Introduction to ChatGPT

Since its launch in November 2022, ChatGPT has garnered significant attention in higher education. Initially, it raised questions about its impact on academic integrity and learning processes. However, educators and researchers have since discovered exciting ways to harness its potential for enhancing education and creativity in the classroom.

This page serves as a guide to understanding ChatGPT, exploring its applications in academic settings, and acknowledging its limitations. Throughout, you’ll find examples of prompts and responses that demonstrate its capabilities.

Note: ChatGPT is currently free to use, with a paid version ($20/month) offering enhanced features and availability. Be mindful that future changes, such as moving fully behind a paywall, could raise accessibility and equity concerns for users.

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a conversational AI model developed by OpenAI. It is part of the GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) family, trained to generate human-like text by processing massive datasets from books, articles, and other online resources. ChatGPT can be used to complete tasks like:

  • Debugging code
  • Composing creative content like music, poetry, and stories
  • Improving grammar and refine writing
  • Answering questions and brainstorming ideas

Want to know how ChatGPT explains itself? Here’s its response to the prompt: “What is ChatGPT?”

ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence model designed to simulate human-like conversation. It uses advanced language processing to understand context, respond effectively, and generate text on a wide range of topics. Trained on diverse datasets, it supports tasks like answering questions, creating content, and enhancing productivity.

Academic Applications of ChatGPT

ChatGPT offers a range of possibilities for improving teaching and learning. Here are some ways it can be used in academics:

  • Brainstorming: Help students generate ideas for essays or projects.
  • Drafting: Create initial drafts for assignments to kick-start the writing process.
  • Editing: Identify grammar issues and improve writing clarity.
  • Citations: Generate citations in various formats (e.g., APA, MLA).
  • Assessment Reflection: Use ChatGPT to answer assignment questions and have students critique the responses.
  • Quiz Creation: Brainstorm multiple-choice or short-answer questions.
  • Discussion Starter: Explore AI’s role in specific disciplines and its potential impact.

For more inspiration, check out articles like Five Ways Teachers Can Integrate ChatGPT into the Classroom and 110 Best ChatGPT Examples.

Do you use ChatGPT in a unique way? Share your ideas by contacting us at learningdesign@unk.edu.

Limitations of ChatGPT

While ChatGPT is an impressive tool, it is essential to recognize its limitations:

  • Limited Context Understanding: ChatGPT sometimes misinterprets the context, leading to irrelevant or incorrect responses.
  • Bias in Responses: It may inadvertently reflect biases present in its training data.
  • No Real-World Experience: ChatGPT lacks common sense and real-world knowledge, which can result in unrealistic suggestions.
  • Outdated Information: Its knowledge base is limited to the data it was trained on and may not include recent developments.
  • No Emotional Intelligence: It cannot understand or respond to emotional nuances in conversations.

For example, when asked to generate test questions, it may create plausible-sounding but incorrect or unbalanced options. Similarly, when generating quotes for academic work, it can fabricate sources, emphasizing the need for verification.

This webpage was inspired by the University of Nebraska Omaha’s efforts to explore ChatGPT in education. Special thanks to UNO for their valuable resources and leadership in this area.