ChatGPT at school : Tips for teachers and students.
Many people have tried ChatGPT in the last few weeks. OpenAI's new chat program triggers a variety of reactions - from astonishment to excitement to concern. Many students also report that they already use ChatGPT. How should teachers deal with this development? The experts at Saferinternet.at have taken a closer look at the challenges of using the new tool and provide tips for using AI programs in lessons.
Artificial intelligence as a helper in everyday school life?
Artificial intelligence (AI) has long been part of our everyday lives: search engines deliver certain results - depending on previous online behavior -, voice assistants fulfill music requests and navigation systems avoid traffic jams. Ultimately, there is AI behind all of these tools, even if users are not always aware of it.
ChatGPT is a chatbot that is able to provide answers to all kinds of questions using AI. The developers' focus was primarily on a “human”-looking conversation, which means that the chatbot tries to respond to every question, even if it lacks a valid database for this. Students have also discovered the chatbot as a practical helper in everyday school life, for example to get an overview of a chapter of material, have summaries of books and plays written, prepare presentations or for programming small programs. But teachers are also already using the software, for example to create teaching materials or for teacher training.
Information assessment as a challenge
Anyone who uses ChatGPT in the current version should be clear: Although the bot is suitable for reflecting widespread knowledge, the tool often gives incorrect answers to more specific questions. Facts can be mixed up or sources can even be invented just to make a text sound plausible and “human”. In addition, the data base for the current version comes from 2021, so the bot cannot provide more current information. The exact sources of the data are also unknown.
The chatbot is programmed so that its answers sound as “human-like” as possible. The challenge is that the texts often appear more credible than the results of a Google search - even if, for example, sources were invented. This can make it even more difficult in the future for teachers and students to evaluate the information they find and to criticize sources in class.
How can the school deal with chatbots & Co.?
Programs like ChatGPT can change teaching and the information behavior of students and teachers - similar to what the digital encyclopedia Wikipedia did a few years ago. A central question for use in teaching is whether and to what extent such chatbots have an impact on young people's motivation to solve tasks independently. In order to pre-structure texts, explain complex issues in simple points or unravel complex math problems, the support of a bot can definitely make sense - but a tool can never replace human thinking.
Especially when it comes to school tasks, it is advisable to reflect on the possibilities and limitations of a chatbot.
Source criticism becomes a crucial competence
Given the apparently good quality of AI-generated texts, it is becoming increasingly important to deal with the topic of source criticism in class. Checking sources is not easy for children and young people because it requires appropriate reference points and background knowledge in order to be able to classify them. You also have to learn and practice again and again how to compare content with other sources, check sources for their credibility and recognize false reports. Saferinternet.at offers numerous support options for teachers, including checklists and tips for use in class.
Tips for teachers on using ChatGPT and other AI tools
As with all new tools that trigger a real “hype” among students, the same applies to AI applications like ChatGPT: Active discussion of topics in class is better than bans. The experts at Saferinternet.at therefore advise:
1. Don't ignore.
Students use these tools in any case. Deal with the opportunities and risks of AI-based programs now and show the importance of source criticism.
2. Don't ban it across the board.
A ban takes away the opportunity to actively deal with the topic and also point out the weaknesses of AI.
3.
Share. Discover the possibilities and limitations of AI applications together in class and design rules for everyday school life together.
Source: Saferinternet.at
In keeping with the topic:
– ChatGPT: Check, recheck, double check!
Don't believe any chatbot. – Never trust a chatbot! NY Department of Education, Stack Overflow and ICML ban ChatGPT
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