5 Ways Google Bard is Better than ChatGPT

Generative AI is the newest disruptive technology that will change not just education but nearly every sector of society. ChatGPT is probably the most famous example, but did you know that Google has a ChatGPT rival called Google Bard? You can use Google Bard to write lesson plans, reply to parent emails, design fun teacher parties, and more! Best of all, Bard is completely free. Here are 10 ways that Google Bard is better than ChatGPT:

Beta Testing Google Bard – ChatGPT Alternative

First, be aware that Google Bard is in Beta. It is far from perfect. I will be the first to admit there are some things that ChatGPT does better than Google Bard. The keyword however is, YET. Constantly improving, Google Bard is nipping at the heels of ChatGPT and will likely equal or surpass it soon.

Free OTIS Webinar with Alice Keeler

Want to learn more about Google Bard? Join me for FREE August 10th for an online course “Meet Google Bard, Your Free ChatGPT Alternative“. Can’t make the live presentation? Register free to access the recording after the event. If you are having trouble registering try making a free OTIS account and accesssing the course from the OTIS events calendar.

10 Ways Google Bard is Better than ChatGPT

1. Internet Access

If you have used ChatGPT you have famously seen the disclaimer that its information knowledge set cuts off at 2021. This means anything relevant to your query after September of 2021 won’t be included. Bard has access to the internet, which allows it to provide more comprehensive and up-to-date answers to your questions.

Screenshot of ChatGPT saying Explain about Google Bard. The response is "As of my knowledge cut-off in September 2021, Google Bard was not a product or service offered by Google. The term "Bard" often refers to a poet or storyteller, particularly in historical or fantasy contexts, but it doesn't have any specific known association with Google's suite of products or services. If Google Bard is a new product or feature introduced after September 2021, I apologize for not being able to provide information on it. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, I recommend checking Google's official blogs or newsroom."

2. Bard in Gmail

One of my favorite uses for generative AI is to help me to write better responses to emails. I will spend a ridiculous amount of time staring at an email of an angry parent trying to figure out the right way to respond. Bard is built right into Gmail (if you sign up for the Workspace Labs Beta, for now this is only on Gmail accounts and not your school accounts).

Notice the pencil with a star on it down in the toolbar of your Gmail. This will enable the “Help me write” feature. I typed “Respond to this email” to populate a quick rough draft for me to reply with.

Screenshot of email with a "Respond to this email" as the prompt for Bard.
This is one of the Ways Google Bard is Better than ChatGPT

The first draft response to my email was pretty good. For funsies, I had it recreate the response and that one was less helpful. Pressing the “Recreate” button several more times I got a response that was suitable for me to use.

Generative AI is not smarter than you. Always analyze and adjust any output regardless of the AI platform that you use.

3. Export to Google Docs

Instead of simply copying the text you can move the response directly to a new Google Doc. This saves your response in your Google Drive. This will allow you to more easily collaborate with others around the output from Google Bard before you share it with students or parents.

Screenshot from Google Bard with the share icon that looks like 3 dots connected together. Choose the share option of Export to Docs.

4. 3 Drafts

Google Bard is better than ChatGPT because it gives you choices. Google Bard automatically creates 3 drafts for you to choose from. Notice the “View other drafts” option in the upper right of the output.

Again, Generative AI is your sidekick, not your replacement. Having multiple drafts helps you to choose the best DRAFT that best represents your knowledge and the message you want to share.

Screenshot of Google Bard 3 other drafts. There are 3 bubbles to choose from.

5. Google It

I can not emphasize enough the importance of fact checking when you use generative AI. Extend your Google Bard conversation to Google to learn more and verify information. Press the “Google it” button within your Bard results.

OTIS Courses

Join me August 10th for a FREE session with OTIS on “Meet Google Bard, Your Free ChatGPT Alternative.” The recording will be available even if you can not join live. To register you will need a free OTIS account. Suggestion to go to the upcoming calendar and login with your free account. Then from the calendar locate August 10th and register from the calendar.

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