Dr. Shunila Joy Chauhan | Principal | Witty International School, Malad
ChatGPT is an advanced technology developed by OpenAI that uses artificial intelligence to carry out text-based conversations with people. It is based on GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) architecture and has been trained on a large amount of text data that is available from the internet. Therefore, it is able to generate responses like a human being. It can be utilized for a variety of applications, such as text summarisation, programming, dialogues, chatbots, and language translation.
Teachers are apprehensive as they feel it takes away creativity and hinders active thinking. Children receive instant answers which blocks their analytical power of reasoning and critical thinking skills. However, ChatGPT is a useful tool to speed up some tasks which are repetitive. In fact, it gives us time with our creative side as we get spare time to do so.
ChatGPT can assist teachers by making lesson plans and PowerPoint presentations. A keyword can be written, leading to a detailed lesson plan based on the words given as input. One can integrate ChatGPT into online learning platforms. Assessment questions and multiple-choice questions can be created through this tool.
“Rather than a threat to learning, we need to embrace this new technology and treat it as a paradigm shift that requires us to learn, unlearn and adapt to it”
I have found myself using ChatGPT for simple circular drafting, official messages, and replies to emails. My ability to think was not hampered because of this tool. I believe it’s like having a very grammatically correct online personal assistant. It’s how we use the available help. Rather than a threat to learning, we need to embrace this new technology and treat it as a paradigm shift that requires us to learn, unlearn and adapt to it. As educators, we must reflect on our methods and seamlessly integrate them with emerging technologies. This will have an impact not only on how we teach but also on how we learn and grow with global changes.
AI is not infallible
AI is not infallible or without errors. It can be flawed by the data that has been given to it, on which it bases its replies and the kind of questions that we ask. We need to teach students the correct way of asking or prompting so that they can get the best reply to their query.
One has encountered this issue with Google assistant. When irrelevant questions are asked, it is unable to formulate a reply. In a classroom scenario, students use these tools effortlessly to get many mundane tasks completed, so that they can concentrate on more challenging tasks. Debates can be hosted, answers written, and essays completed using keywords in ChatGPT.
Check for plagiarism
Plagiarism checks have to be conducted to validate a student’s work and see if it’s genuine. Using methods like oral assessments, video conferences, and group discussions will help us evaluate students’ assignments. Along with written assignments, a face-to-face viva round can be conducted by the teacher. A few pertinent questions will reveal the involvement of a student in the assignment submitted by them.
The education industry needs to devise checks and update itself academically and technologically. Cyber security clues need to be in place so that students can identify a fake name or avatar which can lead them to a wrong path or idea leading to disastrous consequences. An avatar, a fake name and poor impulse control could lead students down unproductive paths. Students should be sensitized to not using it as an instrument of cyberbullying.
A lot has been said and unsaid about ChatGPT and every user has a different perspective, but like all changes and new technologies, it is to be used with a balanced approach.
