The Problem With ChatGPT

Do you use ChatGPT in your classroom? Do you have plans to? Right now, a lot is being said about the pros and cons of using AI in the classroom. Some teachers feel that using AI will stifle students' growth and learning, while others feel it can be an aid just as Google has replaced trips to the local library.

I work with many students in our durable skills workshops, and for students who use ChatGPT, there are also two camps. One group loves it and can see how it can help them complete their assignments more quickly. Others see its power but wonder how they'll compete with AI for jobs in the future. These students truly believe that AI will handle many jobs in the future that are currently handled by humans.

To this latter group, I am always quick to point out the problem with ChatGPT and other AI-based solutions: they aren't human.

Some of you have already heard the argument that a human is still needed to prompt or input a possible idea for ChatGPT to work its magic. Let's expand on that thought. AI can do a lot, but it can't imagine. Machines can process data and complete tasks at lightning speeds, but they lack the ability to come up with new and innovative ideas. That's where humans come in. The ability to think creatively and come up with new ideas will always be valuable in the workplace.

I've tried this myself. I've asked GPT, "What do you dream about?" Its response?

"As an artificial intelligence language model, I do not have the ability to dream as humans do. However, I am designed to assist with a wide range of tasks and provide useful information to users. If there is anything specific you need help with, I am here to assist to the best of my abilities!"

I asked, "Can you be creative?" It responded, "As an AI language model, I am able to generate responses that may be perceived as creative or innovative by humans, but I do not have the ability to actually experience or feel creativity in the same way that humans do. My responses are based on patterns and associations learned from vast amounts of text data, which allows me to generate novel responses that may be perceived as creative or imaginative. However, these responses are ultimately based on my programming and the data that I have been trained on, rather than any innate creative ability."

Computers can't dream. To create truly unique, innovative ideas, such as those that spring from a young man or woman's dream to fly, reach the moon, or create artificial limbs with a sense of touch, a human is needed. A human, a student who's had their imagination stimulated, their creativity nurtured and encouraged, needs to dream it up.

So the bigger question for educators is, "are we preparing our students for a future where imagination and creativity are as essential as math and writing?" Before you dismiss this as fluff and nonsense, just keep in mind that everything you used today, from your car, to the elevator, to your computer, computer screen, and Wi-Fi, all had to be imagined.

Additionally, to stay relevant and succeed in the future, it's important to be able to adapt and innovate. Those who are able to think outside of the box will be better equipped to handle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Are we teaching our students to 'think outside the box'? Is it even possible when today's educators spend the majority of their time helping students reach a specific standard? Something we use in our MindSage method to help develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving is case study discussions. Not debates, but discussions. Before you dismiss this idea as too simple or ineffective, keep in mind we adopted this practice from the Harvard School of Business. Curious now? Contact me