CheatGPT

We are in a technological boom period.

The rise of AI means that education, work, and technology are more closely entwined than ever. Yet schools are banning the very technology that the workforce is clamoring for.

The issue is that with access to more powerful educational tools, comes greater opportunity to take unethical shortcuts.

So where does the line get drawn?

The rise of ChatGPT

ChatGPT is a clear example of how commonplace and accessible AI has become.

In terms of education, ChatGPT offers students instant answers, explanations, and even essay suggestions – at zero cost, and virtually zero effort.

It’s like having an all-knowing Yoda available 24/7. 

But does convenience come at the cost of learning?

The argument for…

Supporters of Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT argue that they are a valuable learning tool. 

Students struggling to grasp complex concepts? Critical thinking needs a bit of polishing? Research skills not up to par? 

It’s got you covered.

And in terms of accessibility, it provides vital support for students with diverse learning needs.

Chat vs. cheat

However, there is a dark side.

For many unscrupulous students, ChatGPT is just a shortcut to academic dishonesty.

The digital ‘dog-ate-my-homework’ ceases to be an issue if you can crank out 2000 words on Dostoevsky at the click of a button.

When leaned on too heavily, ChatGPT blurs the line between legit learning and outright laziness.

Worse still, output created with bad prompts can lead to information that is just plain wrong.

Finding the balance

So, where should we draw the line? Is ChatGPT a cheat, or an essential tool requiring mastery?

An obvious answer is to use ChatGPT as a supplementary tool rather than a primary source of information. 

This combines the benefits of AI with traditional learning methods, a ‘best of both worlds’ solution.

In the business sphere, it means having qualified trainers who use AI to reinforce their material, rather than simply handing off their duties to an LLM.

The future of training

As AI continues to evolve, it’s clear that ChatGPT and even more powerful emergent technologies are here to stay. They will no doubt become foundational tools for the future.

So should students be banned from using them?  Or should they be encouraged to master them?

The responsibility falls on educators and trainers alike to adapt their teaching methods to modern tools and concepts whilst maintaining integrity.

And businesses? It is clear that businesses need to incorporate AI into their organization. Starting now.  And staff need to be conversant with it.  So it’s important that the younger generations have the opportunity to master these tools.

The question for your business

How are you incorporating AI into your processes and business?

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