Artificial intelligence (AI) has had a significant impact on the world of technology, and education is no exception. With the introduction of the OpenAI chatbot, GPT-3, an LLM, educators are beginning to explore the potential of AI in the classroom. Khan Academy and Byju are some examples to mention. However, like any new technology, there are concerns about its effectiveness in teaching children.
Here we discuss the pros and cons of using human-taught models, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, for educational purposes.
Great models of language in education
Empowering Education: personalized learning with GPT-3 language models
Imagine a world where every student can access high-quality, personalized educational resources tailored to their unique learning needs and interests. A world where educators can focus on delivering world-class educational content and supporting the growth of their students. They wouldn’t have to spend countless hours grading assignments and monitoring progress.
With the help of great language models like GPT-3, this world is becoming a reality. These powerful templates can generate high-quality text on a wide variety of topics. Therefore, these models can provide educators with a virtually unlimited supply of learning resources that they can customize to meet the needs of their students.
Revolutionizing Education: Personalized Learning and Automation with GPT-3 Language Models
But it’s not just about quantity: large language models like GPT-3 also allow for customization at scale. By analyzing data about each student’s learning style, interests, and knowledge gaps, educators can use these models to generate personalized educational content that is uniquely tailored to each student’s needs. This can help improve engagement and motivation. Relevant content tailored to your needs increases student interest and attention.
Many educational administrative tasks can be automated, freeing up educators to focus on what they do best: teaching. By automating tasks like grading assignments and monitoring student progress, these models can save educators valuable time and resources. Furthermore, this allows them to focus on delivering high-quality educational content and supporting their students’ learning.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has repeatedly expressed his optimistic views on the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Perhaps most importantly, LLMs like GPT-3 can help promote equity and access to education. These models can help level the playing field and ensure that each student can reach their full potential. This can be achieved by providing all students with access to high-quality educational resources and personalized learning opportunities, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Also Read: Bill Gates’ Artificial Intelligence Predictions For Transforming Healthcare And Education
Personal tutor for each student
In a recent talk, Khan Academy founder and CEO Salman Khan introduced Khan Academy’s AI tutor. The tool can very well guide students to solve various problems:
The tool can understand the student’s mistakes and determine why the student made that mistake. Behind every answer from the tutor named Khanmigo, there is a trail of reasoning, as shown in the image below:
But this remains one of the most important questions: is it a good idea to train students? Especially K12, with non-human tools prepared by humans but not human?
Also Read: Generative AI in Education: A Khan Academy Case Study
Concern 1: Can LLMs provide a human touch?
While artificial intelligence (AI) has brought many advances to the field of education, it is essential to recognize that a child’s emotional, cognitive, and academic outcomes do not depend solely on the information provided to them. Children develop an emotional connection to their teachers, crucial in shaping their overall development.
As AI continues to evolve, there is a danger that it could replace human interaction entirely, removing the element of personal touch that children need to thrive. Machines cannot empathize or provide emotional support like humans, which can negatively affect students.
So while integrating AI technology into education can bring numerous benefits, such as personalized learning and instant feedback, we need to make sure we don’t lose the human touch. Educators and policymakers must work together to balance technology and traditional teaching methods to benefit students in both worlds. Doing so can create a more holistic and practical educational experience for our children.
Also read: Can AI have emotions?
Concern 2: Can LLMs teach how to create original content?
According to a recent EDUCAUSE survey, educators’ perceptions of generative AI are divided. Some institutions consider its use academic misconduct, while others encourage or even require it. The survey found that more than half of respondents (54 percent) were optimistic about generative AI. While, on the other hand, only 12 percent felt pessimistic.
The main ethical concern about generative AI is that training AI algorithms use data that could include systemic biases, which could introduce these biases into AI systems. This concern becomes particularly important in education as we address persistent equity gaps. Many educators are concerned that the use of LLMs could lead to students committing plagiarism or becoming too reliant on the tool and not learning how to produce original content.
Concern 3: Can LLMs be trusted for guidance?
The problem of hallucinations with LLMs is not hidden from anyone. Some educators have taken a proactive approach by ethically and responsibly incorporating LLMs into their teaching strategies. For example, they can use it to demonstrate deficiencies in logic, accuracy, and bias. This approach allows students to critique and analyze the responses, showing that “it’s not a foolproof tool,” according to Janeen Peretin, director of communication, innovation and advancement for the Baldwin-Whitehall School District in Pittsburgh.
Also read: Startup launches AI model that ‘never freaks out’
Another approach is to rethink the creation of assessments: some make generative AI completely useless, while others allow the use of ChatGPT and other generative AI.
What do educators think?
Despite the challenges and concerns surrounding the use of ChatGPT, there are also potential positive applications. One such application is to help students struggling with homework by using it as a springboard. This would help them understand the concept they are working with. However, Peretin emphasizes that it is critical that students do not cut and paste solutions. On the other hand, they should use the tool to better understand the topic.
Peretin also believes that educators should teach younger students how to use artificial intelligence tools to manipulate and weaponize information, while also allowing them to assess the accuracy and bias of data sources. Robert, an educator, agrees that students need to be aware of the ongoing debates about the ethical and responsible use of generative AI. This will prepare students to make informed decisions about its development and use, and will shape the future of technology for both education and work.
Also Read: ChaosGPT: Just A Mischief Or A Bot With A Plan To Destroy Humanity
Conclusion
Using great language models like GPT-3 in education can revolutionize the way we teach and learn. These models can generate personalized educational content and automate administrative tasks. Thus, it frees up educators to deliver high-quality educational content and support the growth of their students. However, there are concerns about the loss of human contact, the ability to create original content, and the reliability of the tool as a guide.
Educators and policymakers must work together to balance technology and traditional teaching methods to create a more holistic and hands-on educational experience for our children. Additionally, teaching children about AI tools and their responsible use is crucial to shaping the future of technology for both education and work. With careful consideration and ethical service, ChatGPT and other generative AI can bring optimistic applications and benefits to the world of education.
Also read: AI and beyond: exploring the future of generative AI
