Chat GPT is the talk of the town, with almost every student having heard about this new AI writing tool, and lecturers and schools on a mission to look for ways to block students from using this software or to find ways to detect when this software was made use of.
With several claims being made about this software and how robots will inevitably take over the world, we decided to sit down with Chat GPT and see for ourselves what this software is capable of.
We started off strong, with the first question targeting the worry lecturers have with regards to this software.
Q: Many lecturers at the University of Malta are worried that students will use Chat GPT to write their assignments. To what extent can Chat GPT write credible and factual university-level assignments?
A: As an AI language model, Chat GPT is capable of generating text that can be credible and factual. However, it’s important to note that Chat GPT is not a substitute for the critical thinking, analysis, and research skills that are required for university-level assignments.
While Chat GPT can help students generate ideas and suggest possible phrasings, it cannot replace the independent thinking, research, and writing skills that are essential for academic success. In addition, it’s important for universities to educate their students on the responsible use of technology and to develop policies and guidelines to prevent academic dishonesty.
While that answer will not be enough to put lecturer’s mind at ease, it shows that Chat GPT is not as capable of writing university-level assignments as much as it is thought.
Furthermore, in a world that is constantly being digitalised, with technological inventions happening regularly, we are at a point were we need to co-exist with technology. Which brings us to our next question: Should university lecturers embrace AI tools?
A: Yes, university lecturers can benefit from embracing AI tools in various ways. For example:
- Automating administrative tasks: AI tools can help automate routine administrative tasks, such as grading and providing feedback on assignments, freeing up more time for lecturers to focus on teaching and research.
- Personalising learning: AI tools can help lecturers personalise the learning experience for their students, such as by tailoring content and resources to individual learning styles and needs.
- Improving research: AI tools can be used to improve research, such as by automating data analysis and text mining, or by helping to identify patterns and trends in large datasets.
- Enhancing teaching: AI tools can help lecturers enhance their teaching, such as by generating content, suggesting discussion topics, and providing insights into student performance and learning outcomes.
- Staying up-to-date: AI tools can help lecturers stay up-to-date with the latest research and teaching trends, such as by providing recommendations for new materials and resources.
Such an answer shows that Chat GPT is not simply an AI tool that is going to do students’ work for them, but can also be of help to lecturers. Many might have been too focused on the negative aspect of Chat GPT, without realising that having this software at hand can help in the day-to-day tasks lecturers perform.
Lastly, we asked the question every one has been dying to know: There have been several claims that AI and robots will one day take over earth. To what degree is that statement true?
A: The idea that AI and robots will one day take over Earth is a popular science fiction trope, but it is not a likely scenario in the real world. While it is true that AI and robots are becoming increasingly capable and ubiquitous, there are several reasons why it is unlikely that they will take over Earth:
- Limited capabilities: AI and robots are designed to perform specific tasks and are limited in their abilities outside of those tasks. They are not capable of independent thought or action beyond their programmed functions.
- Lack of motivation: AI and robots do not have the desire or motivation to take over the world. They are programmed to perform tasks for specific purposes and do not have inherent goals or objectives beyond those tasks.
While it is important to consider the potential risks and benefits of AI and robotics, the idea that they will take over Earth is not a realistic scenario. Rather, we should focus on developing and using AI and robots in ways that are safe, responsible, and beneficial to society.
Our interview with Chat GPT can offer insight into what this software is capable of and to what extend. While it is a new invention and people are still sceptical about this tool, we have reached a point where inventions similar to Chat GPT, and possibly even better (or worse, depending on your point of view), will be created.
What new invention will pop up soon? I guess we’ll have to wait and see!