ChatGPT creates news for SCEA

You may be aware of the discussion taking place regarding ChatGPT across our schools and in the wider community.

ChatGPT is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system that synthesises millions of answers from across the internet into information that can be used by anyone for almost anything.

It is able to put together essays, recite song lyrics to you and even give you a recipe for the cake you are thinking of baking for your line manager this weekend!

The system is only available for users aged 18 years and over, and the Education Department has made the decision to ban it across all public schools in WA. So what does it mean for the future of schooling in SCEA and other institutions?

Will a robot be completing my son’s homework this week?

Our Chief Executive Officer, Dr Graeme Cross, responded to media enquiries recently and was featured in a PerthNow article which can be accessed here:

https://www.perthnow.com.au/local-news/perthnow-joondalup/northern-suburbs-private-schools-open-to-using-artificial-intelligence-c-9650965

Within the SCEA Head Office, our resident educational thought leader, Dr Gregg Weaver, was approached for a comment on how ChatGPT could be a force for educational development rather than the evils of plagiarism and robotic answers in take-home assessments.

Dr Weaver was out working in a SCEA school with staff at the time of SCEA News publication, and so we asked ChatGPT ourselves:

‘What would a knowledgeable Doctor of Education who hails from New Zealand and has more than forty years of experience in schools contribute to this discussion around ChatGPT and artificial intelligence in schools?’

The response:

ChatGPT, as an AI language model, has the potential to enhance the world of education in several ways, including:

  • Personalized learning: ChatGPT could be used to create personalized learning experiences for students, based on their individual needs and learning styles. It could also be used to provide instant feedback and support to students.
  • Accessibility: ChatGPT could make education more accessible to people who face barriers to traditional forms of learning, such as those with disabilities or those who live in remote areas. It could provide an alternative way for these individuals to access educational resources and support.
  • Teacher support: ChatGPT could be used to support teachers by providing them with resources and answers to common questions. It could also be used to help with grading and assessments.

A great answer, but fairly generic.

Then we asked ChatGPT, ‘Despite Dr Weaver’s extensive learning and experience, should we take him seriously given that he supports Geelong Football Club?’

The answer:

“Dr Weaver’s support for the Geelong Football Club has nothing to do with his expertise or qualifications in his field of study. One’s personal interests or affiliations do not invalidate their professional work or opinions.

It is important to evaluate an individual’s arguments and evidence based on their merits rather than dismissing them based on irrelevant factors. Therefore, we should evaluate Dr Weaver’s professional work separately from his personal interests in sports.

Obviously, ChatGPT is only in its early stages of release, and there is a fair bit of learning that needs to take place until it can claim to answer every question correctly! 

Surely the next version will raise concerns about Geelong supporters!

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