Possibilities of using AI (ChatGPT) for teaching purposes

Amanda Glavaš, Azra Staščik

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Osijek

aglavas@ffos.hr, azra.stascik@gmail.com

Education for digital transformation

Abstract

The progressive development of technology, especially in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), significantly affects all social aspects and different social fields, including education. Among the most famous and widespread forms of AI are chatbots, which are easy to use and user-friendly. 

In this paper, we examine and discuss current application and trends of using chatbots in education, primarily for teaching purposes. Furthermore, the authors have created a lesson plan for one unit using ChatGPT 3.5 in the area of primary education. The entire process (questions and prompts) of creating a teaching lesson plan using AI (conversation with ChatGPT 3.5) is given in the paper and evaluated by authors. To gain the triangulation of results both researchers (authors) carried out the analysis independently. The results show that it is possible for AI to create/generate a lesson plan based only on given learning outcome. Despite all the shortcomings (e.g. accuracy of information), the contribution and advantages of AI for the improvement of the teaching process is unquestionable (in terms of creativity and devising activities for given outcomes, producing examples, saving time etc.). However, for AI to be effective for teaching purposes, as in all other areas, undoubtedly it requires specific skills and competencies of teachers such as critical thinking, content knowledge etc. The authors suggest a follow up research, i.e. giving AI generated lesson plans to teachers in a focus group to analyze it with and without knowing it is AI generated etc.

Nevertheless, it is necessary to conduct further research regarding the application of artificial intelligence for educational purposes, especially taking into account ethical aspects, copyright, etc.

Key words

artificial intelligence, ChatGPT, lesson plan, primary education, teaching