Exploring ChatGPT’s Potential

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Topics: Ethics, School Administrator Magazine, Technology & AI

October 02, 2023

Appears in October 2023: School Administrator

Collective insights from superintendents gathered at a recent forum lead to advice on navigating AI’s opportunities and concerns

Quintin Shepherd and adult woman leaning over children's desks — Quintin Shepherd (center), superintendent in Victoria, Texas, believes educators will be challenged to decide on policies and practices dealing with the ramifications of artificial intelligence. PHOTO COURTESY OF VICTORIA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize K-12 education by providing new ways for students to learn and for teachers to teach. Since the launch last November of ChatGPT, an AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, the past year has seen an explosion of ideas and opinions about how to incorporate new AI tools.

The tools currently available to educators are all considered narrow AI (or weak AI) because they operate within the constraints of the training data and architecture it is based on. Unlike what’s known as artificial general intelligence, these tools cannot autonomously learn, adapt or develop new skills outside of a pre-defined framework.

As educators explore the integration of these fast-developing technologies into their classrooms, school system leaders will need to address the myriad opportunities, concerns and challenges that arise. We see several key themes emerging from a series of conversations among a group of 35 superintendents at an international education leaders’ conference early in 2023.

Their insights came from ThoughtExchange’s collective intelligence and survey platform and a weekend of robust and forward-thinking conversations. The ChatGPT app had just been released, and it felt like a frontier in many ways. Although we have come a long way in a short time, much of this conversation remains uncharted frontier.

By sharing their thinking, we aim to provide guidance for school administrators to harness the potential of AI while navigating the complexities of implementation.

From safety and security to teacher support, curriculum and instruction, student learning outcomes, professional development, community involvement and ethical considerations, the concerns surrounding AI integration in education are sundry and diverse. To address them, schools will need to develop a holistic approach that combines clear guidelines, comprehensive support and active community involvement. Responsible integration of AI technologies in education ultimately may lead to more innovative, adaptable and engaging learning experiences for students.

Threatened Staff

A major theme from this gathering related to the development of effective strategies to support teachers who feel threatened by artificial intelligence technology. One superintendent highlighted the importance of avoiding an unproductive narrative among the staff. To help teachers understand how it can be used, teachers need opportunities to see AI technology in action through workshops and classroom visits. They also will need professional training on integrating AI into their instruction.

We see a multi-step approach:

No. 1: Awareness. Organize informational sessions, webinars or workshops to introduce teachers to the benefits and capabilities of AI. Share success stories and use illustrative cases to demonstrate how AI can enhance their teaching and improve learning outcomes.

No. 2: Training. Provide comprehensive training, resources, tutorials and guides to help teachers become comfortable with AI, ensuring ongoing support for troubleshooting and questions.

No. 3: Collaboration. Build cooperative practices by creating spaces for teachers to share experiences, tips and best practices when using AI tools through online forums, social media groups or in-person meetings.

No. 4: Incentives. Encourage adoption of new technology through incentives, including recognition for innovative use, financial incentives for training completion or achieving milestones and professional development opportunities.

No. 5: Integration. Work with teachers to integrate AI tools into the existing curriculum and lesson plans, providing templates and examples to illustrate potential applications.

No. 6: Evaluation. Evaluate the impact of AI tools on teaching and learning by gathering feedback from teachers and students, analyzing data and identifying areas for improvement. Use this information to refine implementation and provide additional support as needed.

Developing Competencies

A second theme revolved around curriculum and instruction, particularly at the high school level. To address this, we suggest focusing on developing new skills and competencies for students. Students must learn about AI and its potential impact on society and develop new ways of learning that prioritize conversation and observation. Additionally, we must consider integrating AI into the curriculum in ways that align with existing standards.

To address the changing landscape of education and evolving workforce needs, a shift in focus toward developing specific new skills and competencies for students becomes crucial. This includes technical proficiencies, such as understanding basic algorithms and coding, and the capacity to engage with AI systems.

We also want to enhance their critical thinking skills so they can approach AI not just as end-users but as informed and discerning citizens. These skills can enable them to understand the potential impact of AI on society, economy and ethics and to participate actively in debates surrounding AI use and regulation.

Creating opportunities for students to learn these competencies requires innovative approaches to instruction. The use of a tool such as ChatGPT can provide rich, interactive and adaptive learning experiences. In English or social studies classrooms, teachers are beginning to use the GPT language model to simulate interactive dialogues with historical or literary characters. In science or math, teachers are beginning to use it to solve problems step by step or to generate new problems for students to tackle. Such AI-facilitated experiential learning prioritizes conversation and observation, fostering students’ understanding in a more immersive and engaging way.

The successful integration of AI into the curriculum involves careful consideration of existing standards and learning outcomes. AI should not be introduced as an isolated subject but woven seamlessly into the broader educational objectives. In other words, the goal is not to simply add a new layer to the curriculum but to recalibrate the curriculum such that the AI-based activities align with and enhance the existing standards.

Colleagues around the country are working to develop new skills and competencies for middle school students to thrive in a world with AI by implementing an interdisciplinary AI-focused curriculum. This includes teaching AI concepts, promoting critical thinking about AI’s impact on society and adopting new assessment methods. We should strategically design a comprehensive AI literacy curriculum, collaborate with key stakeholders to gather feedback on the proposed course, identify potential challenges and secure the resources for implementation.

We foresee the AI literacy course as a mandatory or elective subject that promotes project-based learning to help students acquire practical skills and comprehend the real-world impact of AI.

Assessment Practices

Student learning outcomes emerged as a theme, with a need to use AI to develop critical thinking and curiosity in students. Assessment of students in this recalibrated curriculum would need to evolve too.

Traditional standardized testing may not sufficiently capture the spectrum of skills and knowledge students would gain. Thus, alternative modes of assessment, such as project-based assignments or performance tasks where students demonstrate their ability to engage with AI systems, should be incorporated. To address this, we must shift assessment practices toward conversation and observation and encourage students to engage in research, inquiry and other forms of critical thinking.

Examples of AI use in assessments include these three:

Adaptive testing. AI-powered adaptive tests automatically adjust the difficulty level of questions based on a student’s performance, generating practice questions tailored to each student’s ability level. AI can analyze responses in real-time, provide clarifications and tailor questions to better identify strengths and weaknesses.

Automated essay draft reviews and scoring. AI can assess grammar, syntax, coherence and content, helping students identify areas for improvement before submitting their final work. This saves teachers time and allows students to receive valuable feedback more quickly. AI also can provide writing assistance, helping students generate ideas, create outlines and refine arguments.

Performance-based assessment. AI can analyze students’ performance on complex tasks such as problem solving, group projects and presentations. By evaluating a student’s actions, decisions and interactions, AI can help identify areas of strength and areas that need improvement, particularly in assessing soft skills such as collaboration, critical thinking and communication.

In all these examples, AI has the potential to make assessment more efficient, accurate and personalized, while also providing valuable insights that help educators tailor their instruction to better meet the needs of their students. By leveraging AI’s capabilities, teachers and administrators can enhance the educational experience for students and educators.

The Right Question

Before we rush headlong into the future with the answer, maybe it’s best we step back and make sure we are asking the right question. Instead of asking “what should we do?” perhaps a better question is “how should we do it?” Successful integration of AI technologies will find us relying on the basic leadership skills we all have been using since we first began in educational administration: listening, seeking feedback, supporting teachers, planning, problem solving and iterating, to name a few.

Integrating AI in education holds the potential to transform teaching and learning methods. Nevertheless, we must proceed cautiously and thoughtfully, addressing concerns of safety and security, teacher support, curriculum and instruction, student learning outcomes, professional development, community involvement and ethical considerations in AI usage.

QUINTIN SHEPHERD is superintendent of Victoria Independent School District in Victoria, Texas. DAVE MACLEOD is CEO of Thought Exchange in Rossland, British Columbia, Canada.

Three Practical Uses of AI in a School System

In our rapidly evolving education landscape, artificial intelligence is proving to be a game-changing tool with diverse applications across different facets of learning and instruction.

This is evident in many school districts, where we see AI successfully transforming pedagogical strategies and student learning experiences. Simply spend 20 minutes on the social media platform of your choice to see the amazing ways educators are putting AI to work.

What follows are three key areas of AI application within school systems that are very timely: personalized learning for special education, overcoming language barriers and improving writing skills. These examples demonstrate the breadth of AI’s utility in education and how tools such as ChatGPT can be integrated into the fabric of our schools to enhance student achievement and engagement.

Special education and personalized learning for every student.

Artificial intelligence and chat-based language models, such as ChatGPT, are showing promise in the realm of special education. By offering personalized learning experiences, AI can tailor instruction to the unique needs of each student with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders and other special needs.

AI-driven tools can adapt to students’ individual learning styles, track progress and provide instant feedback, leading to better engagement and improved learning outcomes. Moreover, AI can assist educators in identifying students who may be struggling and require additional support or intervention, ensuring no child is left behind.

Overcoming language barriers through AI-powered language learning.

AI-driven language learning tools are breaking down language barriers in the classroom, helping students and teachers overcome communication challenges. For English language learners, AI-powered platforms provide personalized instruction and practice, allowing them to learn at their own pace and build confidence in their language skills. These tools also can facilitate real-time translations, easing communication between teachers and students from different linguistic backgrounds.

In addition, AI can support teachers in developing culturally sensitive instructional materials and adapting their teaching approaches to better accommodate the diverse needs of their students.

Improving writing skills through AI-assisted support.

ChatGPT is revolutionizing the way students develop and refine their writing skills. By providing real-time feedback, suggestions and guidance, this AI tool can help students overcome writer’s block, improve sentence structure and expand their vocabulary. The feedback will be tailored to each student’s proficiency level, offering targeted assistance and promoting self-paced learning. It also enables students to explore various writing styles and genres, fostering creativity and broadening their horizons.

For teachers, ChatGPT serves as a valuable aid in evaluating and providing feedback on students’ written work. AI can analyze texts for grammar, punctuation and coherence, saving educators time and allowing them to focus on more nuanced aspects of writing, such as voice and thematic development. By leveraging the power of the tool, students and teachers alike can experience a more enriching and engaging educational journey, with improved writing outcomes and enhanced student confidence along the way.

— Quintin Shepherd

Empowering the Generative AI Shift

By Adam Garry

Adam Garry standing at from of a room with people listening to him talking about artificial intelligence — Adam Garry (standing), former director of global education strategy with Dell Technologies, exhorts educators at the local level to commit time now to craft thoughtful approaches to AI use. PHOTO BY MICHELLE CRUVER

he expansive possibilities offered by the use of artificial intelligence tools in K-12 education will not materialize without first securing buy-in from stakeholders, most notably the professional leadership of the school system. So how can district leaders and their external partners accomplish that?

As with anything new, gaining buy-in requires understanding individual stakeholders’ short-term and long-term goals and creating unique plans that demonstrate how to reach these goals.

Given AI is developing at such a rapid pace, school leaders should segment their planning by priority and remain flexible to allow room to pivot if plans must be altered, perhaps on a semester-by-semester basis.

Consistent Messaging

A good place to start is thinking about how to prepare your stakeholders to embrace AI. This could include issuing a one-pager on “AI do’s and don’ts” about adopting AI tools in an effective and responsible manner. Urge them to consider how AI can be used in their day-by-day role and what they need to incorporate it seamlessly.

Most importantly, you want to ensure each stakeholder has a basic understanding of how to use AI in their daily tasks and how to do so responsibly. This messaging ought to be consistent across the board.

School districts can address this through the creation of learning modules that explore key opportunities and challenges presented by the adoption of AI. The modules I use cover the available AI-powered tools and resources; integrity, ethics and privacy; teaching techniques; and digital citizenship.

Further, as you plan for incorporating AI into district operations, consider these questions to help make decisions for your school system:

Who will be the “owner” of the plan as it moves from page to practice?

What technology is needed to support the plan?

Have all risks been considered, namely privacy, security and ethical behavior?

Does the student code of conduct need to be updated to account for new technology or risk concerns?

How can the plan be evaluated for effectiveness?

Do you need to revisit your academic integrity policy? How will you define original work?

A Proper Future

Generative AI technology has the power to transform the way we teach and learn. Education leaders have the duty to ensure its use is responsible and equitable. I encourage everyone to join the conversations taking place locally and nationally around AI to create an inclusive, efficient and innovative educational landscape benefiting all learners.

Adam Garry is an educational consultant in Raleigh, N.C.

Primed for ChatGPT’s Empowerment of Teachers and Students

By Helen Crompton

Helen Crompton, who has conducted extensive research on ChatGPT, offers ways teachers can leverage the technology in their work. PHOTO BY BILL TIERNAN

The world was taken by surprise when ChatGPT, an advanced artificial intelligence system, was unleashed last Nov. 30. Its remarkable capabilities have sent shockwaves across the globe. ChatGPT even caught me, an AI researcher, by surprise.

I am excited as I see the potential of what ChatGPT can do for education. This is a tool that promises to democratize learning as it gives individuals access to knowledge without specialized training or expensive resources.

I have conducted extensive research on ChatGPT, including a systematic process to gather all the current studies on ChatGPT. Using the findings of those studies, I identified trends in its uses in teaching and learning as well as the challenges and limitations.

Leveraging expertise as both a researcher and a seasoned classroom teacher, I have explored ways ChatGPT can benefit the educational landscape. In particular, I foresee two special ways that teachers can leverage this technology: content creation and tutoring support. These applications have the potential to revolutionize pedagogy and school system operations.

Empowering teachers with content creation

Dedicated teachers invest significant time in crafting exceptional learning experiences for their students. Now, educators can leverage ChatGPT to extend their content creation process. Imagine a teacher trying to design a captivating lesson plan on plate tectonics and earthquakes for 5th graders. Simply by posing the question to ChatGPT, the artificial intelligence will provide a well-crafted, comprehensive lesson on the topic. What’s more, teachers can request ChatGPT to align the plan with students’ different learning styles, catering to visual learners and other preferences.

ChatGPT also can assist in generating supplementary learning materials. From developing questions that complement the lesson plan to creating multilingual concept descriptions and glossaries for varying ability levels, ChatGPT proves to be a versatile ally. It even lends itself to crafting interactive games and collaborative activities and conducting virtual experiments with extensive possibilities.

The technology, however, should complement, not supplant, human expertise. Following ChatGPT’s content generation, educators must exercise their professional judgment to scrutinize the materials through their experienced lens. While AI is formidable in its logical capabilities, it cannot replace the personalized understanding that teachers possess.

In my classes, rather than assigning papers at the end of the class, I have students debate a topic with ChatGPT. I provide a few debate topics to the students connected to the main subject in class and then provide the initial prompt script to the students. They put the prompt into ChatGPT with their topic and conduct the debate. The students hand in the full discussion as the assignment submission.

Expanding student tutoring support

ChatGPT is an excellent resource for students. Teachers can have their students use ChatGPT to supplement their own instruction and support, especially when they are not available. It may be useful for empowering students and giving them ownership of their learning.

Picture a high school student about to embark on a challenging chemistry class, grappling with the content. Students can ask ChatGPT to provide a glossary of keywords, study techniques and advice on common hurdles they may encounter. As they progress in the course, ChatGPT becomes their on-demand tutor, clarifying complex concepts, illustrating real-world applications and igniting creativity for essays, projects and presentations. When preparing for assessments, students can engage ChatGPT in interactive quizzes, receiving precise feedback on their responses and guidance on areas needing improvement.

In my classes, I provide my students with ideas on how they can use ChatGPT and similar tools for learning. This shows them specific ways to harness artificial intelligence to amplify learning with prompt starter examples.

Helen Crompton is executive director of the Research Institute for Digital Innovation in Learning and a professor of instructional technology at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va. Twitter: @hcrompton

Devising Policies and Guidelines for AI in Schools

School districts can begin to develop policies and guidelines for the responsible implementation of AI and chat-based language models such as ChatGPT using the insights shared by superintendents participating in the 2023 forum referenced in the accompanying article.

A collaborative approach involving teachers, administrators, students, parents and community members should be used to shape these policies.

First, districts should establish a dedicated task force or committee responsible for researching and evaluating AI technologies and their potential impact on education. This group can identify key areas of concern, such as safety and security, teacher support, curriculum and instruction and ethical implications.

The next step would be to draft comprehensive policies and guidelines that address the identified concerns, incorporating best practices and industry standards. These policies should include clear instructions on data privacy and security, measures to prevent AI misuse, and strategies for unbiased AI implementation.

Furthermore, they should outline professional development programs to ensure educators are well-equipped to integrate AI into their instruction effectively.

Once policies are drafted, districts must engage in an open dialogue with stakeholders, gathering feedback and refining the policies as needed. This iterative process ensures a well-rounded, inclusive and responsible approach to integrating AI technology in a K-12 education system.

To maximize the potential benefits of AI-driven policies and guidelines while minimizing the risks, we ought to share our experiences, successes and challenges with fellow education leaders. Through an open exchange of ideas and best practices, school districts can collectively learn from each other’s mistakes and build upon their achievements. This collaborative mindset promotes the development of more effective, equitable and innovative policies that ultimately benefits students and educators alike.

School districts can share their written policies through professional conferences, such as AASA’s National Conference on Education, online forums and collaborative networks, to build a platform for ongoing dialogue and mutual learning. As AI technology evolves, so too must our collective understanding and management of its impact on education. By working together and sharing our experiences, school districts can ensure a brighter, more responsible future for AI integration in the classroom.

— Quintin Shepherd

Quintin Shepherd and Dave MacLeod

Superintendent and CEO

Victoria, Texas and Thought Exchange