The Evolution of Education: How Chat GPT and AI Can Maximize Student Learning

Chat GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). These two words are in the headlines everywhere and for good reason. Their groundbreaking technology is up-ending how a lot of work is done and this is particularly the case for the field of education, as it’s quite clear, students will be using these tools from here on out.

I personally didn’t appreciate the relevance of this technology until very recently, when I watched this Ted Talk by Sal Khan.

In his Talk, Sal who runs a non-profit and free learning platform called the Khan Academy, demonstrated how they’ve made a tailored version of chat GPT which they’ve integrated into their learning platform, that acts as a virtual tutor. This AI tutor won’t ever give you the answer outright but has been programmed in a way of the Socratic method, to keep asking you further questions to prompt you into getting the correct answer. This is quite remarkable and I didn’t realize the implications of this technology in the education field until watching this demonstration.

If everyone with access to the internet can have this technology to empower them, that means they can have a private tutor, researcher, coach, and also a personalized and tailored curriculum. This is a true game changer that can level the playing field and even flatten our socio-economic structure to the point that everyone has a chance.

Let’s explore a few of these concepts further.

Each student is unique, with distinct learning styles, strengths, and weaknesses. Chat GPT and AI, brings personalized learning to the forefront of education.

By leveraging AI, educators can create adaptive learning environments that cater to individual needs. Imagine how using these tools, educators can assess a student’s progress, identify areas of improvement, and then customize the instructional content accordingly.

That’s huge! Such a customized learning experience can help maximize a student’s potential.

Moreover, the interactive nature of Chat GPT and AI fosters engagement and active participation on a whole new level. Traditional classroom settings often suffer from passive learning, where students simply consume information without truly understanding or internalizing it. But with AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants, students are encouraged to interact and ask questions in a safe and non-judgmental environment.

These intelligent systems can provide instant responses, explanations, and clarifications, promoting a deeper understanding of complex topics. The conversational approach not only makes learning more enjoyable but also cultivates critical thinking skills and nurtures a sense of curiosity.

One use case of this that’s truly fascinating is having the opportunity to speak to a historical figure via Chat GPT. Since Chat GPT can research everything known about a historical figure that’s available on the internet, and use its engine to create content in the voice of any recognized figure, then it can impersonate a historical figure. Imagine if a student is conducting research on a famous historical figure such as Gandhi, the student can chat with a virtual avatar of him in order to learn more. This wouldn’t be a mere fictionalized character, but one that’s been thoroughly researched and speaking in the tone of voice that would have been used, as far as there is any available information, by Gandhi himself.

That’s truly remarkable.

I believe this to be the most controversial and in the spotlight area when it comes to discussing AI in our children’s education. The concern is that they will blindly use generative AI to write their papers for them.

Let me start by saying, educators already harness the power of AI themselves, by using it in their scanning tools to spot plagiarism. When student reports are submitted, especially at the higher education level, they are automatically scanned by these tools. When it pertains to AI and chat GPT written content it’s no different. It’s interesting when you check for plagiarism in such work, as you see all the red flags raised. It’s clear that the AI is copying a lot of content from various sources available on the internet and using that as it is will definitely get a student in trouble.

With that said, there are so many other benefits to using AI when writing papers, other than getting it to outright do the writing for you. They’re even used today by professional writers and journalists to assist in areas such as idea generation, writing an outline, or even making a rough draft which then needs to be comprehensively edited and reworded.

Yes, AI changes things. And because of that, I think it’s worth exploring the idea that if we’ll be living in a world where employers expect written work to be done using such tools, then maybe educators also need to reassess the relevancy of writing reports as a method for assessment and make adequate adjustments that will develop what will be the more useful skills moving forward.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Chat GPT and AI is their ability to bridge the socio-economic gap in education. In many parts of the world, access to quality education remains a challenge, particularly for underprivileged communities. However, AI-powered platforms can transcend physical barriers and provide equal opportunities for all. With just an internet connection, students from any corner of the globe can benefit from the expertise and guidance of AI-powered virtual tutors and customized curriculums.

This can be the democratization of education and a powerful step toward leveling the playing field and creating a more equitable society.

Despite the tremendous benefits, it’s important to acknowledge that Chat GPT and AI are not meant to replace human educators. With that said, they are incredibly powerful tools that should be harnessed by both teachers and students to cultivate higher-order skills, such as critical thinking and problem-solving that will amplify a student’s educational experience.

Chat GPT and AI, used correctly for education, opens up a world of endless possibilities. This intelligent technology can have the potential to personalize learning, enhance engagement, provide instant feedback, and also bridge educational gaps that exist today. By harnessing this power, we can revolutionize the way students learn, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and adaptability needed to thrive in today’s ever-changing digital world. It is, however, crucial to ensure responsible usage and to emphasize the importance of critical thinking, creativity, and human interaction alongside AI integration, rather than reliance. We as educators will need to play a vital role in guiding students effectively to navigate them through such usage.

With the right balance, I believe AI and Chat GPT can become transformative tools empowering our students and children to learn without any boundaries.