Credit: Daniel Jefferson
ChatGPT is an advanced form of AI that can communicate with the user about limitless topics. It has revolutionized education. ChatGPT creates text responses that are so human that it might as well be one. It can answer questions, provide explanations, and help students with research. It is extremely beneficial to students, educators, and everyday people. However, like any new technology, its impact on education can be both positive and negative.
On the positive side of things, ChatGPT can be a valuable tool for education by providing immediate access to massive amounts of information. Students can take advantage of it to get clarification on difficult concepts or receive tutoring in subjects from math to science. This technology can bring knowledge to kids who may not have access to traditional educational resources.
ChatGPT can assist educators in creating work for the students, like generating quiz questions, or creating homework assignments. This can free up time to focus on teaching and tutoring students.
However, even though it has so many benefits, ChatGPT also brings certain risks to education. One concern is the potential for overreliance on the technology. It can cause students to not pay attention in class and may affect their critical thinking skills. If students rely too heavily on ChatGPT for answers without thinking for themselves, they may struggle to develop essential skills, such as problem-solving.
Another concern is academic integrity. It is easy for students to generate written assignments, which raises concerns about plagiarism and academic dishonesty. It is difficult to catch a student using the AI because the text is so human-like and is not just a copy of another student’s work. Two students using ChatGPT would not submit identical assignments.
I asked some students who attend SUNY Old Westbury if they think ChatGPT is helpful or harmful.
What do students at Old Westbury think about ChatGPT?
Morgan Davanzo said: “I think it’s hurtful to education in how it makes it easier for students to not have to put any effort into their responses. Like they don’t even have to learn to articulate their words in certain ways because a robot will do it for them. However, I think it’s helpful for students that struggle with writer’s block, or they can use it for inspiration on what to say for their work.”
Rachael Severe said: “ChatGPT is definitely hurtful to education because it has the answers to everything. We are starting to rely on the information so much that we are not retaining any information.
Stefany Donnelly said: “I’d say it’s helpful because it can give you ideas on what to write about or whatever and could give you further inspiration but it is also hurtful because if you depend on it all the time, you won’t be able to come up with your own ideas and nothing would be organic anymore.”
ChatGPT offers many benefits, but also presents challenges that must be addressed. Educators and students must work together to ensure that it remains a valuable tool for advancing learning and knowledge without the risks.
