ChatGPT is an AI model that can respond to questions and follow-ups, admit when it makes a mistake, reject inappropriate requests, and challenge false assumptions. ChatGPT has been used to write essays, give advice, answer complex questions, and much more.
The use of ChatGPT in schools has caused a lot of controversy over the appropriate uses of the AI model, and it has even been banned in some schools around the world including K-12 schools like the New York City Public Schools, and the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Below is an interview with ChatGPT where it poses its own opinions on how it should be used.
Caryss: Hi. I’d like to interview you for my school newspaper. Would you be ok with that?
ChatGPT: Hello! As an AI model, I don’t have personal preferences or emotions, but I’d be happy to answer any questions you have for your school newspaper interview. Please feel free to ask me anything!
Caryss: Great! Some people worry about kids using ChatGPT for school homework like book reports and essays. Have you heard that?
ChatGPT: Yes, I am aware that people have expressed concerns about students using AI language models like myself for their school homework assignments. The main concern is that students may rely too heavily on AI-generated content and not develop the critical thinking and writing skills necessary to succeed in their academic and professional lives.
However, I believe that the responsible use of AI tools, including language models like myself, can be a valuable aid in the learning process. For example, students can use me to help them generate ideas, check their grammar and spelling, and expand their vocabulary. But ultimately, it is important for students to use their own creativity and critical thinking skills to develop and express their own ideas in their assignments.
It is also worth noting that many educational institutions have policies in place regarding the use of AI tools in student work, and students should always follow these guidelines to ensure that their use of AI tools is ethical and appropriate.
Caryss: Can you give me an example of an appropriate use of ChatGPT for a school assignment?
ChatGPT: Certainly! One example of an appropriate use of an AI language model like myself for a school assignment is using me to generate ideas or help with research. For instance, if a student is writing a paper on a particular topic, they can use me to generate a list of related keywords and concepts to help them brainstorm ideas and develop their thesis statement. Additionally, students can use me to search for relevant articles and sources that they can use to support their arguments.
Another example is using me to check grammar and spelling in their writing. Students can input their draft into me and receive suggestions for correcting errors and improving the clarity of their writing. This can help students improve their writing skills and develop a better understanding of grammar and syntax.
However, it is important for students to use their own critical thinking skills and judgment when using me for their assignments. They should not simply copy and paste AI-generated content into their papers without careful consideration and review, as this would constitute plagiarism and undermine the learning process.
Caryss: Can you give me an example of an inappropriate use of ChatGPT for a school assignment?
ChatGPT: Sure! An inappropriate use of an AI language model like myself for a school assignment would be to use me to generate an entire essay or paper without adding any original ideas or insights. This would essentially be plagiarism, as the student would be passing off someone else’s work (in this case, my generated text) as their own.
Similarly, it would be inappropriate for a student to use me to complete an assignment that is intended to assess their own knowledge and understanding of a subject. For example, if a student is asked to write a personal reflection on a book they read, using an AI language model to generate the reflection would not allow the student to demonstrate their own understanding and insights from the book.
Finally, it would be inappropriate to use me to circumvent any academic integrity policies or guidelines that a student’s school or teacher may have in place. For example, if a teacher specifically prohibits the use of AI language models in a particular assignment, it would be inappropriate for the student to use me to complete that assignment.
Caryss: Anything else you’d like students, teachers, and school administrators to know about the benefits of ChatGPT for school assignments?
ChatGPT: As an AI language model, I can offer several benefits to students, teachers, and school administrators when it comes to school assignments. For example:
Time-saving: Students can use me to generate ideas, find sources, and check their writing, which can save them time in the research and writing process.
Consistency: Students can use me to ensure that their writing is consistent in terms of spelling, grammar, and syntax.
Accessibility: Students with disabilities, such as dyslexia, can use me to help them with their writing and reading comprehension.
Customization: Students can use me to tailor their writing style and tone to fit the requirements of the assignment or the preferences of the teacher.
Efficiency: Teachers can use me to grade assignments more efficiently by using my automated scoring system, which can help provide feedback to students more quickly.
However, it is important for students, teachers, and school administrators to use AI language models responsibly and ethically. AI tools should not be used to replace critical thinking or original thought, and students should always give credit to the sources they use in their writing. Additionally, teachers and school administrators should establish clear guidelines for the use of AI tools in school assignments to ensure that their use is appropriate and in line with academic integrity policies.
Caryss: Thank you for your time.
ChatGPT: You're welcome! If you have any more questions or concerns, feel free to ask.
With the controversy of AI being used in schools, ChatGPT’s own view as an AI program clarifies what the intended use of the AI should be. According to ChatGPT, the AI language model should be used only for supplementing students' work. It should not be used to write entire essays. This contrasts the way it has been used in the past. While it defends its own use in schools, it also highlights where it has been used in ways that do not align with the intended use described above.
- Caryss Green