ChatGPT: Threat or Opportunity For Education?

Ask the new artificial intelligence tool ChatGPT to write an essay about the Treaty of Waitangi and you can watch it churn out paragraphs of information about the topic in a matter of seconds.

This impressive but controversial writing tool can generate paragraphs of text in a wide range of styles and formats such as news articles, poetry, and essays. The human-like nature of the writing tool has caused a stir in the education world. Is this the end of assessments as we know them? Or the beginning of other ways students can explore knowledge and understand information even better? There are arguments for both sides of the spectrum. It is important schools fully understand these AI tools and their impact on education.

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a language generation model developed by OpenAI that uses deep learning techniques to generate human-like text. It is part of a new generation of AI systems that can converse, generate readable text on demand and even produce novel images and videos based on what they have learned from a vast database of digital books, online writings and other media.

What is the impact of this technology on schools?

AI technologies are constantly becoming more sophisticated and accessible as time goes on. It is important for educators to understand these technologies and their impact on teaching and learning – both positive and negative.

It can be argued that ChatGPT and other AI tools have the potential to greatly improve the learning experience for students and make education more accessible and effective. For example, ChatGPT can assist teachers with tasks such as grading assignments, and personalising teaching methods to each individual student’s specific needs. On the other hand with the human-like nature of writing, there comes a lot of concerns. Some concerns are the potential for privacy violations and the replacement of human interaction in the learning process. Additionally, over reliance on AI tools can lead to students lacking critical thinking and problem-solving skills. For example, students may use ChatGPT or other AI tools to complete assessments such as writing an essay or solving math problems.

Should

ChatGPT be allowed?

On many social media platforms today, we can see content creators announce that their latest blog, video or image is sponsored by paid advertisement. Perhaps moving forward it will be common to use a similar note on anything created by AI. We can argue that any essay a student writes today will have been influenced by what they were taught in class, what they read online and how they drew their own conclusions. Can ChatGPT be viewed the same way? You can get several text options per topic, so reading them and combining them into a version that tells the story you want to tell should mean that you have completed the task and learnt something, right? Not all agree. Many schools are banning the tool from being used in their classrooms as it can hinder learning and expose students to harmful content. In fact, in Australia, many states have already banned the use of ChatGPT at school. Banning AI in the classroom has its challenges, as students can still access the tools elsewhere and it is difficult to determine when an AI tool has been utilised.

Before banning the tool outright, it is important to understand the technology, what other schools are doing, and ways your school can leverage the tool, whilst combating the challenges that come along with it. Having conversations about your students, teachers and parents thoughts may be useful as well. Additionally, it is important that schools have a sound plan to manage these AI technologies safely and appropriately. Teachers and staff first need to be educated on how to navigate these tools before making policies around them. This can be a complex task and so it would be helpful if schools have a managed service provider (MSP), like New Era Technology, to lean on for support and guidance.

We asked ChatGPT to write a poem for New Zealand schools, from New Era Technology, and this is what it came up with… excluded.

In fields of green and skies so blue, New Zealand schools shine bright and true. With technology from New Era, We’ll help you reach new heights and era. From laptops to software, we have it all, To aid in learning, big and small. Our team is dedicated, our service true, To help your students and staff breakthrough. In science, math, and literature, We’ll provide the tools for every adventure. So come with us, and let’s explore, New Zealand schools, forever more. With New Era Technology by your side, You’ll soar to new heights, with pride. For in this digital age, Together we’ll turn the page. In technology and education, We’ll pave the way to innovation. For New Zealand schools, we strive, To help you thrive and come alive.