it is being used responsibly. While challenges exist, a thoughtful and ethical approach to implementation can unlock the full potential of ChatGPT as a transformative tool in the realm of education, enhancing the learning journey for both students and educators alike. 

Dr Shuchi Gautam

Guest Author The author is Deputy Director and Professor of Finance, Thakur Global Business School (TGBS), Kandivali, Mumbai