Generative AI in the Classroom

Generative AI is all the rage right now. It seems like every time I have a problem, or it is taking me too long to complete an assignment, there seems to be one common suggestion from others, “ChatGPT it!” Now for the longest time, my response would be “No that’s cheating” but after a while, I decided to give it a try and I was impressed as well as changed.

My view of ChatGPT and other generative AI shifted the more I used it. I have concluded that ChatGPT and other generative AI could be valuable tools when used appropriately and correctly. I believe that generative AI contributes a lot to one’s educational experience and work but should not be a replacement for the experience and work. It can be used as a tool to help further the understanding, elaborate, and clarify one's thoughts or work but should not be used as a shortcut because it lacks the human component.

As I was interacting with ChatGPT and doing some research I found that it generates better responses when prompted, specifically through prompt engineering. Prompt engineering is the process of structuring text that is clear and effective so that it can be interpreted and understood by generative AI.

This link is a tool if you want to look more into prompt engineering: https://www.datacamp.com/tutorial/a-beginners-guide-to-chatgpt-prompt-engineering

As an aspiring educator, my interaction with ChatGPT made me wonder what its role would be in my future classroom. I cannot just tell students not to use it because when do students do exactly what I say always and if they did use it how would I know? That’s when I concluded that it is technically a resource that they have access to so why not teach them how to use it safely, correctly, and appropriately the same as I would do with any technology? I will create a list of rules to help them navigate ChatGPT to further their learning experience such as how to prompt ChatGPT.

Just for fun, this is a rap I prompted ChatGPT to generate about the pros and cons of using generative AI in the classroom and this is what it gave me:

(Verse 1)

In class, Generative AI’s a delight,

Benefits and risks, let’s shed some light,

Personalized learning, day and night aid,

Instant feedback, progress is well-made!

(Chorus)

Generative AI, oh so wise,

Helps students reach the skies,

But risks lurk, don’t be a fool,

With this jingle, stay in school!

(Verse 2)

Watch out for privacy and fairness, friend,

Tech glitches and too much screen time’s end,

Enjoy AI’s perks, but keep it cool,

With this jingle, stay in school!