ChatGPT is an advanced language processing tool based on artificial intelligence. It was developed to generate and understand human-like texts. This tool can respond to natural language requests by formulating answers that are similar to those of a human being. For teachers, it can serve as a digital assistant that helps with the creation of teaching materials, answering questions or even proofreading texts. ChatGPT has the potential to enrich classroom interaction and communication by providing personalized learning aids and assisting teachers with administrative tasks. It is important to note that ChatGPT is trained on patterns and data that allow it to cater to a variety of topics, making it a versatile tool for educational purposes. You can also read more about what ChatGPT is in my last post.
By the way, I had this section generated by ChatGPT. I asked ChatGPT the following: “Now explain to a teacher what ChatGPT is!”. Then I got roughly the answer above and adjusted it slightly.
How does ChatGPT work?
ChatGPT works on the basis of a machine learning model, specifically a type of artificial intelligence known as a “transformer”. This technology enables the program to analyze large volumes of text and recognize patterns in the language. Imagine it like this: It reads and understands a huge library full of books, articles and conversations. This knowledge teaches them how words and sentences are used in different contexts.
When we ask ChatGPT a question or ask it for help, it searches through everything it has learned for the most relevant information and responds in a way that mimics human dialog. It generates its answers step by step, word by word, based on the previous words in the conversation.
For teachers, this can mean that ChatGPT can be used as a support tool to answer questions, create texts or even as an interactive tool in the classroom that responds to student input. But it’s important to understand that ChatGPT, although very advanced, doesn’t really “understand” like a human, but uses patterns in data to generate helpful responses.
Is there a minimum age for ChatGPT?
ChatGPT can only be used after prior registration and collects usage data. The data is transferred to the USA, where it is stored and processed. The minimum age specified by the operator OpenAI for use is 13 years, and the minimum age for registration is 18 years. Teachers may not oblige students under the age of 18 to create an account with the ChatGPT operator OpenAI. Students over the age of 18 can create an account, but the decision to do so must be voluntary. There must be no negative consequences (e.g. exclusion from lessons) if students do not wish to use the OpenAI service.
What are the dangers of ChatGPT?
ChatGPT and similar AI chatbots can play both useful and potentially problematic roles in the school context. Teachers, students and parents should be aware of the following dangers.
Reliability of information: The information generated by ChatGPT is not always correct. Students could receive false information and use it as facts in their school work, which can lead to misunderstandings and learning problems.
Lack of critical thinking: The convenience of getting quick answers from ChatGPT may discourage students from researching and thinking critically on their own.
Data protection and privacy: The use of ChatGPT in schools raises questions about data protection, as sensitive student data could be unintentionally disclosed or misused.
Dependence on technology: Over-reliance on ChatGPT and other similar tools could hinder the development of problem-solving skills and independence.
Bias and discrimination: AI models can reflect existing biases in the training data, which can lead to discriminatory or biased responses.
How can ChatGPT be used in the classroom?
Some teachers are already using ChatGPT in their lessons. The widespread use and technical development of AI chatbots such as ChatGPT will lead to ChatGPT being used more and more in the classroom in the long term. It is comparable to the Internet. When new technologies such as computers and the Internet first emerged, nobody could imagine using them at school. Today, it is hard to imagine teachers or students not using the Internet.
ChatGPT can be used for the following purposes, for example.
Translations: ChatGPT can translate texts. This is a helpful and useful application for both teachers and students.
Text improvements: ChatGPT can improve the grammar and spelling of texts. It can even explain the important grammar rules to the students.
Research tasks: ChatGPT can answer questions and be used for research. However, it should be noted that ChatGPT’s answers are not always correct.
Creation of exam questions: ChatGPT can create exam questions and sample solutions.
Exam preparation: ChatGPT can prepare learners for an exam by giving them exam-like tasks.
Creation of learning materials: ChatGPT can create content summaries, generate flashcards and other materials to support learners.
Creation of teaching materials: ChatGPT supports teachers in the creation or updating of teaching materials. For example, it can also create homework instructions.
Train / practice handling ChatGPT
The above-mentioned possibilities of ChatGPT in the classroom are just a selection of what ChatGPT can do.
In addition to knowledge of the individual functions, it is essential to gradually familiarize students with the use of ChatGPT and to teach them how to use the tool sensibly and ethically. When using ChatGPT, there are a number of important points to bear in mind, including information on data protection, information on the system’s susceptibility to errors and information on copyright.
Pupils should not be left alone when using ChatGPT, but should be specifically familiarized with the correct use in the form of practice sessions.
In the following download I have created suggestions for lessons with ChatGPT.
When we give ChatGPT a task, we call it a prompt. The more precise the prompt is, the better the result generated by ChatGPT. I have compiled a list of the most important prompts specifically in the context of “education”. The ChatGPT Prompts for Education list can be downloaded from this page.
Keynote speeches
I give many keynote and impulse speeches on the use and application of ChatGPT. Over the past few months, I have also given a number of presentations for teachers, cantons and municipalities. Personally, imparting knowledge about ChatGPT to teachers and students is very important to me. Only if the next generation is properly trained can we benefit from AI in the long term and minimize the risks of this technology.
I also offer specific courses and workshops on the use of ChatGPT. The offers differ according to target group and expectations. ChatGPT one-to-one coaching is particularly aimed at beginners and individuals who would like to be trained by me in a one-to-one conversation or who want to answer individual questions. The workshops are mainly aimed at groups and teams.
“Sophie brings the topic to schools in a practical and simple way. With her broad and deep knowledge, she covers the whole range of content and always has an answer ready. Gladly again.”
Melanie Schmidlin, Specialist for Education and DigitizationSpecialist for Education and Digitization Canton of Lucerne
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The entire article is also available as a podcast episode: Attention! The podcast was created entirely by my AI-Assistant based on my contribution – no
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