In my previous posting, I wrote provided (with help from ChatGPT!) advice on how students can use ChatGPT (and related “generative A.I.” services) in their work ethically, and (hopefully) without running afoul of their school’s rules about academic integrity.
Below is small part of a chat I had with ChatGPT, about that very question. In particular, it’s about what actual tasks ChatGPT (etc.) can help a student with, more or less without worry. Once again, I’ll provide ChatGPT’s answers, and also add my own comments [in parentheses.]
Me: “What things can you [ChatGPT] help me with as I go forward [in writing an essay]?” [The previous part of the chat had already made clear that I wanted only the kinds of help that were consistent with maintaining integrity.]
ChatGPT responded:
As you continue working on your essay, I can provide assistance in several ways:
- Clarifying concepts: If you come across any concepts or ideas related to [the topic] that you find confusing or need further clarification on, feel free to ask. I can help explain complex concepts in a clear and concise manner. [This is mostly true, but students should be cautious: ChatGPT can be wrong, though in my experience it is seldom wrong on basics. However, ChatGPT may provide a different spin on a concept than your professor does, so beware.]
- Brainstorming ideas: If you’re having trouble generating ideas for your essay or need assistance expanding on the key elements of [the topic] , I can help you brainstorm and provide suggestions to stimulate your thinking. [This is good advice. Brainstorming, getting the ball rolling on a topic, is one of the better uses of ChatGPT for students.]
- Providing examples: If you need examples to support your points or illustrate the key elements of professional communication, I can provide relevant examples from various fields or industries to enhance the clarity and persuasiveness of your arguments. [Again, yes, probably. But there’s no guarantee that ChatGPT will be correct. The key, from an academic integrity point of view, is to put the example into your own words, rather than copying-and-pasting the example directly from ChatGPT.]
- Reviewing your work: Once you have a draft of your essay, I can help review and provide feedback on your content, structure, and overall coherence. I can identify areas where you may need to provide more clarification or strengthen your arguments. [This is a terrific idea. Don’t ask ChatGPT to fix the problems, though. You’re best to ask it to spot the problems and then you should fix them yourself.]
- Offering writing tips: I can provide general writing tips and suggestions to improve the clarity, organization, and effectiveness of your essay. This includes advice on sentence structure, paragraph development, and transitioning between ideas. [Again, good idea. Don’t have the A.I. re-write for you: have it provide feedback. This way, you’ll actually learn, and make fewer mistakes in future.]
- Answering specific questions: If you have specific questions related to [the topic] or any aspect of your essay, feel free to ask. I can provide detailed responses and help you find the information you need. [Be very cautious. As noted above, an A.I. can be wrong about this sort of thing, or may provide an understanding of technical concepts that differs somewhat from what your professor has taught, which is worrisome.]
Please note that while I [ChatGPT] can offer guidance and support throughout the writing process, it’s important to use my assistance as a supplement to your own understanding and critical thinking. Remember to always review and revise your work independently to ensure its quality and originality.
So there you have it. Basically, if you’re a student, you should treat ChatGPT (and similar services) like a smart room-mate or friend or older sibling. They can brainstorm with you, make suggestions, come up with a good example for something you’re trying to explain, and they can proof-read for you and suggest improvements. They cannot (ethically) write your paper for you. But still, the stuff they can ethically do for you could be a huge help.