As a Director of Technology, I am always on the lookout for new technologies and approaches that can help me to improve student learning and engagement. Recently, I have been exploring the potential of ChatGPT, an AI-powered chatbot that can assist with teaching and learning. In this post, I want to share some of the ways that I think ChatGPT will change education, and why I think it is an exciting and promising technology for the future of learning.

What is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT is a type of artificial intelligence called deep learning. Deep learning is a subset of machine learning, which is a type of artificial intelligence that involves training algorithms on large amounts of data to enable them to learn and make predictions. In the case of ChatGPT, the algorithm was trained on a large dataset of text data in order to learn the patterns and nuances of human language and be able to generate responses that sound like they were written by a human.

In terms of scale and accessibility, ChatGPT has enrolled over one million users in five days. To put that into perspective, Instagram took two years to enroll one million users and it took Snapchat over a year to do it. ChatGPT is not just the newest social media trend, it is truly a game changer.

Our admin team spent a considerable amount of time last week learning more about this technology to gauge its impact. As we typed in different questions and prompts, we were overwhelmed with what the AI produced. From coding that could be copied and pasted to format a website to a five paragraph essay on Hamlet, we didn’t even scratch the surface of the technology’s capacity, but the implications for educators were limitless.

Why is ChatGPT different and why should we care?
ChatGPT is a type of artificial intelligence called deep learning. Deep learning is a subset of machine learning, which is a type of artificial intelligence that involves training algorithms on large amounts of data to enable them to learn and make predictions. In the case of ChatGPT, the algorithm was trained on a large dataset of text data in order to learn the patterns and nuances of human language and be able to generate responses that sound like they were written by a human.

ChatGPT has enrolled over one million users in five days. Instagram took two years to enroll one million users and it took Snapchat over a year to do it. Meaning, ChatGPT is not just the newest social media trend.

What is the difference between a search engine like Google and ChatGPT (AI)? Search engines like Google are capable of processing thousands of search queries in seconds. However, with billions of websites, finding the exact answer is not always possible. This has created content providers to tailor and customize their content to match what they believe consumers are searching for. ChatGPT is a tool that allows users to have a conversation with it by typing or saying their questions or comments, and it responds with a generated response that is based on its training and the input it receives. This makes it different from a search engine, which simply retrieves information that matches the user’s search query.

How are students already using ChatGPT and other AI?
Computer-assisted writing tools (aka AI), such as Grammarly or Google Doc’s Smart Compose, already exist — and have long been utilized by many students. Additionally, students that struggle with mathematics concepts have found PhotoMath and other math-specific applications helpful. But it would probably not surprise anyone that some students may already be using more advanced AI to conduct research, write papers, or complete homework.

How can teachers use ChatGPT with their students?
We asked ChatGPT the question above and this was its response:

~ As a tool for providing personalized feedback and support: teachers can use ChatGPT to quickly respond to student questions and provide personalized feedback on assignments and projects.

~ As a tool for facilitating group discussions: teachers can use ChatGPT to generate discussion prompts and facilitate online discussions among students.

~ As a tool for generating writing prompts: teachers can use ChatGPT to generate creative writing prompts for students to use as inspiration for their writing assignments.

~ As a tool for enhancing language learning: teachers can use ChatGPT to provide additional practice and support for students learning a new language.

~ As a tool for promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills: teachers can use ChatGPT to generate challenging and thought-provoking questions and prompts that encourage students to think critically and solve problems.

Overall, ChatGPT can help to support personalized learning by providing students with personalized feedback and support, and by providing personalized recommendations and suggestions that are tailored to their individual needs and interests. By leveraging the power of AI, ChatGPT can help to make learning more effective and efficient, and can help students to learn at their own pace and in ways that are tailored to their unique strengths and abilities. But if history is any indicator, most schools will be slow in adopting this technology and many will try to prevent students from accessing its potential.