The integration of technology into education in today’s digital age is transforming the way students learn and engage with academic content (Holmes & Tuomi, 2022). One of the most noticable and influential developments in this regard is the use of AI-powered tools like ChatGPT (First, 2023). The use of ChatGPT is being seen as a threat and a way for students to cheat on assignments (Yang, 2023). However, in my opinion AI tools like ChatGPT can greatly improve the learning process. An interesting question that arises is whether ChatGPT should be allowed as a co-reader to help students improve their language use, sentence structure, and overall writing skills. Let’s delve into this topic.
The Role of Co-Readers in Academia
Co-readers, typically human tutors or peers, play a crucial role in academia, because they provide invaluable feedback for academic publications. However, access to qualified co-readers is extremely limited for students, leaving many students without this essential resource. ChatGPT would be able to fulfill this role and help students refine their writing skills, enhance language use, and develop a more polished academic style.
ChatGPT: An AI Co-Reader
In my opinion ChatGPT offers four distinct advantages as a Co-Reader. First of all ChatGPT is readily available, making it accessible to a wide range of students. Secondly, ChatGPT can provide instant feedback, allowing students to learn from their mistakes in real-time. Third, AI-based co-readers maintain a consistent level of feedback, avoiding potential variations in quality that may occur with different human co-readers. Lastly, ChatGPT can be tailored to focus on specific writing aspects, such as grammar, style, or coherence, based on individual student needs.
Ethical Considerations and conclusion
The advantages of allowing students to use ChatGPT as an co-reader are clear, however ethical considerations must also be adressed. Students should be encouraged to use the tool as a learning aid rather than a shortcut to academic success. This means plagiarism and misuse of AI-generated content should be prohibted. It’s my view however that when ChatGPT is strictly used as a way of improving academic writing, this should be allowed. After all, help is provided only on language and not on content.
References:
First, M. (2023). How Chat GPT Can Transform Autodidactic Experiences and Open Education?. Research Gate. DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/9ge8m
Holmes, W., & Tuomi, I. (2022). State of the art and practice in AI in education. European Journal of Education, 57, 542–570. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejed.12533
Yang, H. (2023). How I use ChatGPT responsibly in my teaching. Nature Career Column, 1-4.
Really nice blog post. I really like the tips. I use it often to help me with the layout of an article before writing to get some inspiration. Had not thought of this yet!