Education and ChatGPT: Opportunities and Threats
The rapid rise of generative AI has sparked many concerns across every sector, but for Education, there were even deeper concerns due to the potential impact of this powerful AI tool on the learning process of students. At Qatar Academy – Doha (QAD), it was not long before ChatGPT took an immediate effect on the students and their work. Students were naturally excited by the novelty and potential of such an amazing tool. Overnight, the laborious process of writing essays and completing homework seemed to be significantly smoother. But teachers also noticed that students were quietly using this technology, perhaps under the impression that it might not be permitted in an academic setting.
QAD is one of the Middle East’s premier educational institutions. It is the largest school in Qatar Foundation as it offers Primary, Preparatory, and IB Diploma programs, in addition to an Early Education Center (EEC) for children as young as 6 months of age. All the programs are accredited by the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
The subtle shift in classroom dynamics prompted teachers to dig deeper into the situation and recognize the necessity of open dialogue with students about the proliferation of AI tools, like ChatGPT, in our digital world and their potential uses. The Academy started by organizing a professional development (PD) session dedicated to understanding ChatGPT and its potential implications for the educational landscape. The Academy’s entire staff participated in the session that provided them with the necessary knowledge and perspective to tackle this technological innovation effectively and make them more comfortable bringing the conversation into their classrooms.
“The undeniable fact that caught all our attention was the technological fluency of the generation we’re educating. Our students are digital natives. It was an enlightening realization for us – if we want to stay relevant and effective as teachers, we need to keep up with their pace. We need to understand the tools they’re using and adapt our teaching methodologies to bridge the gap between traditional education and this digital age,” Rim Abdul Samad, Science Teacher at QAD told Career Guide.
Rim’s experience in the field of education helped her realize from an early stage the potential of ChatGPT as an educational tool, and set off a flood of innovative thoughts as she quickly began to imagine and conceptualize ways in which AI could be seamlessly integrated into the school’s educational and learning frameworks. As a matter of fact, most of her fellow educators saw the new tool as a groundbreaking opportunity rather than an ominous threat. Together they formed a collective of lifelong learners and started an exciting journey to learn about generative AI. They actively sought and shared readings, articles, research papers, and even TED talks revolving around the integration of AI in teaching. This intellectual exchange has been instrumental in broadening their horizons, providing them with different perspectives, and keeping them abreast of the latest developments in the field.
“The immediate availability of information, ideas, and explanations was just a text prompt away, which was both alluring and powerful to them. On the upside, it opened a door to a vast expanse of information. Students could ask any question, delve into any topic, and find a quick and thorough response. AI was like an additional, always-available tutor, providing explanations, clarifying doubts, and aiding with homework,” said Rim as she described the immediate impact of the arrival of ChatGPT on students.
In response to the rising usage of ChatGPT and similar AI tools in the educational environment, QAD adhered to the principles set out by the International Baccalaureate (IB) organization. Earlier this year, IB issued a statement confirming that students are allowed to use AI tools like ChatGPT, provided that their use is properly acknowledged. This means that if a student uses ChatGPT to assist in their studies or in the development of their assignments, it should be credited as a reference, like any other resource they would use. This approach encourages transparency, maintains academic honesty, and fits in line with the school’s goals and principles of embracing new learning technologies while instilling in students the importance of integrity and respect for intellectual property. Ultimately, the goal was to provide students with the best resources for their learning while also emphasizing to them the value of using these resources ethically and responsibly.
The discussions with students were fruitful. “We started conversations with our students about the role of AI in education, making them aware that we understood their interest in ChatGPT and similar technologies. We also laid out specific guidelines to ensure this powerful tool would serve as a support. We underscored the significance of maintaining a balance between AI-assisted learning and independent critical thinking,” Rim said.
“Yes, ChatGPT could provide instant information, but we encouraged them to use it as a facilitator for their thoughts rather than a definitive answer, while stressing on the importance of responsible use, highlighting that AI should enhance, not replace, their creativity and originality,” she added.
QAD’s education approach doesn’t focus only on its dynamic classroom curriculum. It also includes community and service programs, experiential education, and extra-curricular activities that prepare students for work, life, and leadership in their own communities and society at large. Students are encouraged to be risk takers, unafraid to ask questions and confidently seek answers.
Rim believes that students can absolutely derive substantial benefits from tools like ChatGPT without affecting their learning capabilities and creativity. As a matter of fact, when used properly, AI technologies such as ChatGPT can enrich their learning experience and stimulate creativity while keeping in mind protecting academic integrity.
She offers the following advice to students navigating this new era of AI-enhanced learning: “Remember that tools like ChatGPT are there to support your learning journey, not to replace your effort. It can be all too easy to allow such advanced AI to take over tasks, but you should remember that the educational journey is as much about the process as it is about the final answer. Use these tools to stimulate original thought and contribute to your own unique perspectives. The work submitted should always be a product of your own creativity and understanding.”
While many consider tools like ChatGPT a threat to creativity, Rim sees many possible benefits in them as she said: “Tools like ChatGPT can serve as a wonderful brainstorming ally, offering a multitude of ideas and viewpoints to consider. However, creativity is about more than just generating ideas – it’s also about refining, combining, and applying them in innovative ways. Students shouldn’t let AI do all the creative work but use it as a tool to spark their own imaginative processes.”
But what about the challenges that came with using these AI tools? For instance, one of the main concerns is the possibility of over-reliance on these AI tools by the students, thus hindering the development of highly important skills like problem solving, critical thinking and creativity. These tools can also pose a serious threat to their academic integrity, as they can be incredibly tempting for students to use them as a shortcut to the learning process instead of struggling with complex concepts and rigorous research. The accuracy of AI is another crucial concern. While AI technologies have advanced significantly, they are not infallible. They can, at times, provide information that is incorrect, misleading, or contextually inappropriate. “Students need to be taught to question and verify AI-generated content and not accept it blindly. Furthermore, students should approach AI-generated information with a critical mindset. Not every output from an AI tool is accurate or suitable. This presents a valuable opportunity for students to practice their critical thinking skills, by scrutinizing the information they receive, and cross-verifying it with other sources,” Rim explained.
She seems confident that AI is not just a fleeting trend, and is, in fact, part of the future of education. “It is all clear, and we are committed to navigating this path responsibly, always with the best interest of our students at heart. In essence, while ChatGPT and other AI tools offer exciting possibilities for enriching education, it’s crucial that we proceed with awareness and thoughtful consideration of these potential challenges. Only then can we ensure that we harness the power of AI to genuinely enhance learning and not compromise the integrity and purpose of education,” she concluded.
