ChatGPT's Impact on Higher Education: Examining its Applicability through Chickering's Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education

Based on the conversations online and institutions' responses to ChatGPT, it is a technology that merits serious consideration concerning student academic experience and teaching/learning. My observation of the concerns around ChatGPT and academic concerns and possibilities led me to think of ways to frame the applicability and utility of ChatGPT in higher education. I'm reminded of Arthur W. Chickering and Zelda F. Gamson's "Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education" to frame ChatGPT.

Here are the seven principles:

1. Encourage contact between students and faculty
2. Develop reciprocity and cooperation among students
3. Encourage active learning
4. Give prompt feedback
5. Emphasize time on task
6. Communicate high expectations
7. Respect diverse talents and ways of learning

I have yet to explore whether ChatGPT is even applicable to these principles. However, if it is, what kinds of questions should we consider as educators and higher education administrators? I suppose one could ask the following questions:

1. How can ChatGPT be used to encourage contact between students and faculty? Should it be?
2. How can ChatGPT be used to develop reciprocity and cooperation among students? Should it be?
3. In what ways can ChatGPT be used to encourage active learning? Should it be?
4. In what ways can ChatGPT be used to give prompt feedback? Should it be?
5. In what ways can ChatGPT be used to emphasize time on task? Should it be?
6. In what ways can ChatGPT be used to communicate high expectations? Should it be?
7. In what ways can ChatGPT be used to respect diverse talents and ways of learning? Should it be?

I prompted ChatGPT to provide examples of how ChatGPT can be applied in higher education using Chickering and Gamson's "Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education." Here is the response:

1. Encourage contact between students and faculty: ChatGPT could facilitate communication between students and faculty by providing personalized responses to student inquiries, scheduling virtual office hours, and sending reminders about upcoming assignments or deadlines.
2. Develop reciprocity and cooperation among students: ChatGPT could help promote collaboration among students by facilitating group discussions, suggesting peer review activities, and providing resources on effective teamwork.
3. Encourage active learning: ChatGPT could recommend interactive learning activities such as simulations, games, and case studies, as well as offer guidance on how to create engaging learning experiences that promote active participation and critical thinking.
4. Give prompt feedback: ChatGPT could provide real-time feedback on assignments, assessments, and quizzes, as well as suggest ways for students to improve their performance.
5. Emphasize time on task: ChatGPT could help students manage their time effectively by providing time management strategies, scheduling tools, and recommendations for prioritizing tasks.
6. Communicate high expectations: ChatGPT could set clear expectations for assignments, assessments, and course outcomes, as well as provide resources to help students meet those expectations.
7. Respect diverse talents and ways of learning: ChatGPT could provide resources and support for diverse learners, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners, as well as students with disabilities or other challenges.

What are your thoughts on whether ChatGPT as it relates to "Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education"? Do you agree with ChatGPT's suggestions?