ChatGPT - benefits and limitations

India Semiconductor Mission India Electronics and Semiconductor Association

Lot of my students and mentees ask me if it's ok to use ChatGPT for learning. My answer to them is NO !! Justification:AI tools like ChatGPT has advantages, it is not fully trained yet, and one should know what questions to ask, how to ask, and how to validate and interpret AI data. I believe in NI (Natural Intelligence) than AI, personally.Today the buzz word is AI/ML etc etc, tomorrow's technology is decided by NI (and not AI):- AI will develop over period of time and might have natural death like any other yesterday's technology (like C++ replacing C, Fortran, Pascal, Basic, SV/UVM/CocoTB replacing verilog/VHDL etc etc)

Artificial Intelligence vs. Natural Intelligence:

- Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. AI systems like GPT-3 use algorithms to process and generate human-like text, making them useful for various applications, including learning and communication.

- Natural Intelligence: Natural intelligence is the cognitive ability that humans possess, allowing us to think, learn, reason, and understand. It's the innate human capacity to process information, solve problems, and adapt to new situations.

Using ChatGPT for Learning...

- Basics: ChatGPT can be a helpful tool to understand the basics. You can ask questions, clarify concepts, and get explanations, which can aid your understanding.

- Advanced Topics and Latest Trends: While ChatGPT can provide insights into advanced topics and trends, it's essential to understand that it might not replace in-depth academic courses or industry experience. It can, however, supplement your learning by offering different perspectives and explanations.

Comparison with Academic Knowledge and Industry Skill:

- Using ChatGPT: ChatGPT can provide a more interactive and conversational learning experience. It might be helpful for clarifying doubts, exploring concepts, and getting a broad overview of various topics.

- Academic Knowledge: Academic courses offer structured learning with comprehensive coverage of topics, in-depth explanations, and assessments. They provide a solid foundation and systematic approach to understanding complex subjects.

- Industry Skill: Industry skills are gained through hands-on experience, real-world projects, and practical applications. Industry skills encompass problem-solving, teamwork, project management, and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real scenarios.

How to Make the Most of ChatGPT for Learning:

1. Supplement Academic Learning: Use ChatGPT to complement your academic courses. It can provide additional explanations and help you clarify doubts. But trust your NI and not the tool. You need to know how to use it and how to constrain it

2. Exploration and Overview: Use ChatGPT to explore various topics and get a high-level understanding before diving into more detailed academic study.

3. Question Clarification: If you're stuck on a particular concept, ChatGPT might help provide alternative explanations, but take it with a pinch of salt and validate it with experts in academic and industry.

4. Stay Updated: ChatGPT is not right tool, because it may not be trained on latest trends.

5. Interactive Learning: ChatGPT offers an interactive and conversational learning experience, which can be engaging and supportive alongside traditional learning methods.

In conclusion, while ChatGPT is merely a tool for learning, it's essential to understand its limitations and use it as a supplement to your academic studies and practical experiences. Developing a strong foundation through formal education, hands-on projects, and interactions with industry professionals will contribute to a well-rounded understanding.