ChatGPT Pop-Reflection (Benefits and Challenges)

As a seasoned teacher in the education system, I believe that we live in a technological world that is ever-so-rapidly evolving. Inherently, students are curious and intrigued by natural phenomena in our world. Fortunately, technology exists in this world and students become more aware and comprehend natural processes around them as they learn to investigate and interact with their co-existing world through the effective use of information and communication technology in education. In comes ChatGPT as part of our technological revolution, with a plethora of information at our disposal, further contributing to the “digital native” phenomenon.

Literature backed by experience, shows that ChatGPT allows students limitless opportunities to make valuable contributions to the functioning of their academic society as they become more hypothetical, critical and logical thinkers. In essence, using this as an AI tool for learning, greatly fosters the development and enhancement of fundamental process skills needed for academic reasoning and problem solving, thus amouring academicians (teachers and students alike) as effective decision makers and will drive them to make more informed decisions on matters that are highly influenced by technology and life in general in the world of academics. 

Although my experience with Chat GPT is limited (as I was only recently exposed to the tool), I can attest to the valid contributions it has made to academia. Only a day ago, I used it to help with a book report for my eight-year-old son (See chat logs here: https://chatgpt.com/share/67c869b9-d5fc-8001-9ad6-d9301b7a73cf ). 

Having interacted with it on a more regular basis and reading the assigned articles, I have a more in-depth understanding of how it can and will be used to enhance my students’ cognitive development in any area of learning as they will be provided with much opportunity to create a richer world of knowledge through the use of ChatGPT in their writing.

Contrastingly, the ongoing debate on the disadvantages of using ChatGPT for academic writing ensues. Overuse or over-reliance on AI is a growing concern as it may influence laissez-faire behaviours among students. Furthermore, AI-giarism is becoming another fighting battle as students are not taught how to use ChatGPT efficiently and safely, consequently creating a threat to academic integrity. Resultantly, it is our role as educators to ensure that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for navigating this AI tool.

Irrefutably, our students are by the second, gaining a stronger gravitational pull into our evolving technological era and for this reason, they should be educated via diverse and attractive approaches and strategies that revolve around modern day technology, thereby creating a paperless world of literacies. Chat GPT as one of the most prevalent and helpful AI tools affords students interminable opportunities for authentic interactions and learning experiences that positively improve their literacy and numeracy skills and by extension, creates the propulsion of academic success.