ChatGPT is an AI software that is causing a storm. It is an online model of code that has the ability to produce conversations, and emails and answer an extensive range of questions. It seems the possibilities are endless. This may be why schools and employers are starting to have concerns about it.
If you ask ChatGPT to answer a question about the causes of WW1, you could sit back and watch it produce a convincing essay. Really, it’s incredible. Needless to say, students are becoming clued up on the potential that this site has.
ChatGPT is currently free to use on OpenAI’s website. The software is still in its feedback stage and so OpenAI has made sure it is accessible to as many users as possible.
It was launched on the 30th of November 2022 and since then has been in the public eye for its impressive skills.
Optimizing Language Models for Dialogue
ChatGPT
How Does it Work?
The model is a little bit like a child, a very clever child. As more people use the site, the AI software becomes better at answering problems and dealing with new circumstances.
OpenAI said they “trained this model using Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback”. This means that an initial program was created and then “human AI trainers” acted out conversations with the software. They would act both as the user and the AI assistant.
The company used a previous model of theirs called Instruct GPT. Instruct GPT is a language model that reacts to instructions e.g. “explain”. This basis has allowed OpenAI to create a more conversational language model.
Interview with a student who has used ChatGPT
One of the big fascinations with ChatGPT is the potential that it has to be used in the workplace and specifically within education. Some schools, especially in America, are starting to ban the site saying that it is a method of cheating.
I spoke to a university student who has used the language model for their studies. They wished to remain anonymous.
In what capacity have you used ChatGPT before?
I have used it out of curiosity and then realised it’s potential on small essays and questions on coursework. Even for very specific questions I was surprised with its accuracy.
How was your experience using the software?
I found it very easy to use up until recently when the demand on the site increased.
Do you feel it is an effective platform for students? In what other capacities do you believe it could be useful?
It is definately an effective platform for students across almost all subject of work. Outside of university work it could be used for many other forms of writing.
Do you believe it is ethical and moral for students to use ChatGPT?
At the moment it is not very ethical because courses are not deisgned with the software in mind. Therefore, it is classed as ‘outside help’ and subsequently banned.
Do you feel that educational institutes should use ChatGPT to their advantage or do you feel that they are right to view it as a method of cheating?
At the moment it is a form of cheating. However, I think universities and schools should adapt like they did for calculators. Especially given the lack of progress in education against the backdrop of a world which has progressed so massively.
I asked ChatGPT about its own potential!
I thought it was only right to give ChatGPT a go! Who better to ask about ChatGPT’s potential than ChatGPT itself?
Here’s what it said.
HOW MUCH POTENTIAL DOES CHATGPT HAVE?
ChatGPT has a lot of potential for a wide range of applications, such as natural language understanding, text generation, and conversation modeling. Some examples include chatbots, automated writing and content creation, language translation, and more. Its ability to understand and generate human-like text makes it a powerful tool for many industries and fields. However, it is important to note that like all AI models, ChatGPT’s performance will depend on the quality of the data it is trained on and the specific task it is being used for.
DO YOU BELIEVE CHATGPT SHOULD BE USED BY STUDENTS?
ChatGPT can be a useful tool for students in certain situations. For example, it can assist with language learning by helping students practice writing and speaking in a foreign language. Additionally, it can generate text summaries, essays and reports which can save time for students. However, it is important for students to be aware of the limitations of the model and to not rely solely on its output, but rather use it as a tool to aid their learning. It’s always good to double-check the information and also consult with teachers and other reliable sources.
There we go! The model has spoken! Computer software really is the way forward. The power of AI is only just beginning.
