November 15, 2024 – OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence company, released a blog post titled “A Guide to Writing for Students Using ChatGPT” on November 14th. The post advocates for the use of ChatGPT as an educational tool, suggesting that it can aid students in developing rigorous thinking and clear writing skills.
In response to criticisms regarding the use of generative AI in education, OpenAI emphasized that ChatGPT is merely an AI tool. They argued that when used appropriately, ChatGPT can assist students in gaining a deeper understanding of complex concepts. However, they cautioned that misuse of the tool could potentially hinder students’ opportunities to practice and enhance their skills.
To help students make the most of ChatGPT, OpenAI outlined 12 effective methods in their guide. Among these, some notable uses include utilizing ChatGPT to quickly locate original sources for citations, thereby saving valuable research time. Through interactive dialogue with ChatGPT, students can gain a better grasp of intricate concepts. Additionally, ChatGPT can recommend relevant research studies and scholars, although students are encouraged to read the original sources themselves. For specific questions, ChatGPT can provide answers, aiding students in overcoming comprehension obstacles. Students can also seek feedback on their paper outlines from ChatGPT to enhance the logical flow of their writing.
Furthermore, the guide underscores the significance of developing thinking skills through dialogue with ChatGPT. Students are encouraged to employ the “Socratic dialogue” method, posing questions to ChatGPT to further refine their viewpoints. Moreover, ChatGPT assists students in identifying potential counterarguments, thereby strengthening the logic of their arguments.