FEATURES
INSPIRATION - AI INTEGRATION WITH OUR DAILY LIVES ; CHAT GPT , ENHANCED PHOTOGRAPHY , ART CREATION FOR FUTURE PLANNING
We have seen the evolution of machines which have overtaken human capability before ; from chess to maths , search engines and cruise control , we know that machines can do better than humans and we have , for the most part , lived with this relatively happily . As Steven Pinker , the Johnstone Family Professor of Psychology at Harvard University , puts it : ‘ What we have now , and probably always will have , are devices that exceed humans in some challenges and not in others ’.
It seems fairly obvious that the research and capability in this field is both steadily increasing and likely to continue : has there ever been a genie put back in the bottle outside of the realm of fiction ? It is also apparent that for all the concerns expressed about AI , there are beguiling positives which offer our species ( and therefore the planet ) great hope .
Some scientists , for example , believe that doctors could soon diagnose Parkinson ’ s disease years before physical symptoms first appear . Building on the understanding that sufferers emit particular secretions in their sweat , researchers are using artificial intelligence to find early signs of the disease in the chemicals in patients ’ blood .
In terms of transportation , with super-machines driving progress , we might soon be travelling at much greater speeds in a much safer manner : Melbourne to London in two hours , anyone ? Elsewhere , others point to a range of new career opportunities likely to be spawned and offer hope that AI , refining and magnifying human intelligence , might quite feasibly lead to the total elimination of disease , poverty , and even war : ‘ the best of times ’.
As educators , it seems sensible to suggest that we must continue to adopt a hopeful spirit , approaching the future with a sound measure of optimistic caution , seeking to reap the benefits while avoiding potential pitfalls . But what does that mean for Scotch College and the here and now ?
MR OLIVIER MARQUET , one of our E-Learning Coordinators , responds to this question , with a specific focus on ChatGPT :
‘ New tools and resources that have the potential to shape the future of education are constantly emerging . One such tool is ChatGPT , an artificial intelligence language model developed by OpenAI . ChatGPT ( GPT stands for Generative Pre-trained Transformer ) is an advanced language model powered by artificial intelligence . It has been trained on a vast amount of text from the internet and can generate human-like responses to text-based prompts . Think of it as a computer program capable of
engaging in conversation , providing information , and generating text based on the given input .
‘ ChatGPT opens new possibilities for high school education by providing access to vast knowledge and information : it can assist students in finding relevant resources , clarifying concepts , and exploring various subjects . Students can ask questions and receive instant responses , fostering a more interactive and engaging learning experience .
‘ One of the significant implications of ChatGPT in high school education is its potential to support personalised learning . By adapting to individual needs and preferences , ChatGPT can help students access tailored educational content , practise problemsolving , and receive feedback on their work . This promotes a more student-centred approach , enhancing academic growth and self-directed learning .
‘ But although ChatGPT offers numerous benefits , it becomes more important than ever for students to develop critical thinking skills , evaluating and questioning material found online , and corroborating information from reliable sources in order to develop their analytical abilities . Parents and teachers should discuss the ethical use of technology , including ChatGPT and other AI tools , in order to affirm responsible online behaviour . ‘ Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionise high school education by expanding access to knowledge and fostering personalised learning experiences . As parents , it is important to understand the capabilities and limitations of ChatGPT and to guide your child in its responsible use , promoting critical thinking skills . By embracing this evolving technology and engaging in open communication , you can help your child make the most of the educational opportunities it presents while emphasising the significance of human guidance and creativity .’ It is tempting to conclude this brief foray into AI with some sort of quip about ‘ Great Expectations ’ helping us to steer clear of ‘ Hard Times ’ but to do so would probably be unwise . We are faced with a very serious issue to navigate and the potential for dramatic change to the way society , and by extension education , operates is very clear .
The road ahead is much less certain , but that should only inspire us further to be the best version of ourselves that we can be . Ultimately , the values and behaviours which have always held us in good stead are those which will help us deal with whatever confronts us now .
DANIEL WIGHTMAN – DIRECTOR , RESEARCH , LEARNING AND TEACHING ( ACTING )
12 Great Scot Issue 169 – September 2023