Curious about how ChatGPT can be used in education? This blog explores how the powerful AI tool is transforming classrooms—helping teachers create customized lesson materials, supporting English Language Learners, giving meaningful feedback more efficiently, and more.
“What is ChatGPT?” That is the exact question I asked my husband when he first told me about the latest program from OpenAI. “It’s going to change how we do everything,” he answered. Curious to learn more, I did my own research into the AI program and what it can offer. A quick Google search showed that ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence program designed to generate responses when given specific prompts. What does that mean? Basically, it’s a chat box that responds to questions. I also found countless publications about how the new technology is being used across the world by teachers and students. While I am no longer in the classroom myself, it’s exciting to see the numerous ways ChatGPT and other generative AI technologies are supporting learning.
One great way ChatGPT can be used in classrooms is to create content examples and non-examples for lessons. When I taught reading and writing workshops, I used literary texts to teach my mini-lessons. While finding reading samples was easier, I had a tougher time making authentic examples for my writing mini-lessons. They needed to be genre-specific to the lesson, and would take up a lot of my planning time to write. However, with ChatGPT, teachers can use it to generate writing samples for mini-lessons in a fraction of the time. Teachers can create content-specific texts to meet their instructional needs. Also, it provides authentic, real-time models that make content meaningful and exciting. I mean, imagine the possibilities with this tool? A primary teacher can teach the use of high-frequency words and vocabulary through the creation of a sample of sentences. A high school Spanish teacher can model accurate grammar and punctuation in Spanish for students. Middle school science and social studies teachers can make exciting narratives to ignite excitement for unit openers. And it doesn’t just need to be used for creating examples. The best way to teach concepts to students is to show them what they are NOT. Non-examples are a great way to support cognitive development and confidence. More often than not, students are reluctant to try something new because they are afraid they will fail. However, with the use of ChatGPT, teachers can normalize mistakes and misunderstandings.
Another great way to use ChatGPT is for support for English Language Learners. When I was an ELL coordinator, I worked with teachers concerned about their ELL students’ understanding of grade-level content. However, after a deeper look, these students’ cognitive abilities were actually appropriate for their grade level. They simply struggled to understand the content in English and needed additional language support. As a reference, it takes approximately 5-7 years for students to acquire a new language and to reach advanced fluency. Unfortunately, our classrooms are not set up to allow this. With pressure for higher test scores, teachers are expected to have the majority of students understand content during Tier 1 instruction. When they don’t, small group teaching or interventions need to be used. However, this is a challenge for most teachers because ELL students require additional language support. Now, what if we flipped that narrative? What if there were a way for teachers to understand students’ learning in their native language? And then use that information to plan lessons? Oh wait, they can! With ChatGPT, teachers and students can translate different languages and use it as a mini language tutor to help with class work. Mind blown! This is greatly needed since we are experiencing teacher shortages and learning disparities post-pandemic. Also, ChatGPT can reduce the trauma ELL students feel from being in a new country and learning a new language. This not only creates confidence, but equity as well.
Lastly, one of the best things we can do for students is to give them frequent feedback. Students care about how they are doing and want to know how they can do better. Unfortunately, giving frequent feedback is extensive and time-consuming. It was something I always struggled with and wished I were better at. ChatGBT can help teachers with giving feedback. By simply typing in students' written work and asking it for errors, ChatGPT will generate areas for improvement. I want it noted that nothing can replace the valuable feedback of a teacher. Teachers should and need to continue finding ways to inform students about their learning. However, ChatGPT can make lesson planning and classroom management easier. It can serve as a proofreader. Students can then revise and edit their first version before the teacher even sees it for the first time. This will make class time more productive because students are not wasting time waiting to meet with their teacher. Yay, ChatGBT to rescue!
To sum up, ChatGPT and other generative AI technologies have transformed how we think about teaching and learning. Also, the reviews show promise for its effective use in classrooms. Already, “about three-quarters of teachers say ChatGPT can help their students learn more and help them grow,” whereas “75% [of students] think [ChatGPT] helps them learn faster” (Prothero, 2023). Clearly, ChatGPT has made an important impact on how we think about learning. But with every new technology, we must know how to use it appropriately. And that goes for teaching our students how to do so as well. Remember, it is a tool to enhance teaching, not replace it. However, it is safe to say it makes teaching more efficient and gives teachers more time to engage with students. So what are you waiting for? Give ChatGPT a try in your classroom today!
To learn more about ChatGPT and ways to use it in your classroom, check out this EducationWeek Article.
References:
Ferlazzo, L. (2023). 19 Ways to Use ChatGPT in Your Classroom. EducationWeek. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
Ford, K. Robertson, K. Language Acquisition: An Overview. Colorin Colorado. Retrieved March 18, 2023.
Prothero, A. (2023). What do Teachers Think of ChatGPT? You Might be Surprised. EducationWeek. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
About the Author:
Mannu is an experienced educational professional with a demonstrated history in both instructional and leadership roles. She is a former intermediate teacher, interventionist, and instructional coach. Her areas of strength include project management, instructional coaching, educational technology, and school-wide instructional planning. Mannu is also an ASCD Emerging Leader, Class of 2019.
