What is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and How Should I Approach It?

ChatGPT is an Artificial Intelligence tool that generates text in response to a user's question.

On January 11, 2024, I conducted an interview with ChatGPT, asking it the following questions:

Me:

What are you?

ChatGPT: 

I am ChatGPT, a language model created by OpenAI. I'm part of the GPT-3.5 architecture, which stands for "Generative Pre-trained Transformer 3.5." I'm designed to generate human-like text based on the input I receive. My purpose is to assist and provide information to the best of my abilities. If you have any questions or if there's something specific you'd like to know, feel free to ask!

Me:

What is AI?

ChatGPT:

AI stands for "Artificial Intelligence." It refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think, learn, and perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. These tasks include problem-solving, understanding natural language, recognizing patterns, speech recognition, visual perception, and decision-making.

AI can be categorized into two main types: Narrow AI (or Weak AI) and General AI (or Strong AI).

1. Narrow AI: This type of AI is designed and trained for a specific task or a narrow set of tasks. Examples include virtual assistants like Siri or Alexa, image recognition software, and recommendation algorithms.

2. General AI: General AI refers to a type of artificial intelligence that possesses the ability to understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks at a level comparable to human intelligence. General AI is still largely theoretical and has not been achieved as of my last knowledge update in January 2022.

AI technologies can be further divided into machine learning and deep learning. Machine learning involves training a model on data to make predictions or decisions, while deep learning is a subset of machine learning that involves neural networks with many layers (deep neural networks).

AI is used in various fields such as healthcare, finance, education, robotics, and more, and it continues to advance rapidly, contributing to innovative applications and solutions.

Me:

I am an educator. Should I allow my students to use you?

Chat GPT:

The decision to allow students to use AI tools like me, ChatGPT, in an educational setting depends on various factors, including the educational goals, the specific context, and the age group of the students. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision:

1. Educational Goals:

   • Determine whether the use of AI aligns with the learning objectives of your course.
   • Assess if interacting with AI can enhance students' understanding of the subject matter or if it might serve as a valuable tool for research and exploration.

2. Age Appropriateness:

   • Consider the age and maturity level of your students. Some AI interactions may be more suitable for older students who can critically evaluate the information provided.

3. Supervision and Guidance:

   • If you decide to allow students to use AI, provide clear guidelines on its appropriate use.
   • Encourage students to use AI as a supplement to their learning, emphasizing that it should not replace critical thinking or their own efforts in understanding the material.

4. Potential Risks:

   • Be aware of potential risks, such as the possibility of students relying too heavily on AI-generated content without proper verification.
   • Address issues related to plagiarism and ensure that students understand the importance of giving credit to original sources.

5. Ethical Use:

   • Discuss the ethical implications of AI and promote responsible use.
   • Educate students about the limitations and biases that may exist in AI systems.

6. Feedback and Evaluation:

   • Solicit feedback from students about their experiences using AI in the learning process.
   • Assess the impact of AI on their comprehension, engagement, and critical thinking skills.

Ultimately, integrating AI tools into education can be a valuable and innovative approach, but it's essential to approach it thoughtfully and consider the specific needs and goals of your educational environment. Providing guidance, setting expectations, and fostering a balance between technology and traditional learning methods can contribute to a positive and effective educational experience.

Me:

Let me be more specific, I'm an educator at a technical college. Should I allow my students to use you?

ChatGPT:

Allowing students at a technical college to use tools like me, ChatGPT, can be a decision based on the specific needs and goals of your educational program. Here are some considerations to help you decide whether to incorporate AI tools into your technical college environment:

1. Relevance to Technical Education:

   • Consider whether the use of AI aligns with the technical skills and knowledge your students need to acquire.
   • Evaluate if AI tools can enhance learning experiences in areas such as programming, data analysis, or other relevant technical subjects.

2. Practical Application:

   • Assess how the use of AI aligns with real-world applications in the technical field. If AI is a relevant and practical tool in your industry, incorporating it into your curriculum may provide students with valuable experience.

3. Skill Development:

   • Determine if using AI tools can help students develop skills relevant to their field, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and familiarity with emerging technologies.

4. Ethical Considerations:

   • Discuss ethical considerations related to AI, ensuring that students understand the responsible and ethical use of AI technologies.

5. Supervision and Guidance:

   • Provide guidance on the appropriate use of AI tools and make it clear that they should complement, not replace, students' efforts in understanding and applying technical concepts.

6. Integration with Curriculum:

   • Integrate the use of AI into specific courses or projects where it can enhance learning outcomes, rather than using it as a standalone tool.

7. Feedback and Assessment:

   • Gather feedback from students about their experiences using AI in the learning process.
   • Consider how you will assess the impact of AI on their understanding, problem-solving abilities, and technical skills.

8. Resource Availability:

   • Ensure that the necessary resources and support are available to facilitate the use of AI tools in your educational setting.

Remember that the decision to incorporate AI into your technical college's curriculum should be purposeful and aligned with the educational objectives of the program. Providing students with exposure to relevant and cutting-edge technologies can contribute to their readiness for the workforce. It's also important to stay updated on industry trends and advancements to ensure that your curriculum remains current and prepares students for the demands of the technical field.

Me:

What can you do?

ChatGPT:

I can assist you with a variety of tasks and provide information on a wide range of topics. Here are some things I can do:

1. Answer Questions: I can provide information on general knowledge, science, technology, history, and many other subjects.

2. Generate Text: I can help you draft emails, create content, or generate creative writing pieces.

3. Language Translation: I can assist with language translation to some extent, though I'm not as proficient as specialized translation tools.

4. Coding Help: I can provide guidance on programming-related queries, offer code snippets, and help with understanding programming concepts.

5. Learning Assistance: I can assist with explanations and clarifications on various educational topics.

6. Problem-Solving: I can help brainstorm solutions to problems or provide ideas for projects.

7. Conversation: I can engage in casual conversation, discuss various topics, or even tell you a joke.

Remember that while I can provide information and assistance, I do not have personal experiences or opinions. Additionally, I should not be used as a substitute for professional advice in areas such as legal, medical, or financial matters. If you have specific questions or tasks in mind, feel free to let me know, and I'll do my best to help!

Me:

Tell me a joke.

ChatGPT:

Sure, here's a joke for you:

Why don't scientists trust atoms?

Because they make up everything!

Me:

What can't you do, ChatGPT?

ChatGPT:

While I can perform various tasks and assist with a wide range of queries, there are certain limitations to be aware of:

1. No Personal Opinions or Experiences: I don't have personal opinions, feelings, or experiences. My responses are generated based on patterns and information present in the data on which I was trained.

2. No Real-Time Information: I don't have access to real-time data or the internet. My knowledge is based on information available up to my last training cut-off in January 2022.

3. Not a Substitute for Professional Advice: I should not be used as a substitute for professional advice, especially in areas like medical, legal, or financial matters. Always consult with qualified professionals for such advice.

4. Limited Context: I generate responses based on the input provided in the current conversation. If the context is not clear, my responses might not be accurate or relevant.

5. No Memory of Past Interactions: I don't have the ability to remember past interactions or store personal data. Each session is stateless.

6. Potential for Biases: My responses may unintentionally reflect biases present in the data on which I was trained. It's important to critically evaluate the information I provide.

7. No Creative Ownership: I don't have creative ownership of the content I generate. If I produce a piece of text, it is not an expression of personal creativity or original thought.

Understanding these limitations can help ensure that interactions with me are used appropriately and effectively. If you have specific concerns or questions, feel free to let me know!