The post-pandemic era witnessed a significant rise in the use of educational technologies which have artificial intelligence at their core (Hockly, 2023). This is expected to continue growing with the increase of AI trends. In fact, tools like ChatGPT are fantastic classroom pieces-meant to potentially spark critical thinking skills in students. After all, asking the right questions is often more important than finding the correct answers.
Here are three suggestions of how to use ChatGPT with your students.
1. Interview a celebrity
Have students interview any celebrity they want to by using ChatGPT. This activity can be tied to traditional question-and-answer exercises from textbooks. To prepare, students can access ChatGPT, set the right context and then “ask their favorite celebrities” the same questions found in their books. After that, they will carry out the speaking task as if they were that famous person. Making small changes like this every now and then will make your lessons more fun and engaging.
2. Brainstorming for speaking or writing tasks
Classroom activities often fail because students lack some knowledge on certain topics that pop up in the lesson. ChatGPT can help fill this gap. Working in pairs or small groups, students can use the tool to generate a list of items related to the topic of the exercise. For example, if the lesson is about climate change, students can ask ChatGPT to list some myths and facts about it. Then, they can use the results to participate more effectively in the speaking/writing task.
3. Spice up homework
Assign specific situations such as ordering food at a restaurant, asking for directions in a city, or having a job interview. Students will interact with ChatGPT to simulate these conversations, practice their responses, perfect their vocabulary and improve their fluency. Bonus tip: The ChatGPT app has a feature that allows students to give audio prompts. So, as a variation, ask students to do the same task using audio commands.
Conclusion
One of the principles behind generative AI is understanding how to prompt in order to get helpful results. However, on the one hand it is a good opportunity for students to develop their language skills by creating AI prompts and practice but also changes your lesson dynamics with this interesting move. Don’t be afraid to give these new technologies a try. They can be quite effective and engaging, providing students with innovative ways to learn and practice their language skills and systems.
References
- HOCKLY, Nicky (2023) Artificial Intelligence in English Language Teaching: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
- HOLMES, W, Biliak, M, & Fadel, C (2019) Artificial Intelligence in Education: Promises and Implications for Teaching and Learning
- PEACHEY, Nik (2023) ChatGPT in the Language Classroom
