By Nicola Parigi
ChatGPT has been met with varying reactions. Many schools started by immediately banning it but they appear to be slowly coming around. They are recognising that something freely accessible and already used professionally should also be utilised in classrooms. After all, school is supposed to prepare young people for real life.
In light of this, here are some reasons why ChatGPT should be used by students.
Note: We are discussing ChatGPT 3.5 because it is free and widely accessible to students. ChatGPT 4.0 is the new, paid version that solves some of the issues we are going to discuss.
Let’s start by looking at a quick list of the commonly discussed pros and cons.
You’ll notice some of the drawbacks of ChatGPT are the accuracy, limited context and use of biases. ChatGPT’s responses are based on patterns in data from before September 2021. That means it can give information that is not current and if the data contains biases, ChatGPT can inadvertently produce biased or skewed responses.
But, if the responses produced have these issues then you wouldn’t get a good mark on an assessment piece anyway. In other words, in order to use ChatGPT effectively, as a tool, you need to use critical thinking.
For those who are unsure, here is what The Australian Curriculum defines as critical thinking:
‘Critical thinking is at the core of most intellectual activity that involves students learning to recognise or develop an argument, use evidence in support of that argument, draw reasoned conclusions, and use information to solve problems.’
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority
In order to assess whether something is well-written or effective for its purpose, you need to be familiar with your topic and you need to use the critical thinking that the Australian curriculum aims to teach. ChatGPT doesn’t take away the need for this skill. No matter how much ChatGPT is perfected, we will still need to assess the usefulness of the content it produces and verify the claims it makes.
Another popular objection is that it might take away jobs in many fields. The invention of new technologies have taken jobs away and created more for years and it won’t stop now. The world constantly changes and everyone should be learning to adapt. Students won’t learn this by being banned from ChatGPT use.
Here are some quick tips for using ChatGPT to help you write content effectively:
- Proofread and rephrase
You will need to check that the tone and content matches your needs. Also, what is writing without some personality? Make sure to give the writing some of yours. - Fact-check all information
Remember that ChatGPT’s biggest weakness right now is facts. And it doesn’t have the capability to check the reliability of the information it has and can give you outdated or misinformed answers. - Try rewording your prompts
Sometimes the ideas you’re looking for require a rephrased question to ChatGPT. Try a few different options if your first prompt doesn’t work. - Get a reference list from ChatGPT, but verify its authenticity
When using ChatGPT to research, you can also get a reference list from it. Just make sure to verify that the reference is valid, reliable and most importantly, make sure it exists.
Now, let’s look at 6 useful ways you can use ChatGPT!
1. Brainstorming
So many of us have a hard time starting a task. Seeing ideas quickly generated can be a perfect way to get your creative juices flowing.
2. Proofreading and editing
Maybe you have a paragraph you like but need it to sound more professional, or your email needs to sound welcoming. This is where ChatGPT can be your friend.
3. Summarising complicated topics
Dang, even after watching the Marvel movies I still don’t get it. Hey ChatGPT, can you explain this to me in simpler terms?
4. Creating outlines and drafts
Getting ideas on how to structure your project is another really great way to help get things moving.
5. Writing and editing code
ChatGPT can help identify issues in your coding for you and help write it! This can help save a lot of time. Here’s an article by someone who knows more than me about using AI for coding: How to use ChatGPT to write code
6. Good personal advice
Lastly, ChatGPT can give you advice on a range of personal issues. You can now add custom instructions that tells ChatGPT a bit about you, which it incorporates in its’ responses.
Last note
You can see how effective ChatGPT can be as a supportive tool. If I haven’t convinced you, then you can look at these articles for further interesting information on ChatGPT and other useful AI.
- SIX creative, fascinating or frankly hilarious uses of ChatGPT – so far
- Beyond ChatGPT: 14 Mind-Blowing AI Tools Everyone Should Be Trying Out Now
- The best AI productivity tools in 2023
- Welcome to the Circus: Top 5 Absurd AI Tools You Should Try in 2023
Nicola Parigi is a student of the Master of Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing. She is a big fan of books and all other forms that stories can come to us in. She is also thoroughly enjoying being in charge of the GSP Publishing Blog and Website this semester (Semester 2, 2023).
Technology is created to help us. Feature image from Pavel Danilyuk on pexels. CC0 license.
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