ChatGPT

Principal function(s): Autonomous learningGenerative AI

ChatGPT is a generative AI language model that can be used by language teachers and learners in various ways. It uses natural language processing, machine learning, and deep learning techniques to generate human-like responses. ChatGPT can be used for grammar and vocabulary practice, conversation practice, and writing assistance. See more in the “Evaluation” section. ChatGPT was developed by OpenAI. It offers a range of pricing options for individuals and businesses, including a free tier with extensive functionalities. Evaluation: The use of ChatGPT and other generative AI tools for language teaching is still in development. Currently, there are a number of creative suggestions available online, including the following ideas: grammar and vocabulary practice, conversation practice, and writing assistance; idea generation for essays; summarising and simplifying texts. For teachers, it can be useful to create teaching materials. For example, they can write: “Write a fill-in-the-gap grammar exercise with X sentences for B1 students in Portuguese”, or “Provide me with ideas for essay topics about sports in Bulgarian”, to what ChatGPT provides suitable exercises and essay topics. It can thus greatly improve educators’ productivity. For learners, it could be useful for correcting their texts. For example, they can introduce a text into ChatGPT and ask: “Correct this text, identify mistakes and explain to me what is wrong. Then re-write what is incorrect and explain the reasons behind your modifications. I am trying to learn the language so make sure the feedback is insightful”, or: “Tell me by analysing this text what kind of grammar mistakes I usually make and provide me with exercises that will help me correct them”.
In all of the above, detailed prompts for ChatGPT are crucial to produce the desired input. Writing prompts can become a task in itself, encouraging learners to compare the results of specific and less specific instructions.
Potential problems with using ChatGPT:
Factual inaccuracies: sometimes ChatGPT provides false responses as if they were real.
Misuse: students might be tempted to avoid doing their assignments themselves, thus cheating or generating fake assignments.
ChatGPT provides only limited personalised feedback and is less accurate in lesser-used languages.
It can reproduce the biases and inaccuracies present in the training data (i.e. if most of the texts analysed come from Western culture, a majority of the responses will represent Western culture).
Caveat: texts fed into ChatGPT without changing its privacy settings will be re-used by the tool for further training and source material. Thus it is advisable not to “feed it” with sample assignment tasks or responses.
There are dozens of video tutorials on YouTube and other social media about ChatGPT that can provide interesting insight into how to use ChatGPT in a classroom context. For example, have a look at this resource.

Cost: Free + premium options available

Website: https://chat.openai.com/

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