Amid the technological advancements shaping education, the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and conversational agents like ChatGPT have further expanded the possibilities for learning and communication (Alam, 2023). AI technologies are designed to simulate human intelligence and perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as understanding natural language and engaging in interactive conversation.
AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to perform tasks and processes typically requiring human cognitive abilities (McCarthy, 2007). These intelligent systems can analyze vast amounts of data, recognize patterns, learn from past experiences, and make decisions or predictions based on that knowledge. The ultimate goal of AI is to create machines that can reason, perceive, and understand the world in ways similar to human beings (Chen et al., 2020). The integration of AI in education holds great potential for transforming teaching and learning experiences (Hussain et al., 2022). AI-powered tools can reduce the time teachers spend on tasks and provide personalized learning experiences by adapting content and instructional strategies to the differentiated needs of each student (Xia et al., 2022).
ChatGPT
ChatGPT is an advanced language model developed by OpenAI, designed to understand and generate human-like text based on the input it receives. ChatGPT can serve as a virtual tutor, providing immediate and on-demand support to students. It can answer questions, explain concepts, and engage in interactive dialogue, promoting active learning and deeper understanding. AI-powered assistants can also provide valuable feedback on student work, helping them improve their skills and knowledge (Xia et al., 2022). One should note, however, careful attention must be given to ethical considerations, data privacy, the role educators play in its use, and the transparency of AI systems. By making use of the power of AI responsibly, educators can utilize these technologies to create engaging, adaptive, and effective learning environments for students.
Incorporating ChatGPT into the classroom offers a myriad of broad benefits for both educators and students. Firstly, the language model serves as a versatile and readily available resource, providing instant answers to students’ questions and fostering a dynamic and interactive learning environment. By offering personalized responses, ChatGPT can cater to individual learning needs, encouraging engagement and enhancing the overall educational experience. Additionally, the model’s capacity to generate creative content can spark curiosity and imagination, stimulating critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. For teachers, ChatGPT can streamline lesson planning, offering assistance in generating diverse and relevant materials, while also supporting professional development through its’ insights and knowledge on various subjects. The integration of ChatGPT in the classroom has the possibility to empower educators to cultivate an inclusive and adaptive learning atmosphere, equipping students with valuable 21st-century skills and preparing them for the challenges of the digital age.
Prompting ChatGPT
To get an effective end product, craft well-structured and contextually relevant prompts that will yield accurate and valuable outputs from ChatGPT. By following these guidelines, users can enhance the model’s performance and achieve more meaningful interactions, tailored to their unique needs and applications.
- Be clear and specific: Write prompts and questions that are clear and straightforward.
- Use context: Provide relevant context for the prompt or question to guide ChatGPT’s response. Include necessary background information to help the technology understand the context better.
- Provide examples: If necessary, include examples to illustrate the desired response format or clarify the type of content you expect from ChatGPT.
- Test and evaluate: Conduct testing and evaluation to assess the technology’s performance and suitability for your specific use case. Adjust prompts and fine-tune as necessary.
- Comply with ethical guidelines: Ensure that your use of ChatGPT adheres to ethical guidelines and policies set by the platform or service provider.
Sample prompts
To clarify various ways instructors could utilize the technology, below are several instructional goals followed by a sample ChatGPT prompt:
- Goal: To create a sample of student work for students to analyze prior to giving the assignment to pinpoint parameters of quality work
- Prompt: Write a ten-paragraph, persuasive essay that provides reasons to use fewer disposable plastic products using the words renewable, nonrenewable, biodegradable, and organic. Write this at a college-level reading level, by a student who has a garden.
- Goal: To analyze student feedback from student reflections from the semester
- Prompt: Summarize these responses, and show patterns. Next, paste the copied selection of responses after the above prompt.
- Goal: To write a recommendation letter for a student
- Prompt: Write a recommendation letter for a teacher who graduated with a middle school teaching certification who engages students, demonstrates effective classroom management, and possesses strong professionalism.
- Goal: To determine common misconceptions college students have about a topic
- Prompt: Can you tell me common misconceptions that college students have about (concept/skill)?
- Goal: To identify prerequisite skills, knowledge, and vocabulary
- Prompt: What prerequisite skills, knowledge, and vocabulary should a college student know to understand (concept/skill)?
- Goal: To review key topics
- Prompt: I want to review (concept/skill) with college students. Generate activity ideas that I can use for a 20-minute activity.
- Goal: To introduce a new topic
- Prompt: I want to creatively introduce (concept/skill) to college students. Generate activity ideas that I can use for a five-minute activity.
- Goal: To create informational sources for students to read
- Prompt: Act as an environmentalist, write an article on a college-level reading level against industrialization in Kentucky integrating five different sources that were published within the last five years.
In the midst of this rapidly evolving landscape, AI and language models like ChatGPT emerge as transformative tools that possess the potential to further revolutionize education and the way students interact with technology. By utilizing technology responsibly and thoughtfully, educators can unlock new possibilities and transform traditional learning approaches. The potential for personalized and interactive learning experiences is vast but requires a comprehensive approach that addresses ethical concerns, protects data privacy, and, most critically, values the role of human educators. Through these efforts, educators can embrace the opportunities provided by technology and create dynamic and effective learning environments for all students.
Dr. Erin Margarella is an associate professor of secondary education at Western Kentucky University.
Dr. Rebecca Stobaugh is a professor in the school of teacher education at Western Kentucky University.
References
Alam, A. (2023, June). Intelligence unleashed: An argument for AI-enabled learning ecologies with real world examples of today and a peek into the future. In AIP Conference Proceedings (Vol. 2717, No. 1). AIP Publishing.
Chen, L., Chen, P., & Lin, Z. (2020). Artificial intelligence in education: A review. Ieee Access, 8, 75264-75278.
Hussain, M. I., Shamim, M., Ravi Sankar, A. V., Kumar, M., Samanta, K., & Sakhare, D. T. (2022). The Effect Of The Artificial Intelligence On Learning Quality & Practices In Higher Education. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 1002-1009
Xia, Q., Chiu, T. K., Zhou, X., Chai, C. S., & Cheng, M. (2022). Systematic literature review on opportunities, challenges, and future research recommendations of artificial intelligence in education. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 100118.