Monday, November 20, 2023

New AIdeas: Prompt Strands for Teachers (and Students) to Try


In the ever-evolving landscape of education technology, one tool stands out as a game-changer for both teachers and students: ChatGPT. This artificial intelligence chatbot is not just transforming how people work and learn but is also proving to be an invaluable resource in the modern classroom. 





Understanding the Basics: What is ChatGPT?

Before diving into its applications, let's understand the basics of ChatGPT. It is an AI chatbot that leverages sophisticated artificial intelligence. Unlike traditional search engines, ChatGPT engages users in conversation, making the process of obtaining information more interactive and personalized.

To familiarize yourself with ChatGPT, consider starting with these prompts:
  1. Explain ChatGPT to me like I am a beginner.
  2. Give me a metaphor for understanding how ChatGPT works.
These prompts not only introduce the user to the concept of ChatGPT but also provide a metaphorical understanding, making the technology more accessible.

Tailoring Education with ChatGPT: A Teacher's Toolkit

One of the strengths of ChatGPT lies in its ability to assist educators in tailoring their teaching methods. Solution Tree Consultant Bill Ferriter has compiled a set of prompts that educators can use to harness the full potential of ChatGPT. Let's explore some key strategies:
  • Customizing Concept Explanations:
    • Prompt for ChatGPT: "I am a [grade level] student. Explain [grade level concept] to me like I am a beginner."
    • Sample: "I am an eighth-grade student. Give me a metaphor to understand how balancing chemical equations works."
  • Generating Diverse Ideas:
    • Prompt for ChatGPT: "I am a [grade level] student. Give me three different metaphors for understanding [grade level concept]."
    • Sample: "I am a third-grade student. Give me three different metaphors for understanding main idea."
  • Creating Classroom Materials:
    • Prompt for ChatGPT: "Can you write a five-paragraph reading passage on [grade level topic] for [grade level] students?"
    • Sample: "Can you write a short story at the first-grade reading level about a kitty and a unicorn that want to be friends and that uses the CH and SH digraphs?"
  • Enhancing Collaborative Teamwork:
    • Prompt for ChatGPT: "Can you unpack this standard: [Paste Standard]?"
    • Sample: "Can you give me four discussion prompts for fifth-grade students learning about the Revolutionary War?"
  • Feedback on Writing:
    • Prompt for ChatGPT: "I am a [grade level] student. Here is my writing piece. Can you critique it for me?"
    • Sample: "I am a sixth-grade student. Can you give me ideas on how to improve my elaboration?"
  • Idea Generation for Teachers:
    • Prompt for ChatGPT: "I am a [grade level/subject area] teacher. I need to teach my students to [grade level skill or concept]. Can you give me some ideas?"
    • Sample: "I am a middle school pottery teacher. I need to teach my students to glaze. Can you give me some ideas?"
  • Supporting Collaborative Teams:
    • Prompt for ChatGPT: "I am coaching a collaborative team on [insert collaborative practice]. Can you give me the three most important points to understand about this topic?"
    • Sample: "I am coaching a collaborative team on the use of common formative assessments. Can you give me the three most important points to share with them?"
Preparing Students for the Future with ChatGPT
Beyond academic support, ChatGPT can play a crucial role in preparing students for a future where AI integration is inevitable. The ability to ethically and responsibly use AI tools is becoming a vital skill. Teachers can guide students to use ChatGPT for various purposes:

  • Feedback on Writing:
    • Prompt for Students: "I am a [grade level] student. Here is my writing piece. Can you give me ideas on how to improve my [writing criteria]?"
  • Concept Understanding:
    • Prompt for Students: "I am a [grade level] student. Can you explain [grade level concept] to me like I am a beginner?"
  • Idea Generation:
    • Prompt for Students: "I am a [grade level] student studying [grade level concept]. Can you generate ideas for a [type of product] I can create on [grade level concept]?"
  • Prioritizing Learning:
    • Prompt for Students: "I am a [grade level] student studying [grade level concept]. Share the most important 20% of learnings that will help me to understand 80% of the topic."

By integrating ChatGPT into the learning process, teachers and students alike can unlock a myriad of possibilities, from personalized concept explanations to generating creative classroom materials. The key lies in understanding the diverse prompts available and creatively adapting them to meet the unique needs of the classroom. As we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of education technology, embracing tools like ChatGPT can undoubtedly empower both educators and learners. Check out Bill Ferriter's complete Slidedeck below: