How ChatGPT Helped My Niece Write Her First Email to Her Teacher

The other day, I was chatting about school with my 12-year-old niece, Leah. She mentioned an assignment she had completed but hadn’t been marked by her teacher. When I asked her why she hadn’t emailed her teacher about it, she hesitated and said she didn’t know what to say. That’s when I suggested we turn to ChatGPT for help.

It was an exciting experiment. I asked Leah to explain to me, in her own words, what she wanted to convey to her teacher. As she spoke, I typed her raw thoughts into the ChatGPT interface. We were both curious to see what it would generate.

To Leah’s surprise (not mine), the AI understood Leah’s intent and crafted a well-written email tailored to her age and situation. It was clear polite, and expressed her request succinctly. Seeing the response, Leah’s eyes lit up with excitement. She realized she could effectively communicate through technology with some guidance.

The experience taught Emily the dynamics of writing a good email: being clear, concise, and polite. It also showed her the potential of AI as a tutor and assistant for kids. ChatGPT didn’t just provide a template; it empowered Emily to express herself confidently.

This got me thinking about the role of AI in education. While it’s not a replacement for human teachers, it can remarkably complement traditional learning methods. From helping with homework to providing personalized feedback, AI has the potential to revolutionize how children learn.

As a parent or guardian, introducing AI tools like ChatGPT to your child can enhance their learning experience and equip them with valuable skills for the future. It’s not just about getting the correct answer; it’s about understanding the process and learning to articulate thoughts effectively.

In the end, Emily sent the email to her teacher, and within a few days, her assignment was adequately graded and added to her overall score. It was a small victory, but it showed the potential of AI as a learning tool for kids.

So, the next time your child struggles with homework or is unsure how to approach a task, consider turning to AI for assistance. Who knows, it might just help them discover their potential in ways they never imagined.

Have you ever used AI to help your child with schoolwork? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Until next time,

Dashana Jefferies BA, BS, MS, Doctoral Student