ChatGPT is a chatbot, but it is not an ordinary chatbot. There are many differences between an ordinary chatbot and ChatGPT.
While the former is built to carry out conversations in a specific domain or context, the latter is designed for any subject on which content is available online.
Another key difference is that a chatbot usually picks up a predefined response for an answer, but ChatGPT, as it is powered by an advanced “language model”, generates human-like responses.
ChatGPT can not only answer questions but can also offer suggestions, give explanations, and engage in interactive discussions.
It can be effectively used to learn many new skills, including programming languages.
ChatGPT-assisted learning (CAL)
Call it ChatGPT-assisted learning (CAL)! It is catching the imagination of students and educators alike in recent times.
ChatGPT being a text-based tool appears to have been made for learning programming languages, which only requires text-based interactions, unlike learning a subject like biology, where reading/writing alone will not be adequate and students necessarily have to lay their hands on living things, and conduct experiments.
Learning in the good old days
In the classroom context, students learn a programming language by understanding the fundamental concepts like variables, data types, control structures (if statements, loops), and functions, first.
In classroom (virtual or otherwise) environments, the inputs come from an instructor. Students also engage in discussions among themselves. Importantly, students practice coding and check how they work. Then came online tutorials, and video courses.
However, the advent of interactive coding platforms came as a big boon for computer science students as these platforms enhanced the learning process tremendously by offering interactive coding environments for the students to practice coding directly in their web browsers and get immediate feedback.
A milestone in interactive learning
ChatGPT is the next big breakthrough in interactive learning.
A major differentiator is that it is highly personal, as students engage in one-on-one conversations with ChatGPT.
It can offer personalised guidance to students based on their learning needs.
CAL in three ways
ChatGPT is a universal guru – because it can “teach” us any subject. But the ways how it can happen are the same, no matter what the subject is – cooking or programming.
Broadly there are three primary ways:
- Asking questions:
ChatGPT can clarify programming concepts, syntax, and language features. Students can ask for explanations and examples, when they are stuck and are unable to solve a specific problem or need help understanding a concept.
The good news is that AI responds to any type of questions – including rudimentary ones that may not be entertained in a traditional classroom environment.
There is no fear of getting the doubts labelled as “absurd” or “silly”. Therefore, students can feel liberated and more importantly, it gives them complete privacy.
- Code review and debugging:
In the context of learning a programming language, a very useful step is “code review”, where a trainer would examine the code written by students from various aspects such as readability, maintainability, correctness, efficiency, security, and so on.
ChatGPT can do that effectively. Students can share their code snippets or describe issues they are facing, and ChatGPT can help identify errors, suggest improvements, or explain the logic behind a bug.
- Guided learning:
ChatGPT can provide step-by-step guidance through programming exercises or projects. Students can describe their learning goals, and ChatGPT can suggest an approach or offer recommendations on how to proceed.
How you ask matters
However, ChatGPT has its own limitations. Unlike a human teacher, ChatGPT is not capable of understanding the unexpressed learning needs of students.
In fact, its responses can vary depending on the way a question is asked. ChatGPT is prone to making errors in interpreting “input phrases”.
For example, asking “What is a variable?” and “Can you define variables?” it might yield slightly different responses from the model, even though both questions essentially ask for the same information.
This happens because ChatGPT processes text input sequentially, and even small changes in phrasing can sometimes lead to different interpretations or outcomes.
Hence, it is important to be mindful of this, when interacting with a conversational AI tool such as ChatGPT and phrase questions or statements in a way that provides clear intent and avoids potential confusion or misinterpretation.
ChatGPT versus Real Teacher
When search engines like Google came along, the relevance of a teacher was put to question.
The advent of ChatGPT has raised the question once more. But there are two ways to look at it, as ChatGPT is a learning tool, it is also a teacher’s best friend, as it can help them prepare teaching materials on the go.
Besides, there are several nuances in human to human interactions. Importantly, unlike a human teacher, an AI tool can never play the role of mentoring and coaching – in other words, have the motivation and compassion, the factors that are crucial for a student’s learning progress.
A ChatGPT response says it all: “ChatGPT can be a valuable resource, it is important to note that it should not replace human teachers entirely.
It is best used as a supportive tool alongside human instruction, providing additional guidance and resources.
Human teachers play a crucial role in fostering critical thinking, social interaction, and emotional support, which are essential components of a comprehensive education.” Amen!