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Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Models, and ChatGPT in Writing and Education


Why does it matter? ChatGPT is capable of writing natural language text that can be used to complete essays and other assignments. Faculty are concerned about students using ChatGPT to cheat and avoid genuine critical thinking. Educators need to understand what advancements in AI mean for how writing and learning are assessed. ChatGPT is a window into what is coming in terms of how information is created. AI will offer opportunities for gaining efficiencies in many domains, but the technology is also susceptible to bias and inaccuracy. We need to prepare our students and faculty to understand the benefits and limitations of this technology.

Some Background

General background on current models of AI in education, science, and writing. 5 pertinent points regarding the phenomenon and how teachers and researchers should react. ChatGPT: five priorities for research
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-00288-7?fbclid=IwAR2CnoGG2MMKzb38rVljFygEzDGubVMbAU7jy6Axo5hde0fXePUgnmJEJ-o
Nature 614, 224-226 (2023) doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-023-00288-7

A glossary of ChatGPT related terms
https://www.fastcompany.com/90826308/chatgpt-stable-diffusion-generative-ai-jargon-explained

Implications for Higher Education

ChatGPT: Understanding the new landscape and short-term solutions

The nail in the coffin: How AI could be the impetus to reimagine education

ChatGPT: A Must-See Before the Semester Begins

ChatGPT Advice Academics Can Use Now

OpenAI (company that produced ChatGPT) page on impacts to education
https://platform.openai.com/docs/chatgpt-education

An Example of a statistical AI analysis tool used to aid research:
JSTOR Labs Text Analyzer. Upload texts (papers, etc.) and the JSTOR database will find articles related to the terms used in the text. Application allows you to pick and choose terms to be searched
https://www-jstor-org.lscsproxy.lonestar.edu/analyze/analyzer