ChatGPT in school: How AI is changing the Future of Education

Imagine a world where machines can understand natural language, process vast amounts of data, and accurately make predictions. This is our world. Not in the distant future, not in the next ten years, but now. 

With Artificial Intelligence (AI), the possibilities are endless, from healthcare and the military to architecture and marketing. Education will also be highly affected. In fact, AI’s impact on education is and will be enormous, altering how people teach and learn. So, naturally, a question arises.

Will these changes be good or bad?

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the possibilities and potential drawbacks of ChatGPT in education.

ChatGPT is a cutting-edge AI language model that educators from all over the world have already started to experiment with. From automated tutoring to essay scoring and content creation, this technology has the power to transform education. However, as with any new technology, some serious potential issues need to be taken into consideration. 

So, let’s discover how ChatGPT and other advanced AI language models are altering education now.

Are you out of time or overwhelmed with work yet would like to provide your students detailed feedback on their homework? ChatGPT has you covered.

Import their work into ChatGPT and ask the AI to correct them and highlight any mistakes. The AI will quickly analyse your input and identify students’ mistakes. Not only that, but you can also ask ChatGPT to provide you with suggestions on what the students can improve. 

Another use of ChatGPT would be to create educational content. As a free, at least for the time being, open-source web application, ChatGPT makes it easy to spin any phrase into engaging lesson plans, quizzes or activities. 

For example, you can use ChatGPT to provide you with ideas for engaging activities for your students. Obviously, based on your conversation prompt, you can and should, tailor these activities to match your students’ interests and needs. Furthermore, you can use ChatGPT to enhance the current lesson plans and generate additional content, such as dialogues or exercises, to supplement areas the textbook fails to cover adequately. 

What if I told you that AI could offer predictive analytics about classes and students? No more expensive systems are needed. ChatGPT makes it easy to analyse data and make predictions about your classes and students.

You can input student data and ask ChatGPT to predict students’ future performance, allowing you to intervene early and support those who need it most. For example, using data such as student engagement, assessment scores, and demographic information, ChatGPT can identify students who are at risk of falling behind. This can alert you to intervene early and provide targeted assistance to those students, such as one-on-one tutoring or extra help sessions. Imagine how proactive such an approach would be for students.

Obviously, teachers are not the only beneficiaries of AI’s usage. Students can also take advantage of ChatGPT.

With ChatGPT as their personal virtual tutor, students can unlock the door to a world of knowledge and understanding of even the most challenging concepts. By simply inputting their question, they can have ChatGPT provide them with clear, easy-to-understand explanations and rephrasings. And with its advanced capabilities, ChatGPT can even help improve their writing skills by generating essays and providing feedback on grammar, structure, and content, all tailored to their individual learning level. 

It can deliver personalised feedback, guidance and resources tailored to each student’s specific strengths and weaknesses, propelling them towards a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

Picture this: A student is stuck on a particularly tricky concept, and no matter how hard they try, they just can’t seem to grasp it. But with ChatGPT, they don’t have to struggle alone. The AI language model can detect and respond to any learning gaps they have and provide them with step-by-step explanations, practice problems, and feedback – all tailored to their level and learning style. ChatGPT can give them the extra help they need when they need it, all from their home’s comfort.

Obviously, this comes at a cost. ChatGPT and other AI-powered systems can provide students with a wealth of information and resources, but they can also create a dependence on technology.

Overusing ChatGPT will make students so reliant on it to complete tasks that it would be impossible for them to work unassisted. This could lead to students being less prepared for the real world and less able to think creatively and independently. As ChatGPT provides pre-written content, students are not challenged to come up with their own ideas or think outside the box.

For example, suppose students are working on a science project, and they rely exclusively on ChatGPT to provide them with pre-written reports and data. In that case, it’s certain that they won’t develop their own understanding of scientific concepts. Therefore they will be unable to think critically about the topic they are working on.

AΙ is unable to provide the emotional support students get from their human teachers. 

Reflect on this; If a student is having a hard time with a personal problem, a real teacher can offer counsel with empathy rather than simply providing a factual explanation.  Additionally, a real teacher can provide emotional support and guidance, whereas an AI system may not be able to fully understand or respond to the student’s emotional needs. This human touch is crucial for students who need extra support and encouragement.

It’s important to remember that the examples we’ve discussed are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the capabilities of ChatGPT and other advanced language models in education.

The true potential of these technologies is truly staggering, and it all depends on how we choose to harness and utilise them in the classroom.

Imagine the possibilities: personalised, adaptive learning experiences tailored to each student’s unique strengths and weaknesses, automated essay scoring and feedback, and even virtual tutors available at the touch of a button. The future of education is ripe with opportunity, and ChatGPT is leading the charge. But we must remember to tread carefully and consider the potential downsides, ensuring that we use this technology in a way that enhances students’ learning experiences and supports the development of their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As we continue to explore the boundless potential of AI in education, the future is looking brighter than ever before, and we can’t wait to see where this exciting journey will take us next.