Taking the spirit of this article's topic given to me, I asked ChatCPT-a generative Al language model that can create original content in response to a prompt: To write the opening paragraph for an article about how transformation generative AI will be useful for education.
Here is the response: "Good morning, learners and enthusiasts of the educational realm! Today, we embark on a voyage of exploration into a ground breaking frontier where the realms of artificial intelligence and education converge. Brace yourselves, for we are about to embark on an extraordinary journey through the wondrous landscapes of transformative generative Al and its profound impact on the future of education. As educators, we stand witness to an era where the seeds of innovation and technological advancements sprout into a garden of endless possibilities, empowering us to nurture the minds of our students like never before. So, gather your curiosity and let us venture forth to unravel the mysteries and potential of generative Al as it unveils a new chapter in the story of education." By all accounts, the response generated above is overwhelming.
The literature available on the potential of Artificial Intelligence, including ChatGPT, convincingly suggests that it can serve as a valuable tool in education while providing personalized and interactive learning experiences. It can assist students by answering their questions, explaining complex concepts and offering additional resources. It also acts as a tutor, providing feedback and guidance on assignments, essays and projects.
A McKinsey Global Teacher and Student Survey reveals that teachers in K-12 spend less than half of their time in direct interaction with students. The study further suggests that areas with the biggest potential for automation are preparation, administration, evaluation and feedback. Technology, including Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT, can reallocate 20 to 30 per cent of teachers' time towards activities that support student learning. It can aid in the creation of interactive learning materials and simulations, making classroom experience more engaging.
The role of teachers remains essential and irreplaceable, even with the advancements in Al technology like ChatGPT. While Al can offer valuable support and assistance in the educational process, it cannot fully replace the multifaceted role of a human teacher.
Here is why:
1. Human Connection and Empathy: Teachers excel at establishing meaningful connections with students, understanding their individual needs, and providing emotional support. The human element in education is crucial for fostering trust, motivation, and a sense of belonging that Al cannot replicate.
2. Adaptability & Flexibility: Teachers can adapt their teaching methods based on each student's unique learning styles, strengths, and weaknesses. They can adjust the pace, provide real-time feedback, and offer personalized guidance, which requires human intuition and understanding.
3. Complex Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Teaching goes beyond providing information. Skilled educators encourage critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and higher-order cognitive abilities. They facilitate discussions, promote creativity, and challenge students to think deeply, fostering intellectual growth and love for learning beyond Al's capabilities.
4. Moral and Ethical Development: Teachers play a vital role in nurturing students' character, values, and ethical decision-making. They guide students in understanding social responsibility, empathy, and ethical behaviour, which are deeply rooted in human experience and require human guidance.
5. Mentorship and Role Models: Teachers often serve as mentors and role models for their students. They inspire, motivate, and guide students through their own experiences, imparting wisdom and life skills that extend beyond the scope of Al.
6. Al can be wrong: ChatGPT could be wrong, particularly when it can confidently generate entirely wrong responses to a prompt. I experienced it when it generated several incorrect pieces of information when I asked to create a short-bio of famous authors I was introducing in a LitFest, Even applying filters does not effectively catch inappropriate content.
How to capture the promise of technology in our schools is a big question.
Rather than becoming redundant, teachers must combine human expertise and Al assistance to create a powerful and effective educational environment. Here is how one can go about it:
> Understanding Al and ChatGPT: Teachers must take a deep dive into the specifics of ChatGPT-how it works, its capabilities, and its limitations, and underlying technology, such as natural language processing and machine learning to provide a foundation for understanding how ChatCPT functions. Exploring various ways, ChatGPT can be integrated into the teaching process is important. Highlight its potential for personalized learning, student support, and feedback provision. Discuss scenarios where teachers can leverage ChatGPT to enhance their instructional practices.
> Designing Effective Interactions: Teachers need guidance on effectively interacting with ChatGPT to maximize its benefits. They need strategies for formulating clear and specific questions, encouraging critical thinking, and prompting deeper discussions with students.
> Ethical Considerations: Ethical concerns about using Al in education, data privacy, algorithm bias, and the importance of maintaining a balance between Al and human instruction must be discussed.
As technology advances, the role of teachers will indeed evolve. Teachers may need to adapt their instructional strategies, leverage Al tools, and incorporate technology in their classrooms. However, teachers' influence and importance in education will likely remain significant for the foreseeable future. However, the awe-inspiring results of generative Al should not make us throw caution out of the window.
TEACHERS MAY NEED TO ADAPT THEIR INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES, LEVERAGE AI TOOLS, AND INCORPORATE TECHNOLOGY IN THEIR CLASSROOMS.
The article first published in Brainfeed Magazine, July 2023.
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