Better use of AI as a learning tool

The students wrongly use AI tools such as ChatGTP because, just as calculators, the students should know how to input correctly to learn effectively.

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Use Case Title:

Better use of AI as a learning tool

Description:

ChatGPT can be a handful tool if the students not only understand how to make good prompts but when students know themselves. The first step is humbleness to assume we don't know something and confidently recognize the gap in our learning. To do that, we need to ask ourselves questions constantly. For example, when learning Calculus, we might be challenged to know limits, but first of all, do we truly understand what is function and how it works? It is not shameful not to understand functions. However, assuming it makes us take the next step to learn limits effectively. And that is where AI, such as ChatGPT, can be helpful. In this same example, when the student recognizes they do not know how a function works, the student can create a prompt asking ChatGPT about the definition and the functionality of a function. It is like a Google search but more specific and efficient. Fillling that knowledge gap about functions makes the student more confident to learn calculus because they already have filled the background. After that, the student repeats the process for limits, derivates, and integration. Knowing yourself is vital so that we can step back and have a clear picture of what we need to learn and know when to move on.

Tutorial for Use and Best Practices:

A more concise approach is given in the following step-by-step guide.

  1. Identify your knowledge gap. Assume it.
  2. Use ChatGPT to fill that gap as much as possible. Prompts such as "Explain this to me in simple terms" or "Give me a practical example" help since we are building the knowledge bridge.
  3. Contest ChatGPT. Be skeptical. A lot of times, AI tools are pretty inaccurate, so make sure always to ask the AI tool, "Are you sure you are right?" or "Give more accurate information." If you identify the AI error but the platform does not admit it, don't panic. Move forward. Trust yourself more or better sources than the Artificial Intelligence.
  4. Ask for summaries, bullet points, and examples. Make the knowledge as fixable as possible. You can also ask the AI to create flashcards so that you can integrate them with other tools, such as Anki.
  5. Make sure you understand. Avoid copying and pasting. Engage with the prompt. Make a connection with your previous knowledge.
  6. Have fun. Studying is fun; you need to know how to play. Learning has curiosity as its basis. What are you curious about? Have you identified it? Go back to step 1) and find it out.

Impacts on Learning:

ChatGPT is like a more specialized search bar. Students for years have always used dictionaries, encyclopedias, Google, and now ChatGPT. However, they still should know how to use it properly to learn better. When faced with a challenge, they should understand and know how to approach it. This is what is missing: learning how to learn. Without this approach, the student would still need to know how to use other less modern tools. However, it would be more time-consuming; with AI, the students save more time and, therefore, learn more in a shorter period.

Limitations and Ethical Considerations:

Be skeptical and use other sources to base your learning. The AI is a tool, not a dogma. It should always be contested, mainly when they are not accurate. Always ask if the AI is sure about its answer; you will be surprised how often it is not. Two ways to solve this are 1) to make better questions, specifically about common knowledge and less specific details, and 2) use other sources. Read books, articles, and other websites. That way, you will be learning more than you expected. A tip: feel challenged if that helps.

Inspiration

Students badly use AI tools because students look for answers, but the point of learning is not to answer questions but to know how to ask the right questions.

How to use AI

ChatGPT can be a handful tool if the students not only understand how to make good prompts but when students know themselves. The first step is humbleness to assume we don't know something and confidently recognize the gap in our learning. To do that, we need to ask ourselves questions constantly. For example, when learning Calculus, we might be challenged to know limits, but first of all, do we truly understand what is function and how it works? It is not shameful not to understand functions. However, assuming it makes us take the next step to learn limits effectively. And that is where AI, such as ChatGPT, can be helpful. In this same example, when the student recognizes they do not know how a function works, the student can create a prompt asking ChatGPT about the definition and the functionality of a function. It is like a Google search but more specific and efficient. Fillling that knowledge gap about functions makes the student more confident to learn calculus because they already have filled the background. After that, the student repeats the process for limits, derivates, and integration. Knowing yourself is vital so that we can step back and have a clear picture of what we need to learn and know when to move on.

Step by step guide

A more concise approach is given in the following step-by-step guide. 1) Identify your knowledge gap. Assume it. 2) Use ChatGPT to fill that gap as much as possible. Prompts such as "Explain this to me in simple terms" or "Give me a practical example" help since we are building the knowledge bridge. 3) Contest ChatGPT. Be skeptical. A lot of times, AI tools are pretty inaccurate, so make sure always to ask the AI tool, "Are you sure you are right?" or "Give more accurate information." If you identify the AI error but the platform does not admit it, don't panic. Move forward. Trust yourself more or better sources than the Artificial Intelligence. 4) Ask for summaries, bullet points, and examples. Make the knowledge as fixable as possible. You can also ask the AI to create flashcards so that you can integrate them with other tools, such as Anki. 5) Make sure you understand. Avoid copying and pasting. Engage with the prompt. Make a connection with your previous knowledge. 6) Have fun. Studying is fun; you need to know how to play. Learning has curiosity as its basis. What are you curious about? Have you identified it? Go back to step 1) and find it out.

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