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ChatGPT and Generative AI

Guide of resources and strategies for handling ChatGPT and other AI in the classroom.

About this Guide

Generative AI tools are rapidly evolving technologies that offer new ways to interact with information. Think of them like the internet – they're neutral tools that can be used for good or bad purposes. This guide helps you use these tools effectively and responsibly, especially when it comes to finding and using information for your research.

Students: Before using generative AI for assignments, always check with your professor to make sure it's permitted.

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence tool that generates text based on given prompts.

Let's find out how ChatGPT explains itself! We used the ChatGPT tool on December 1, 2024 and input the following prompts.

Prompt: What is ChatGPT?

"ChatGPT is an advanced language model developed by OpenAI. It is based on the GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) architecture, which uses deep learning techniques to generate human-like text based on the input it receives. ChatGPT can engage in conversations, answer questions, assist with tasks like writing, summarizing, and translating text, and help with problem-solving across various domains.

Key features of ChatGPT include:

  1. Natural Language Understanding: It can comprehend and respond to a wide range of topics, including casual conversation, complex technical subjects, and creative writing.

  2. Context Awareness: ChatGPT can maintain context within a conversation, allowing for more meaningful exchanges.

  3. Language Generation: It can produce coherent and contextually relevant text, making it suitable for tasks like drafting emails, creating content, or explaining concepts.

  4. Versatility: It can assist in numerous applications, such as coding, brainstorming ideas, providing educational support, or even generating fictional stories.

ChatGPT is trained on vast amounts of text data, which enables it to generate answers and suggestions that reflect patterns in human communication. However, it does not have personal experiences, emotions, or access to real-time information unless specifically enabled (for example, browsing or image generation capabilities). It also doesn't "know" things the way humans do, but it uses patterns learned during training to simulate conversation and provide useful responses."

Prompt: What can you do?

"As ChatGPT, I can assist with a wide range of tasks and activities. Here are some of the things I can do:

1. Answer Questions

I can provide answers to factual questions on various topics, such as science, history, technology, culture, and more.

2. Explain Concepts

I can help explain complex concepts in simpler terms, whether it's a difficult academic topic, a technical concept, or just something you're curious about.

3. Writing and Editing

I can assist with writing tasks, including:

  • Drafting emails, essays, articles, and reports
  • Generating creative content like stories, poems, or dialogue
  • Providing suggestions for improving writing or grammar
4. Summarization

I can summarize long pieces of text or articles, helping you grasp key points quickly.

5. Translation

I can translate text between various languages, making it easier to understand content in another language.

6. Problem Solving

I can assist with solving math problems, logic puzzles, coding challenges, or even give advice on strategic decision-making.

7. Programming Help

I can write, debug, and explain code in several programming languages, such as Python, JavaScript, and more.

8. Creative Tasks

I can help brainstorm ideas, create fictional characters, write short stories, poems, or even come up with creative solutions for various projects.

9. Conversation

If you're looking for someone to chat with, I can engage in casual conversation, give advice, or discuss topics of interest.

10. Generate Images

With my image-generation feature, I can create images based on detailed text descriptions you provide (e.g., landscapes, portraits, or conceptual art).

11. Provide Recommendations

Whether it’s books, movies, music, or travel destinations, I can suggest things based on your preferences.

12. Learning and Tutoring

I can tutor you in various subjects, providing explanations, examples, and exercises for practice.

13. Research Assistance

If you need help gathering information or understanding new topics, I can assist with summarizing and exploring ideas or research.

14. Personal Assistant Tasks

I can help with organizing thoughts, setting reminders, and generating to-do lists (though note that I can't manage external calendars directly).

15. Emotional Support

While I can't provide professional mental health services, I can offer empathetic responses, encouragement, or a supportive ear if you're feeling down.

I can do a lot more depending on what you need—just ask!"

More Introduction

The following links provide a more in-depth introduction to ChatGPT.

Conversation with Harper Faculty about ChatGPT

The following is a video recorded on 2/2/23 between Mike Vanlandingham (Student Conduct), Jennifer Lau-Bond (Library), Dr. Michael Horton (Philosophy), and Dr. Pearl Ratunil (English). The conversation, recorded for Dr. Ratunil's ENG 102 students, prompts students to consider the issue of ChatGPT from various practical and ethical perspectives. 

Feel free to share this video with students.