How to Empower Students with ChatGPT & AI

As educationalists and technologists, we constantly explore innovative ways to improve students’ learning experiences. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are revealing new opportunities in education.  AI products, like ChatGPT and Dall-E, have the  potential to revolutionize learning, and we must consider their implementation carefully to ensure genuine learning outcomes and responsible use. By understanding the benefits of AI tools for students, schools can develop safeguards to support students in harnessing technology to enhance progress, without sacrificing interest and integrity.

Five Benefits of AI Products for Students

Time, efficiency and organization

AI tools can help with research and information synthesis, allowing students to access relevant and reliable sources efficiently, saving time and even opening otherwise inaccessible concepts for their academic discovery. AI products can streamline note-taking and summarizing, enabling students to quickly grasp key concepts and ideas - a Y9 student can discover algorithmic efficiency or iambic pentameter without having to tackle A Level resources. A tricky or voluminous concept can be rendered in accessible terms with suitable analogies for the junior student. 

Supporting creative and critical thinking

AI tools can help students brainstorm ideas and explore alternative viewpoints, developing creative and critical thinking skills. By providing examples and suggestions, rendered in an age appropriate way, AI products can challenge students to extend the limits of their understanding and to push the boundaries.  It may help them to see two sides of a debate - it’s fun in fuelling a balloon debate - while also requiring their scrutiny: the AI can make mistakes. Students can learn to collaborate with the AI as a scribe, but not to rely on the AI as a substitute brain. Teachers can remind students to check their sources for veracity, just as we did when first rolling out the internet for research.

Language and communication support

AI tools can offer grammar and spelling assistance, helping students improve their written communication skills. They can also provide multilingual support, allowing students to access resources in different languages and aiding in language learning. For students whose inherent ability may be hindered by learning difficulties, AI can also take on tasks delegated by them, freeing students up to do the hard thinking, decision making and artifact building. 

Enhanced learning experience

AI tools like ChatGPT can create personalized learning pathways and adaptive learning environments, allowing students to learn at their own pace and according to their unique needs.  An AI can synthesize and precis materials, providing individual users with a more apt product. The educational experience can be tailored to individual students to foster deeper engagement and improve academic performance.  Teachers can swiftly build differentiated lesson materials and scaffolding resources; students can get help in interpreting over-complex resources they find on their own, supporting their independent learning. 

Revision tools for improved learning

AI tools can also support learners in creating effective mnemonics and revision devices to enhance their memory and retention. By analyzing the key concepts and patterns within the study material, AI products can suggest memorable acronyms, associations, or visual aids tailored to the students' learning preferences. These customized mnemonic devices can be seamlessly integrated into students' revision strategies, making the process more engaging and personalized. Further, AI tools can continuously adapt these techniques based on students' performance, ensuring that they receive the most effective and relevant support throughout their learning journey. 

It is essential to recognize the potential of AI in making the learning experience not only efficient but also enjoyable and memorable for our students. By grasping AI and growing with it we can also support our students in preparing for burgeoning careers in 5 years’ time, not obsolete paths that will fade away.

Safeguards to ensure meaningful learning and prevent plagiarism

Developing a strong academic integrity policy

Schools and universities already have academic integrity policies; we already teach the meaning of ‘plagiarism’ and how to avoid it, and the consequences for example in public exams. To ensure students use AI tools responsibly, schools should further develop a clear academic integrity policy that defines plagiarism and its consequences in using AI tools.  For now it’s helpful to point also to software being developed to detect AI-created work. Educators must encourage original work and teach proper citation practices, emphasizing the value of intellectual honesty as we always have done.  

Integrating AI tools into the curriculum

By incorporating AI tools into the curriculum and teaching students how to use them responsibly, educators can foster a productive partnership between AI and students. Encourage smart collaboration and demonstrate how AI can be used as a support tool, rather than a replacement for human learning. Teach students how to build effective prompts, then have meaningful conversation as they understand, review, and edit. A colleague describes how Design & Technology students were inspired by drafting in NightCafe, where a product can be described in text,  with a realistic image of their planned object being output.

Using plagiarism-detection software

To maintain academic integrity, schools can use plagiarism-detection software to ensure that student work is original, but such software is still in development for AI. Encourage students to self-check their work before submission, reinforcing the importance of honest, independent work.  However, as AI detection software is being developed, remember that as teachers you can see if a student suddenly writes with an improbable maturity, just as you always could when a parent helped with their essay, or a sibling developer helped with their coding. Professional experience and judgment matter, just as before.

Promoting metacognition and reflection

Encourage students to reflect on their learning experiences and analyze their thought processes through reflective journals and self-assessments.  Encourage students to review their prompts, reflect on what worked well and what didn’t. They can explore what the AI has been taught and how they can exploit this, while avoiding pitfalls of accepting advice on an untaught topic. This practice helps students develop a deeper understanding of how AI tools can support their learning and fosters a sense of ownership in their educational journey.

Conclusion

The integration of ChatGPT and AI products like Dall-E and Stable Diffusion in schools and colleges has the potential to transform the educational landscape. By implementing safeguards and promoting responsible creative use, we can harness the power of AI to enhance student learning and prepare them for a rapidly evolving world. As educationalists and technologists, let’s work together to explore the benefits of AI products and ensure their responsible integration for the enhancement of our students' success.

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