The era of artificial intelligence is officially here, and the app that has been spearheading this change is ChatGPT. Used by adults and children alike, this virtual jack-of-all-trades has infiltrated the lives of Singaporeans.
Because of how convenient, accessible and useful it is, many are using it to make their lives a lot easier; especially students.
From proofreading to ideation, ChatGPT is not just helping kids ‘cheat’ on their homework, but offering assistant comparable to that of a teacher. If you’re a parent and your child is using AI for school, you may want to read ahead.
What Is the Purpose of AI?
In a rapidly developing world with vast and complex systems, information overload and limited resources, artificial intelligence might just be one of humanity’s greatest inventions.
In some ways, it’s better than Google.
It helps automate and streamline processes, accelerate outcomes and even do things that the ordinary human mind can’t even begin to accomplish.
But should it be used to help your kids with their homework?
OpenAI, the brains behind ChatGPT, seems to think it’s not an issue:
‘We advise caution with exposure to kids, even those who meet our age requirements, and if you are using ChatGPT in the education context for children under 13, the actual interaction with ChatGPT must be conducted by an adult.’
Sure, they added the caveat of ‘adult supervision’, but using ChatGPT isn’t rocket science.
In fact, it may even be a welcome reprieve in most hectic households where mums and dads are just too busy to help with homework.
ChatGPT: The Future of Education?
Perhaps AI isn’t so bad. After all, what’s the harm in using ChatGPT for homework? Surely there are worse things it to use it for. In fact, the government is entirely supportive of its use in schools but teachers and students.
Surprised? So are we.
‘These technologies are in our midst and will become pervasive over time. Therefore, MOE provides educators in schools and IHLs with guidance and resources to effectively harness it to enhance learning. There are also professional discussion groups amongst our educators to explore its use in the education setting.’
Is ChatGPT the way to a better future or are we just too resistant to change?
Education has changed in so many ways, and so have schools.
Maybe the old-fashioned way just isn’t working anymore.
And maybe it’s even holding our kids back? Perhaps, perhaps not.
The topic is just too nuanced and too new to put such a black and white verdict on it.
It all comes down to how it is used and for what purpose.
Of course, it gets a little murky when kids start using ChatGPT in their college assignments, but thats a story for a different day.
ChatGPT in Schools: The Good and The Bad
We can all probably already guess all the harms and negative effects of using ChatGPT for school and for homework: poor academic performance, low IQ, reliance on technology, etc.
And yes, there have been several reports of AI affecting children’s higher order thinking and problem-solving.
But perhaps in the grand scheme of things, they are probably not being used in the most constructive manner.
Moreover, there have even been some complaints about the app not being entirely reliable or accurate at times.
By that reason alone, most parents will not want their kids using AI to help with homework: ‘What if it teaches my kids the wrong things?’
And that may very well be the case. But let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater.
It is not a lie that AI learning has it issues, but that doesn’t mean it’s not useless. In fact, it may just be able to do things that teachers are not able to do such as:
- accommodate a child’s unique learning style (e.g. visual learner)
- cater to certain learning disabilities or shortcomings (e.g. ADHD)
- create personalised study plans and curriculum
- offer learning aids such as mnemonics or prompts
- provide constructive feedback and areas of improvement
- suggest exercises to the current level of understanding
In some ways, ChatGPT can double as a study buddy or a virtual tutor. Helping your kids revise and integrate more effectively than they would ever achieve in a classroom setting.
This will definitely save cost too for families who cannot afford extra tuition.
Guidelines for Parents: AI for Homework
At the end of the day, it is entirely up to you as the parent(s) to monitor your child’s use of ChatGPT. It doesn’t really matter what statistics we give, as long as they get their homework done, that’s your work done.
So, if you are still relying on ChatGPT or other artificial intelligence programs to help your kids with school, here are some general guidelines:
- Don’t just let them cheat. ChatGPT does not have an in-built parental control to prevent kids from getting all the answers to their homework. Supervise their use of the AI app as best as you can.
- Offer guidance. If your child doesn’t know how to use ChatGPT constructively, show them how. The app works on commands so instead of ‘show me the answers for this’, prompt ‘teach me an easy way to solve this math problem’.
- Expand their horizons. Introduce other more helpful AI tools and apps. There are dozens of AI apps that are better at teaching kids how to learn and revise other than ChatGPT.
- Encourage independence. Avoid letting your kids rely too much or too often on AI. Set a limit of perhaps 10 uses for AI in a week, and for 1 to 2 hours only for homework and revision.
Mind you, these will be hard guidelines to enforce all the time. It’s probably no secret that basically everyone knows what ChatGPT can do now. It’s potential and it’s convenience.
Making AI Work For You
Let’s be honest, AI is as useful for parents as it is for kids. No longer will you be sitting clueless on the dinner table trying to help your child solve a math problem or memorise the countries of the world.
But teach them a better way to use to the best of your ability.
ChatGPT and AI in general is the future of education (whether you like it or not). And it’s time to help your kids take advantage of that.
Perhaps once your child realises just how much ChatGPT can help in their education (beyond just cheating on their schoolwork), they will learn for themselves how to use AI to become a better student. Without you even having to lift a finger.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Mamahood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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