Pros and Cons of ChatGPT in Education.

The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology continues to gain momentum, and one of the current highly discussed topics is the AI technology called ChatGPT (Generative Pretrained Transformer). So, what is ChatGPT? Let’s find out! 

What is ChatGPT? 

ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence technology that can engage in automated conversations with humans using natural language. With its advancing capabilities, ChatGPT can assist people in various fields such as education, business, or healthcare. ChatGPT was developed by OpenAI, an AI research institution based in San Francisco. The research institution was founded in 2015 and is managed by several technology experts and entrepreneurs, including Elon Musk. 

With its intelligence, ChatGPT can facilitate human tasks related to text or writing, such as letter writing, copywriting, essay writing, papers, books, poetry, and even final university assignments like theses, dissertations, and scientific articles. According to a survey by financial company UBS cited by Reuters, the number of ChatGPT users reached 100 million within just two months after its launch in November 2022. In January 2023, there were approximately 13 million daily users accessing ChatGPT, which was twice as many as in December 2022. 

The presence of ChatGPT has sparked pros and cons, particularly in the field of education. Therefore, the Master of Communication Science (MIKom) program at Pelita Harapan University (UPH) organized an online seminar with the theme “Unraveling the Mystery of ChatGPT” on April 1, 2023. The seminar featured Ir. Tony Seno, M.Ikom, a practitioner in the field of Information Technology and Policy Advocacy, and Dr. Fitzerald K. Sitorus, S. Sos., S. Fil., a lecturer in Communication Science at UPH. 

 

Pros and Cons of using ChatGPT in education 

Ir. Tony stated that the existence of ChatGPT has led to remarkable and previously unimaginable advancements. However, he also cautioned that not all information or answers provided by ChatGPT are accurate. ChatGPT can only generate responses based on the input supplied to it. Therefore, it is important to verify and validate the information provided by ChatGPT before using it. 

In agreement with Ir. Tony, Dr. Fitzerald also stated that AI can only generate responses based on the input it receives. 

“ChatGPT is built based on information from the internet, such as Wikipedia, so it may contain errors, biases, inaccuracies, and may lack contextual understanding. Additionally, ChatGPT does not have reflective abilities to realize what it is doing or self-consciousness. Therefore, it cannot generate something on its own, such as having ideas or imagination,” he explained. 

 

3 Tips to Obtain Accurate Answers from ChatGPT  

Ir. Tony provided three tips to minimize inaccurate information from ChatGPT, making it more useful: 

 

  1. Make specific and clear requests while avoiding overly general questions. 
  2. Provide specific context regarding the requested topic. 
  3. Formulate commands in active sentences and request detailed answers. 

Although there are still several challenges to overcome, such as privacy issues, information accuracy, and security, the use of ChatGPT has shown promising results. By continuously improving technology and integrating important aspects such as ethics and sustainability, ChatGPT can be projected as a useful tool to meet human needs in the future. 

In the current digital era, technology continues to rapidly evolve, and the ability to master technology becomes increasingly crucial. Therefore, universities need to adapt their curricula to the latest technological developments and provide students with access to the necessary resources. 

As an educational institution, UPH consistently educates students to be critical and enables them to effectively utilize technological advancements. This is supported by UPH’s curriculum and learning system, which constantly adapts to the latest technological developments. As a result, UPH graduates possess relevant skills and knowledge, enabling them to compete in a dynamic professional world. 

 

Master of Communication Science at UPH 

The Master of Communication Science program at UPH is exclusively designed to meet the increasing demand for professionals with strong theoretical and communication skills. With each course taught by experts in the field, the Master of Communication Science program at UPH aims to shape every student into a competent professional who can make a real impact in the workplace. For more information, please contact 0812-8535-2278 or register here.