A.I. (ChatGPT) Reference

Artificial Intelligence Technology

When we think about technology today we usually think about mobile phones, computers, or the internet. It’s hard to believe or remember a time before we actually had these but it actually wasn't that long ago. All of these technologies moved the goal posts for almost everything from shopping, being social, and of course, education. It seems that the next big change will be coming with the use of Artificial Intelligence, mostly in the form of machines that can learn to perform tasks almost as well as a human being. Even though it’s not on the level of human intelligence yet, it’s pretty close.

What is ChatGPT

ChatGPT is a large language model developed by OpenAI. It uses deep learning techniques to generate human-like text and can be fine-tuned for specific tasks such as text completion, text generation and language translation. ChatGPT is only good for topics before 2021 and is not always accurate in the information it provides. This could change though as development for these tools is ramping up.

ChatGPT is one of several different AI programs in development, but since late 2022 has been growing in popularity due to viral social media videos, articles and tv segments.

Possible Use Cases in Higher Education

ChatGPT could help students with writing assignments by suggesting vocabulary, grammar corrections and also by providing summaries of readings. This can be especially helpful for non-native speakers of the language. Additionally, ChatGPT's ability to create outlines and full essays could help students as a guide, instead of using it as their actual work.

ChatGPT can also be used as a tool for research assistance. It can be used to generate summaries of scientific papers, and also to assist researchers in generating hypotheses, writing grants and papers.

Finally, ChatGPT can be used in the classroom to facilitate interactive discussions, debates and also to generate prompts to encourage students to think critically, and also to generate scenarios for problem-based learning.

It's important to note that ChatGPT is a tool, and its potential in education should be evaluated in the context of the teaching and learning goals, pedagogy and curricula. The aim should be to enhance the learning experience, not replace the human teacher.

Dealing with AI Produced Assignments

While AI can be a useful tool, it can be used by students to submit written works. Applications used to help verify academic integrity such as Turnitin are not sophisticated enough to identify works written by AI, although they claim to be working on updates to make this happen. In the meantime, we suggest choosing multiple means of assessing student learning to help curb the use of these systems.

Here are some suggestions:

Discuss the topic of AI with your students and ensure that they are aware that the utilization of AI may be considered a violation of our general conduct policy, which prohibits the use of unauthorized resources, devices or materials during a test or other assignment.
Familiarize yourself with AI systems such as ChatGPT and Quillbot. Try prompts or assignments you are giving your students to compare what they are submitting.
Try incorporating the use of ChatGPT in your assignments. Have students enter a detailed prompt into ChatGPT, record the response and have students revise and build upon the writing with cited sources and corrections.
Consider requiring some assignments to be handwritten if you are able.
Have students reflect on portions of their writing.
Most of these tools have issues with in-text citations and references, so adding these to assignments can help.
Have students submit multiple types of assignments that demonstrate their writing abilities such as discussions, drafts, short essays, etc.
Consider alternate means of assessment such as a verbal presentation or discussion.
Consider using ChatGPT or other AI tools in your classroom on some assignments with students such as having a student respond to a prompt and compare it to ChatGPT’s response.
Use AI detectors and check sources. These are not 100% accurate.
Check web sources. Most AI programs struggle with giving accurate sources.

Also consider alternate means of assessment including:

Exams (e.g. multiple choice, short answer, essay)
Written assignments (e.g. research papers, case studies, literature reviews)
Projects (e.g. individual or group projects, design projects, experimental projects)
Presentations (e.g. oral presentations, poster presentations, multimedia presentations)
Group work (e.g. group discussions, collaborative problem-solving, group projects)
Self-reflection (e.g. journals, blogs, diaries)
Peer evaluations (e.g. peer review, peer editing)
Observation (e.g. fieldwork, lab work, clinical work)
Oral examinations (e.g. defense of thesis, viva voce)
Portfolio assessment (e.g. collection of student's work over time)
Simulation (e.g. role-playing, mock trials, business simulations)
Technology-based assessment (e.g. online quizzes, video submissions, virtual lab work)

Other Resources

Articles

Richard and John's Flipboard with Articles - Updated Weekly
Mentimeter Presentation (AI PD)