Hey everyone! If you checked out my previous posts (here & here and the last podcast here), it’s clear that there are some concerns when it comes to using ChatGPT in Education. In this blog post, we’re going to dive into some key points about ChatGPT and education. I won’t be able to cover everything, but I’ll give you a good starting point. I also think my takeaways will all fall under one umbrella, should we block or allow ChatGPT in our classrooms. All of these ideas are my opinion and do not reflect the views of SPS. Plus, I’ve put together a useful Wakelet with some extra resources for you at the end of the post!

To Block or Not to Block

When it comes to ChatGPT there is a debate out there on should it be blocked or not. While I appreciate and understand the position of blocking ChatGPT in schools, I believe we need to teach students how to use tools; and teach them about that tool, which means we should not block it.  This leads to the question of why I shouldn’t block it and I have a few ideas for that.

ChatGPT can enhance the learning experience for students. ChatGPT has the ability for students to search out answers to questions (like they do on Google now). Students already will search Google for answers to their questions. Acknowledging ChatGPT as something that is available will also provide you with teachable moments.  You’ll be able to ask students questions on the validity of the answers that they were given, creating instances of critical thinking. Consider what ChatGPT can do for students, which is to give them a starting point.

We also need to prepare students for the future. As you read in my previous post ChatGPT has been around for a long time. Not necessarily in its current form but we have been using A.I. bots for years. For most of us, ChatGPT has suddenly become something that we as educators need to learn about, teach about and prepare students for future use of. We have the ability to create a safe environment where students can explore and learn how to use ChatGPT in a way that is honorable.

To continue with this theme of why we should not block but teach how to use it, I believe that ChatGPT can encourage creativity for students. When I taught 5^th Grade, many of my students struggled with organizing their writing or even coming up with ideas. Matt Miller in a discussion about ChatGPT said, “AI still needs a human brain, human eyes and human heart to look over it and make sure it’s accurate, appropriate and has your voice.” ChatGPT doesn’t write with your voice, but you can pull out a great outline on whatever topic you are working on. Your voice is still needed for the writing to be great!

Another interesting use for ChatGPT is to get feedback on assignments. Students can ask questions about their writing, their thoughts and have a conversation with the computer. I read an article recently where the user was using ChatGPT as a journaling tool. The writer would just talk to it and get encouragement, feedback and they found it quite helpful. ChatGPT can give feedback to students in real time. To improve your writing, feedback is key. (You can find that article in the Wakelet below)

The rationale for blocking, which might be our first thought, comes from a place of fear. It’s new, we don’t know how to check it and we are afraid that we might not be able to tell the difference between students writing and AI writing. These thoughts are valid concerns.  I think, as the great teachers we are, we do know our students’ writing and will be able to tell the difference. Consider reframing these concerns into opportunities to teach your students how to use technology ethically.

AI or not to AI

It is my belief that ChatGPT can enhance the learning experience, prepare students for the future, encourage creativity and critical thinking. It is my belief that schools should consider allowing students to use it in a controlled and supervised environment. What are your thoughts? Will you teach students using ChatGPT? Will you use it? Will you be able to tell if I am using it?