The release by OpenAI of ChatGPT, meaning ‘generative pre-trained transformer’ (The Conversation, 2023) in November 2022 has been met with mixed reviews and according to Gordijn and Have (2023) has generated ethical questions on its use within the education field. As a large language platform (LLM), ChatGPT has significant assistive potential in classroom applications and has been praised as a useful timesaving tool for the administrative work teachers must complete outside the classroom (Weidinger et al., 2021). However, concerns have been raised about the possibility of students using the platform in a negative way that inhibits their creativity and learning abilities, such as plagiarism and cheating. In this way, ChatGPT could stamp out the creativity of students in writing-based subjects, who will only be required to think about the question they have been asked and submit it to ChatGPT which will then write the task for them. This will hold appeal to many students as homework assignments will be completed in this manner much quicker and free up the time to do more enjoyable things.
An intriguing aspect of my experience using the platform in preparation for this blog was that I discovered that unless explicit in the question/statement prompt, ChatGPT may potentially make up facts or references when asked to include these in the writings (as evidenced by fact checks). As ChatGPT uses an almost human like tone in its writing, this ican be quite difficult to recognise, so fact checking is a must. In fact, the only legitimate reference provided was the ChatGPT cited article.
As a math teacher who assigns non-essay style work, I initially believed that ChatGPT
would not have a significant impact on my students' work. However, a recent article by Stephen Wolfram of Wolfram Alpha (2023), has caused me to reconsider this opinion. ChatGPT has now partnered with Wolfram Alpha, enabling the platform to answer a multitude of mathematical questions. This plugin capability is currently only available to ChatGPT Plus users (paid subscription users).
Concerns about how students are learning and understanding mathematical content will certainly rise from this development. As a result, an overhaul of how assessment tasks are prepared and completed in the future may occur. One significant advantage that classroom teachers have over ChatGPT is that we know our students and how they learn (NSW Teaching Standards, n.d.) and will be able to recognise any inconsistencies in the work we receive from our students.
While there are many potential benefits to a platform like ChatGPT, it remains to be seen whether this new "superpower" will be used for the betterment or detriment of the classroom.
Please leave a comment with your thoughts on ChatGPT and its introduction into the classroom.
Hi Lee,
You provided a lot of information on Chatgpt both positive and negative views on Chatgpt it provided an insight. I would have liked to see a few more examples of how Chatgpt can be used in the classroom possibly with another tool? To demonstrate a more creative path or a design process. I did however like your use of examples through pictures and your updated information.
Alicia Xerri 09/04/23