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The release of ChatGPT to the general public saw a variety of reactions ranging from awe and admiration to concern. While many across the board were struck by the chatbot’s responsiveness and ability to answer detailed questions, others engaged in debates about the extent to which AI can progress. However, one of the most burning topics of discussion since the launch of ChatGPT has been the one surrounding the impact of AI on education. The usage of ChatGPT by students in both school and college to answer questions on their tests, and to generate essays, brought forth a slew of bans and regulations in both institutional and regional capacities.
The quick adoption of the novel technology took teachers by surprise, and academicians are still deliberating over the usage of ChatGPT and the true effect it might have on students. Despite the mixed responses, reactions have been visceral from numerous pockets across the world, with demands to regulate the AI chatbot growing by the day. But what exactly has ChatGPT’s impact on education been so far, and what are scientists and educators expecting to see in subsequent years? While that question is still being hotly debated, the below sections of this article encompass the core aspects of the burning issue, while also traversing the expected effects of ChatGPT on education.
ChatGPT in Education: A Problematic Start
ChatGPT has faced flak from teachers and regulators for endangering academic integrity.
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ChatGPT is an AI based on natural language processing that allows it to perform a variety of tasks. A majority of this includes text and language-based operations where the output is generated in the form of answers to specific questions presented by the user. The straightforward algorithm allows the user to merely type in a question and ask the chatbot for an answer like one would to another human being. ChatGPT’s responses are quick and structured, allowing the user to have immediate access to information. Apart from the prevalent concerns about AI ethics and academic integrity, other issues with ChatGPT’s responses have also stood out. These range from inaccurate information and unverified responses to AI bias.
Increasing reports of students using the AI chatbot to cheat in their assignments and exams have also shaken up academics, necessitating a response on an institutional level. The issue has become so widespread that even organizations such as the EU have called for more regulations on AI chatbots at large. Despite its increasing popularity, ChatGPT cannot generate original data and is also not well-versed with events and information relevant to periods after 2021. Being a language model AI, it also has faced issues computing complex mathematical and reasoning problems—reiterating that AI, no matter how advanced, still lacks logical capabilities and relies on human instructions. Regardless, the chatbot has still raked many speculations, be it in the world of AI education or more responsive automated chat operations.
The Shake-up in Education and Question of AI Learning
Modern education faces a period of introspection following the launch of ChatGPT.
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The usage of ChatGPT by students to complete their assignments, draft essays, and turn in their homework has created considerable flux in the teaching community, so much so that academicians are now revisiting the extant methods of teaching. While a considerable portion of the community remains committed to traditional methods, the impact of AI chatbots such as ChatGPT has also brought about introspection. Teachers are now beginning to question why teaching is structured in the way that it is today, along with deciphering the prime focus of learning in the world. Despite the progress in pedagogy and student psychology, certain aspects of teaching have still not caught up with the technological advancements of the 21st century. The rethink might just kickstart an era of radical transformation in the education sector where there might be newer methods of teaching incorporated into the current curriculum. While the usage of AI in education is not entirely novel, its implementation has still been limited to facets of demonstration, administration, and management.
Academicians and school teachers are also increasingly testing out chatbots themselves, trying to explore any possibilities of incorporating technologies like ChatGPT in education. While the AI does display some potential for organizing teaching schedules and syllabi, its true scope remains to be seen, given that it is still early to comment on a considerable number of the facets it encompasses. It is also important to note that numerous educators believe that it is more essential to train students to ask the right questions, instead of merely being capable of providing the right answers. With numerous reports pouring in about ChatGPT possessing the potential to clear complex and esteemed exams such as the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), the question posed by educators becomes increasingly relevant. While we must understand that the capabilities of these technologies come from their ability to master association and statistical analyses, the importance of creative methods to educate students becomes all the more apparent. The deep impact left by ChatGPT in the short period since its launch has already propelled academics to ask crucial questions about how education needs to be structured in an ever-advancing world.
The Way Forward in a Period of AI Chatbots
As the world advances, so will the university campus.
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The trajectory of growth in the AI and ML space will continue to look up as long as the algorithms are primed to learn and understand further intricacies of human language, thought, and conceptualization. However, despite the current impact and mixed response to chatbots such as ChatGPT, the inclusion of more AI-supported tools in learning seems more imminent than ever before. While regulatory measures for AI and a close watch are imperative, more efforts from the academic community need to be undertaken to closely evaluate the potential impact of AI on student creativity, learning, education, and overall capability. Any impact on natural learning outcomes will be deemed detrimental to the progress of both humanity and AI at large. Further, more pointed investigations and studies are warranted to address the looming AI question, so teachers can ensure their classrooms remain a space where tangible learning occurs while remaining within the boundaries of academic ethics.