March 2023
Education is constantly evolving and constantly changing. New teaching tools and modern resources are available for the classroom every year. Teachers have to sift through all of the updates and pick and choose what they want to integrate into their own teaching. The key is that they usually have the freedom to choose what they want and what they don’t. That is, until ChatGPT came online.
If you are unfamiliar, ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence chat bot created by California-based company OpenAI. In a nutshell, a user can talk directly to ChatGPT and it will talk back with striking accuracy. We are only beginning to realize the power of ChatGPT but one thing is certain, it will be something that educators around the world are going to have to deal with.
Take for example the following question that I posed to ChatGPT: What should I do in Grand Marais, Michigan? The quoted answer below is an unedited computer generated response that took approximately 10 seconds for ChatGPT to create. Now imagine an English class where the same question is the prompt for a writing assignment. Can you see where I’m going with this?
“Grand Marais, Michigan is a beautiful town located on the shore of Lake Superior. There are plenty of activities to do and sights to see during your visit. Here are some suggestions:
- Explore Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: This stunning national park is just a short drive away from Grand Marais and offers incredible views of the colorful cliffs and crystal clear waters of Lake Superior.
- Visit the Grand Marais Harbor: The harbor is a great place to relax and watch the boats come in and out. You can also take a walk along the beach or rent a kayak to explore the waters.
- Hike the Sable Falls Trail: This easy 0.8-mile trail leads you to a beautiful waterfall and offers stunning views of Lake Superior.
- Check out the Pickle Barrel House Museum: This unique museum is housed in a historic pickle barrel-shaped house and offers a glimpse into the town’s past.
- Go fishing: Lake Superior is known for its great fishing opportunities, so grab your fishing gear and head out on the water for a chance to catch some trout or salmon.
- Attend the Grand Marais Music and Arts Festival: This annual event features live music, art exhibits, and local food vendors, and is a great way to experience the town’s culture.
- Take a scenic drive: The area around Grand Marais is full of scenic drives, including the Seney Stretch, which takes you through the heart of the Hiawatha National Forest.
Overall, there’s plenty to see and do in Grand Marais, Michigan. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, you’re sure to find something that interests you in this charming town.” (ChatGPT, 2023)
It is still too early to know how ChatGPT is going to change education but it is unquestionably going to change education. Colleges and universities are already employing “ChatGPT detectors” to root out plagiarism but K-12 institutions aren’t quite there yet. Like I said at the beginning, normally teachers get to choose what new teaching tools they want to add to their repertoire. With ChatGPT, I’m afraid they’re not going to have a choice because just like my generation had Sparknotes, this generation has chat bots.
