I’m Alexander Likhtman, founder and head of ITCOMMS. We provide PR services to tech leaders such as Logitech, Binance, Acer and others IT companies.
The availability of ChatGPT sparked a surge of interest, with people experimenting to find out what it could do for them. Some people are using it to generate templates, code, and design. I considered the potential advantages of ChatGPT in education. I’m passionate about learning and strive to make the most of my experiences. In theory, today you can usually forgo studying; an AI-based bot can answer any of your questions and compose a thesis that will satisfy even the most demanding teacher.
I pondered:
Could ChatGPT revolutionize remote education? Do we need proprietary online courses or EdTech platforms with a unique approach to e-learning? I conducted an experiment with a chatbot.
The results of ChatGPT and my conclusions about its usefulness are outlined in this article.
Choosing Online Courses
I want to develop critical thinking skills. Without a doubt, this skill is essential in today’s world. What does someone typically do when they want to learn something? Of course, they conduct a Google search. This is a quick and easy way to find the information they need. Along with critical thinking schools and e-courses of varying popularity, the search engine will display educational platforms such as Coursera, and Udemy.
How can I select the resource that will provide the most comprehensive knowledge and is tailored to my needs? Should I review student feedback or ratings? It’s a viable choice. Is there any guarantee that the students’ brains are structured similarly to mine and that their learning capacity is comparable? Are the reviews on stand-alone school and course websites generally trustworthy? Is there any guarantee of their accuracy?
Presumably, I don’t trust individual online course authors or creators, as there is no guarantee of their accuracy. I can then explore edtech platforms. Statistics and reviews are plentiful, and they appear to be reliable. Exploring them is worthwhile. I found the following information about critical thinking on the most popular e-learning platforms:
Coursera
Search results on Coursera reveal 518 courses that focus on developing critical thinking skills.
Udemy
Offers many more programs upon request that mention “Critical Thinking” and offer to improve your critical thinking skills. Udemy offers a discounted rate of $17 for all courses.
After researching various programs online, you can select the one that best fits your needs based on its description. If you’re looking for a new subject to study, it can be difficult to accurately evaluate the course content. You only rely on random chance. So you select a course to follow a learning matrix created by an expert. This matrix includes a timeline, milestones, and chunks of knowledge filled with relevant content. The courses have been compiled according to the specifications of the methodologist, including length and format. You would show up regularly to learn and do your homework.
According to the data from the course, 85% of private course trainees drop out after their initial lessons.
The research by Teachers College, Columbia University, shows that the completion rate at MOOC courses is 15% or less. Data from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2019 revealed a staggering 96% dropout rate over the last five years. Perhaps this isn’t only about a lack of motivation and discipline, but also about the fact that the course selected on its description alone, ended up being uninteresting, too complicated, or too simple for the participants.
If you still want to learn, what options do you have? Today, almost all knowledge is accessible on YouTube. Courses will help you spend your money and obtain certificates. It’s great for your employment and displaying badges on LinkedIn, but knowledge can also be acquired in alternative ways.
Making the Most of Online Courses with ChatGPT’s Guidance
ChatGPT has revolutionized the way we learn. If you’re motivated to learn, you can use AI to create a personalized training program for yourself. I took the initiative to carry out an experiment.
So, I want to develop my critical thinking skills. I started with asking ChatGPT, “What is critical thinking?”
Here’s the answer. It’s clear and succinct.
My next question to ChatGPT was: “What topics should I search in Youtube and in what order to learn critical thinking myself?” -
Here’s what I got from the AI:
“There are numerous resources available online to help you hone your critical thinking skills. Here’s a suggested procedure for learning critical thinking using YouTube videos:
Start by learning the basics of critical thinking. This includes understanding its definition and mastering key skills. Search for videos that explain the concept of critical thinking and the various forms of thinking, including analytical, creative, and reflective.
Next, focus on learning the tools and techniques of critical thinking, such as questioning assumptions, evaluating arguments, and considering different perspectives. Search for videos that demonstrate how to use these tools and techniques in actual scenarios.
Learn how to use critical thinking to analyze real-world issues, like assessing news stories, political claims, and scientific claims. Search for videos that show how to assess evidence, recognize logical fallacies, and contemplate alternative explanations.
Learn how to use critical thinking in your own thought processes and when making decisions. Search for videos that offer exercises and activities to enhance your critical thinking abilities.
Finally, you can delve into other aspects of critical thinking, such as making decisions in uncertain situations, applying scientific thinking, and considering critical thinking in the digital era.
Examples of channels that provide a wealth of content on critical thinking include The School of Life, Khan Academy, and Ted Ed.
Remember that honing critical thinking skills requires both time and training. Therefore, make sure to set aside time each day to watch videos and practice your critical thinking abilities.
What did ChatGPT do for me?
It tailored a program to meet my educational needs. The topic was divided into logical chunks, sequenced, and linked to relevant videos. In fact, ChatGPT acted as a methodologist for online courses. It performed the same tasks as a traditional methodologist.
Now I can choose the best materials for my training and create a custom program based on my own decisions. I decide what knowledge to receive and when, not someone else. This means that ChatGPT is equivalent to Coursera as an educational tool.
Yes, you may wonder, what about homework and teacher feedback? Firstly, not all online courses provide interactive content. Secondly, as a self-test, you can ask ChatGPT to generate 10 questions for you to use to check your work. You can solidify your knowledge, making it clear what else needs to be learned in order to master the topic.
I’m not denying that traditional methods can be effective; I’m simply suggesting an alternative that could potentially supplement them in the future.
Despite the advantages of ChatGPT, it does not provide the opportunity to learn from someone you trust. This is where a teacher’s personal brand can be beneficial. Teachers with strong personal brands make it easy to choose a course. No more worries!
Summary
AI can collect useful content, making it a convenient solution.
AI can help you create a personalized learning path. No two paths are the same, as AI can tailor the journey to each individual’s needs.
Learning and education don’t always go hand-in-hand. However, they are both essential for personal growth and development.
While writing this article, I encountered an article about how neural networks developed an online course in production. here’s a lot of buzz surrounding ChatGPT and ideas of its use.
Check out my LinkedIn for more posts and thoughts about communication!