ChatGPT - what is it? how will it affect education?
ChatGPT is an Artifical Intelligence (AI) language model that provides instant, human-like responses to questions and requests.
Since access to ChatGPT was made widely available in November 2022 there has been considerable debate about whether the technology should be permitted to used in the classroom or for homework. Many articles have been written about the topic. Brett Henebery has written a very informative article published 1 Feb 2023 The Educator How schools can strike the right balance with ChatGPT. Professor Matt Bower, Interim Dean of Macquarie University's School of Education and a specialist in using technology in learning said that
"Critical Thinking must come first"
Teachers can help students to develop the critical thinking cababilities to evalue AI output, and the values to use it in ethical and purposeful ways.
“For instance, students should be encouraged to clearly acknowledge how they have used AI to derive their solutions, and be thinking about how they can use AI for greater good,” he said.
Pasi Sahberg, Professor of Education at the Southeren Cross University's Facility of Education says that while some school systems have already blocked students’ access to ChatGPT at school, many teachers and principals celebrate its potential to transform teaching and learning in school to something better.
Some schools have banned the use of the technology while others such as Loreto Normanhurst believe the technology could be a tool to assist education. Natasha Bita, Education Editor The Australian, interviewed Loreto Normanhurst Director of Learning Kieryn Bateman, who said the chatbot could be used to teach students to analyse and verify information.
"We need to respond with curiosity and a critical mindset to determine how to harness these tools for greater learning."
The technology is available and easily accessible. We asked ChatGPT what about cheating at school? The bot responded. ChatGPT is not a reliable source for cheating on school work. Students should always complete their own work and use ChatGPT as a tool for learning and understanding not cheating. Cheating goes against academic integrity and can have serious consequences.
CCSP suggests that if you have any concerns about the impact the technology may have on your child's education that you speak with their teacher.