What is Generative Artificial Intelligence and what is Chat GPT?
Generative artificial Intelligence (Generative AI) is a range of technologies that use artificial intelligence to create moving and still images, audio, and text in response to user prompts. As you may have learned, the release of ChatGPT (chat generative pretrained transformer) by OpenAI has highlighted the rise of artificial intelligence platforms and their potential impact on post-secondary education. The most recent and first widely discussed AI natural language processing tool, ChatGPT uses language prediction, based on internet text using a method called 'generative pre-training'. This training allows the tool to predict the best responses to writing prompts and questions based on massive samples from the internet. As AI training becomes more efficient, new advances in generative technology are happening at an ever-increasing frequency.
How does this affect me?
Your students have already started experimenting with ChatGPT and other generative AI platforms. They may be tempted to incorporate AI generated text into their written work. This could mean that learning outcomes supported by creative or academic writing may need to be approached differently if learners use AI platforms as part of (or instead of) their writing process. Similarly, assessment of student writing may be less likely to reflect student abilities.
What can I do about it?
Working around AI tools or incorporating them into learning and assessment is something that CTET can help with. Contact your CTET liaison to talk about your course and assessment design. While the technology behind ChatGPT and AI seems to be advancing quickly, it's important not to get discouraged. Many strategies that RRU has always leaned into, like authentic assessment or project-based learning, are effective in our new AI reality. Together we can come up with ways to build or modify assignments and activities that support learning.