A contribution by Sophie Hundertmark.
Sophie Hundertmark is an expert in the practical use of artificial intelligence with a focus on chatbots, AI strategies and responsible technology integration. She is a researcher and lecturer at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and is currently writing her dissertation in the field of Conversational AI at the University of Fribourg. As a consultant, she supports companies, administrations and educational institutions in the introduction of effective AI solutions. Find out more about Sophie Hundertmark on Linkedin.
1. understand how it works: How ChatGPT “thinks”
Before your children actively use ChatGPT, it is crucial that they develop a basic understanding of how such a model works in the first place. ChatGPT is neither a person nor an omniscient encyclopedia. It is a computer program that has been trained on huge amounts of text data from the Internet. When it answers a question, it does so by calculating the probability of which word should come next, based on the patterns it has learned in the training data. It does not “understand” in the human sense, but combines information statistically.
Important: This also means that ChatGPT can make mistakes. My experience in workshops has shown that children often underestimate this or are unaware of it. They tend to assume that the AI’s answers are absolutely correct. It is therefore essential that your children learn to question every answer critically. Encourage them to compare the information with other sources and check whether the answers are plausible. This not only promotes a critical approach to AI, but also general media literacy.
2. personal data is taboo: what is important and why?
Another key point is the protection of personal data. Your children need to understand what personal data is (e.g. name, address, phone number, date of birth, school, hobbies, photos with people in them) and why they should never enter it into ChatGPT or similar AI tools.
The main reason is data protection. Everything that is entered in ChatGPT can be stored by the operators of the service and possibly used to further improve the model. This means that once personal information has been entered, it can no longer be controlled and could theoretically end up in the training data of other AI models. Make it clear to your children that the chatbot is not a friend to be trusted with private secrets. It is a tool that is fed with information that could potentially become public.
3. when ChatGPT is a good helper – and when it is not
ChatGPT can be an incredibly useful tool if used correctly. It is important to teach your children when it is appropriate to use ChatGPT and when it is not.
When ChatGPT can be put to good use:
- Learning support and exam preparation: ChatGPT can explain complex topics, create summaries or generate flashcards. For example, a child could ask ChatGPT to “explain photosynthesis in simple terms” or “create five quiz questions about Roman history”. It can also help to create grammar exercises or vocabulary quizzes.
- Idea generation and brainstorming: ChatGPT can serve as a creative sparring partner when looking for ideas for stories, projects or presentations.
- Linguistic support: It can help to formulate texts, improve formulations or prepare translations.
- General knowledge questions: For quick facts or explanations on a wide range of topics.
When ChatGPT should not be used:
- When human interaction is required: ChatGPT can never replace the exchange with friends, family or teachers. When it comes to social interaction, empathy or personal advice, human contact is essential. Questions such as “What should I do when I’m sad?” or “How do I resolve an argument with my friend?” belong in the realm of human relationships, not that of a chatbot.
- For homework that requires independent thinking: It is important that children do their homework themselves in order to go through learning processes. ChatGPT should be used here at most as an aid to understanding or checking, but not for the pure completion of tasks.
Tips for precise prompts (entries):
In order for ChatGPT to provide the desired answers, it is crucial to ask precise questions. Give your children the following advice:
- Be specific: the more specific the question, the better the answer. Instead of “Write something about animals”, better “Write a short text about how foxes forage for food in winter”.
- Provides context: Explains to ChatGPT what role it should play or what the aim of the response is. E.g. “As a knowledge expert for children, explain to me how a volcano works.”
- Limit the length: Specify how long the answer should be, e.g. “Answer in two sentences” or “Summarize this in three key points”.
- Ask for examples: If something is unclear, ask for examples.
Using AI tools like ChatGPT is a new skill that your children need to learn. By educating them on how it works, encouraging them to think critically and giving them clear guidelines on how to use it safely and sensibly, we can ensure that they take advantage of the opportunities this technology offers without exposing themselves to the potential risks. It is our job as adults to accompany them on this path and give them the tools they need for a self-determined digital future.
Our campsite AI song at the end
This blog post was written in the context of my ChatGPT workshops with children at the campsite. There, we not only learned how artificial intelligence works and how to use it safely, but also how creative you can be with it. To round off each workshop, the children developed a song themselves that summarizes all our important learnings in a playful way.
You can listen to it here:
Further questions or support required?
Do you have any questions? Are you unsure how to start reorganizing? Are you wondering where your organization stands today and how you can master the realignment?
I am happy to support you, act as a sparring partner and answer your questions. I am always happy to receive your messages, preferably by WhatsApp message or e-mail.
Even more inputs
Our new book “Hey AI…” will be available soon. This book is aimed primarily at parents and anyone who spends time with children. You can already order it by e-mail pre-order it from me.
