ChatGPT is a new artificial intelligence-powered chatbot that is revolutionizing the way students work. With its ability to create a research paper or solve a complex math problem within minutes, ChatGPT has stirred debate as educators ponder its place in the classroom. Reactions have been mixed and a few school districts have even banned students and teachers from using the program on district-issued devices.
However, many are embracing the AI-powered chatbot in the classroom and view it as a powerful companion. ChatGPT, which is created by OpenAI, differs from other AI chatbots like Google’s BARD, which helps with productivity, and Quizlet’s Q-Chat, a tutor built on ChatGPT.
Since its introduction in November, ChatGPT has gotten smarter and has been successful in the bar exam, scoring in the top 10%, and in high school advanced placement exams. There is no doubt that AI is here to stay, as demonstrated by its explosive growth and the fact that developers are investing more time and effort in making the program even better.
Looking to the future, many school districts are still trying to figure out how to handle ChatGPT, including offering staff training on the program and piloting it with a group of teachers in the fall to help guide policy procedures. Through this, individuals can learn how to use ChatGPT responsibly, while also taking advantage of its ability to create individualized lessons and assessments for students.
Tim McIlvain, director of the Learning Technology Center of Illinois, notes that ChatGPT is likely just the beginning of a long list of AI applications the students will have to use. In this regard, educators must take charge and help students to learn how to use it appropriately.
Laura Lohman, assistant provost for faculty development and innovation at North Central College in Naperville, is one of these educators. Lohman has held faculty workshops about ChatGPT and believes that the AI-powered chatbot can be a helpful tool if used correctly, much like the graphing calculators and the internet. Shawn Messmer, assistant superintendent of curriculum and innovation for Maine Township High School District 207 also acknowledges the importance of teaching students how to use ChatGPT responsibly.
ChatGPT has the potential to be a beneficial tool in both the professional and personal arenas, which is why it is important that schools provide staff with the necessary resources needed to teach students how to use it. Though there is still much to learn about the program and AI as a whole, the world is undoubtedly on the brink of a new era.
