Using GenAI as a learning tool: A personal reflection

1

October

2024

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Generative AI, to be more specific ChatGPT has become a key tool in my learning journey. I do not like to use ChatGPT as a way to do the work for me but rather as an instrument to make learning more fun and productive.

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Some of the advantages I have found is the ability of this tool to turn complex concepts into more digestible and easy to understand explanations. Even recently when learning about UML diagrams I was a bit confused what exactly an object or class was and how they differed. instead of googling and spending time on finding a trustworthy source I could easily find the answer through ChatGPT. Of course there are pitfall to this, if you ask nuanced questions or vague ones the tool can give you a different answer than you actually need without knowing it. So it is important to ensure the questions you ask are clear and something you deem feasible to be asked to such a tool. As generative AI evolves even further, a time will come where it can smoothly ask questions back and ensure it understands the question completely which can reduce the risk of misinformation further.

Furthermore, when I am learning about a new software such as Notion or R, ChatGPT is the first platform I go to for simple functional questions such as “How do I create a progress bar”, or “How do you insert widgets”. This has always turned out correct and an easy way to find a solution.

Even existing platforms such as the famous Duolingo could gain a lot of value and productivity gains when making use of Generative AI improving the language learning experience for its users. Think of things like basic practice conversations which can be continued with the partial information that a learning student can provide. This is just one example, generative AI is not only limited to text-based information. With generated pictures and videos on the rise learning can be improved even further.

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Impact of AI as a disruptive technology on the future of work

11

September

2024

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In class we have discussed about how new emerging technologies do not necessarily have to be disruptive but can rather collide with existing technologies. However, in the case of AI it does not seem like it will have the usual hype cycle for emerging technologies. It seems like a technology that will exponentially grow and make a big change in how society will function, changing most of the current jobs we know today.

There are two common perspectives on the implementation of AI. With some embracing it and seeing it as something that will ultimately benefit society, whereas others are anxious that it will be too invasive and take over their job. As at first it was thought AI was only going to do mundane tasks like data-entry and basic administrative tasks, allowing more time for employees to be efficient and focus their time elsewhere. However now that we are further along with AI applications such as DALL-E and Midjourney which are even creating art works in a few minutes that would take human artists days of effort to create.

Jobs that are projected to be most likely automated but not limited to are: customer service representatives, receptionists, accountants/bookkeepers, sales employees and retail (Talmage-Rostron 2024). Job that are not likely to be replaces are: teachers, lawyers and judges, management and psychologists. (Talmage-Rostron 2024).

So the main question is: Will AI ultimately create more jobs than it replaces, or will there be an issue of job displacement?

In my opinion, in the short term job displacement will happen which impacts the majority of the workforce in some way or another. However there will be those whom are fortunate enough to be able to dedicate time and funds to up/reskilling efforts in order to adapt to the new AI driven job market. Whereas people with less opportunities will not be able to adapt as quickly. Regardless of these factors, I do believe that with the right ethical regulations the disruptive effects of AI implementation could be mitigated. Ultimately making AI and its use cases a net positive for society.

References used: (Mark Talmage-Rostron January 10, 2024) https://www.nexford.edu/insights/how-will-ai-affect-jobs

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