When it comes to technological advancements, nothing beats the launch of ChatGPT. Ever since it was introduced, there have been endless discussions and debates surrounding GPT AI. The biggest controversy surrounding ChatGPT is regarding its implications for college students.
What is ChatGPT AI?
ChatGPT AI stands for Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer Artificial Intelligence. It is built on a highly complex large language model known as GPT-3 Open AI or Generative Pre-trained Transformer 3. A large language model is a kind of deep neural network that is trained with petabytes of data. It is capable of carrying out natural language generation (NLG) tasks with an impressively high level of accuracy.
What Can ChatGPT Do?
ChatGPT has some impressive capabilities! These are just some of the many things it can do:
- Generate computer code
- Provide answers to questions on any topic
- Translate text from one language to another
- Complete a given phrase or text
- Perform calculations
- Respond to user input in a conversational manner
- Write non-fiction or even fiction content from the given prompts
- Summarize a given text
- Analyze the sentiment of any text
For students in particular, ChatGPT can do all of these and more:
- Explain complex concepts
- Define and describe terms
- Create a step-by-step plan for any process
- Solve math problems
- Generate lists of bibliographical references
- Develop argumentative or descriptive writing on a topic provided
Limitations of ChatGPT
Despite its many amazing capabilities, ChatGPT does have a few limitations. Some of these are deliberate. For example, it is intentionally programmed not to respond to questions that are toxic or harmful.
Another limitation is that the information it provides is not always right. Sometimes, the answers are slightly inaccurate while at other times they are completely wrong. This is because it has been trained to provide information that feels correct to humans. You have to be discerning enough to determine whether the answer is right or wrong. If you’re using the information for some purpose and are not sure whether it’s correct, you must do further research to confirm its accuracy.
Lastly, the quality of the output provided depends largely on the quality of the input. This is the most important limitation of ChatGPT. Generic or vague prompts will generate generic and vague information. To get precise, expert answers, you have to learn how to give ChatGPT-specific directions or prompts.
ChatGPT In The Classroom: Advantages & Downsides
Advantages
Educators around the world have mixed reactions to using GPT 3 open AI in the classroom. And for good reason. On the one hand, it can make the workload much easier for both, teachers and students. On the other hand, it is a dangerous minefield with plenty of potential for misuse. Generally, everyone agrees that it’s just too early for us to recognize the long-term dangers it can pose.
Advocates of using GPT AI in the classroom maintain that artificial intelligence is not going to go away anytime soon or ever. It’s here to stay. With that in mind, it would be futile to try and ban its use. A more practical alternative would be to teach students how to use the tool ethically. Of course, this leads to the discussion that ‘ethically’ is open to interpretation too.
Other advocates of the tool contend that ChatGPT can be used to teach students different styles of writing. Still, others stress its value in teaching students critical thinking. They insist that it can actually make students better writers.
Some educators are encouraging students to write essays using a two-pronged approach. The first step is to provide detailed prompt input into the tool. The second step is to rework the essay provided by the AI tool by making necessary corrections, additions, and deletions. The finished essay must be accompanied by a complete list of amendments and edits that the student has made.
Disadvantages
For every argument promoting the use of ChatGPT in the classroom, there are several others firmly against it. Their main contention is that the tool encourages intellectual dishonesty as it exploits the intellectual property of scholars. Still, others argue that using AI for writing devalues college essays as it raises doubts about the originality and authenticity of a student’s work.
Also, educators can’t prevent the tool from being misused by students. Educators fear that if allowed, students may use it to solve mathematical problems, complete their homework, and more. This undermines the entire education system. For example, if the tool can produce a complete essay on the American Civil War, the student would have learned nothing from the exercise.
Current Guidelines Regarding ChatGPT In The Classroom
While some schools are on the fence in this matter, many colleges are being proactive in their stand regarding the use of ChatGPT in the classroom.
A few colleges and universities in various parts of the world have banned its use altogether to prevent students from getting an unfair advantage over others. The punishments for students contravening this ban are severe and include expulsion from the campus.
Some US colleges are taking another approach by reducing the number of take-home assignments. Instead, students are tested via oral exams and hand-written essays written in the classroom.
Things are changing every day concerning using ChatGPT in the classroom. As it stands now, students should exercise caution when using this AI tool to complete any of their assignments.
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