Feb
2023
The Next Big Disruption – ChatGPT
As an AI language model, ChatGPTÂ doesn’t have information about one’s personal life or experiences but has capabilities that has already begun significant disruptions and here is some information on how it works.
Created by OpenAI, an artificial intelligence research laboratory, it is designed to process and generate natural language. ChatGPT was trained on a vast amount of text data, including books, articles, and web pages, using a deep learning technique called Transformer.
ChatGPT’s primary function is to understand natural language and generate text that is coherent and contextually appropriate. This means that it can understand and respond to a wide range of questions and prompts on a variety of topics, from scientific and technical subjects to more casual topics like pop culture and sports.
ChatGPT can also perform a variety of language-related tasks, such as summarizing text, translating between languages, and generating coherent paragraphs of text on a given topic. One of ChatGPT’s most significant strengths is its ability to learn and adapt. As more data and information become available, it can continually improve its understanding and generate even more accurate and contextually appropriate responses. However, as an AI language model, it is not perfect, and it can make mistakes or produce results that are not entirely accurate.
As a language model, ChatGPT can help humans communicate more effectively and efficiently. It can assist with tasks like writing essays, summarizing articles, or answering questions on a variety of topics. Its capabilities also extend to natural language processing, which can be useful for applications such as chatbots, virtual assistants, and speech recognition.
It is important to note that while AI technology can provide valuable assistance, it is not a replacement for human intelligence or creativity. As humans, we possess unique experiences, emotions, and perspectives that allow us to think critically, innovate, and create new ideas.
In terms of disruptions it can create for Higher Ed… Here are a couple of potential benefits
- AI and machine learning can enhance the learning experience by providing personalized content, assessments, and feedback, which can improve student engagement and retention.
- AI can automate routine administrative tasks, freeing up time for educators to focus on more meaningful tasks like teaching and mentoring.
However, some of the negatives are really significant
- Plagiarism – students can ask ChatGPT to help write papers for classes, essays for a college application, employees can have it write a cover letter that is far more polished than their own writing etc.
- Overuse of ChatGPT will result in less incentive to engage in traditional learning that involves reading and research.
In summary, while ChatGPT and similar technologies have arrived and are here to stay and have the potential to disrupt higher education. It should be used thoughtfully and in ways that enhance, rather than replace, the value of traditional education. That is something that is much easier said than done.
We have had many such disruptions all through the history, though they have accelerated rapidly in the past 50 or so years. Educators and institutions over a period of time have adjusted to these in remarkable ways and I am confident that this will happen this time around too…
Disclaimer: 90% of this blog post was written by ChatGPT and not me!