Trick or Treat-Use of ChatGPT in Education

Abstract

ChatGPT, a free and easy-to-use AI search tool has put Educators scrambling to preserve learning. An education technology company says ChatGPT can be thought of as a “virtual best friend”. ChatGPT launched last November as part of a larger set of technologies developed by the San Francisco-based company OpenAI is part of a new generation of AI systems that can have a discussion and create written work. Millions of people have played with the tool over the past month. Many school systems in the U.S. are still deciding how to set policies on the use of AI programs and how they can be used. Its launch came with little guidance for how to use it. But there is no stopping a student from using ChatGPT from home or on a personal device. We planned to work with both educators and students to learn how people are experimenting with ChatGPT in the real world. Academics are raising tough questions about the future of AI in education. We concluded ChatGPT became so popular quickly across the globe because it is one of the first AI technologies of its kind to be available to the public in a way the public can understand it. We surveyed a global educator and student population about ChatGPT. We report that out of 100 respondents, 85% know about it, 80% are keen to use in education, 80% are still trying to sign up but report high internet traffic to hinder their registration. Finally, younger generation are more willing to experiment this tool, when it becomes available. Nevertheless, it was a talk of first day of spring semester. An OpenAI spokesperson said the company is already working with educators to address their concerns about ChatGPT. We conclude that using such a tool doesn’t build critical-thinking and problem-solving skills which are essential for academic and lifelong success.Fulbright Association and CTRE Chicago State University, Chicago, IL