ChatGPT is a chatbot launched by OpenAI in November 2022. It quickly gained global attention due to its detailed and articulate answers to human questions. In ‘The Impact of ChatGPT on Education’ (Channel NewsAsia, December 2022), Mr. Jonathan Y. H. Sim (Instructor with NUS Philosophy) joined CNA 93.8FM for a live radio interview to discuss the potential impact of ChatGPT from an educator’s perspective.

Mr. Sim acknowledged the possibility that some students might exploit ChatGPT to complete school assignments supposed to be done by themselves. However, he claimed that while ChatGPT is good at narrating facts, it cannot easily distinguish truths from falsehoods. Moreover, it does not demonstrate critical thinking, which is often present in good human input. Thus ChatGPT may not be very useful when students are given more sophisticated questions.

Furthermore, it is important for educators to teach students how to use ChatGPT in the correct manner. For instance, instead of relying on the AI to complete essay assignments, students can evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of essays generated by ChatGPT, thereby enhancing their own writing skills.

Listen to the radio interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnEvClo3HdU&t=1s