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AI Study Buddies: How ChatGPT and Gemini Support Learning with New Tools

Summary

The world's leading AI companies, OpenAI and Google, have recently launched new features marking a shift from providing direct answers to actively supporting students' learning processes. ChatGPT's new "Study Mode" and Gemini's "Guided Learning" are designed to act as digital tutors, leading students through problems using follow-up questions, explanations, and exercises. This development offers teachers unique opportunities to integrate AI in a way that promotes understanding and critical thinking, rather than just delivering correct answers.

Main Content

In a rapidly growing digital pedagogical environment, OpenAI and Google have taken a major step to address the challenges of AI in the classroom. Instead of solely worrying about cheating, teachers can now see AI as a potential partner in teaching.

ChatGPT's Study Mode focuses on transforming AI from an "answer machine" into an active educator. When a student interacts with the new feature, they do not receive an immediate answer to a question. Instead, the student is faced with guided questions adapted to their knowledge level. The goal is for the student to arrive at the solution themselves, thereby building a deeper understanding of the subject. The functionality is specifically designed to assist with complex subjects within science, mathematics, and languages.

Google's Guided Learning, launched in Gemini, is a direct response to ChatGPT's initiative. Google's tool is also focused on providing step-by-step guidance. Its strength lies in leveraging Gemini's deep integration with Google's ecosystem, potentially offering richer context from sources like Google Search. According to reports, Google will invest one billion dollars over three years in AI education, underscoring their commitment to the educational sector.

Both tools represent a paradigm shift. They move the focus from AI as a tool for getting quick answers to one that promotes active, investigative learning. This is exactly the type of AI usage that teachers have been asking for—one that complements, rather than replaces, the teacher's role.

Practical Applications

How can a teacher use these tools in their teaching starting tomorrow? Here are some ideas:

  • Mathematics and Science: Let students use Study Mode or Guided Learning to work through complex problems. Instead of giving away the solution, they can use the AI tools to understand every step of the process.
  • Languages and Social Studies: Students can be assigned to write a text and then use the AI tools to analyze their own writing using critical questions like "How can I improve my argumentation here?" or "Are there other perspectives on this historical event?".
  • Individual Adaptation: For students who need extra support, AI tools can act as a personal tutor available around the clock. The teacher can assign a student a task and let the AI provide the extra guidance needed.

Implementation Tips

  1. Pilot Projects: Start small. Choose one class or a small group of students to test the tools with.
  2. Clear Instructions: Formulate clear assignments where the purpose is to use the AI to understand, not just to get the right answer. For example: "Use ChatGPT Study Mode to explain Newton's second law. Then report to the class how you reached your conclusion."
  3. Ethical Discussions: Use the new tools as an opportunity to talk about AI ethics, source criticism, and the importance of independent thinking. Let students discuss when it is appropriate to use AI and when it is not.

Next Steps for Teachers

  • Explore Yourself: It sounds obvious: test the features yourself. Become familiar with how they work and identify their strengths and limitations.
  • Share with Colleagues: Start a discussion in your teacher group about how you can collectively integrate the new tools into your respective subject areas.

By getting started with these new tools, teachers can lead the way in a new era of AI-supported pedagogy, where the focus lies on building knowledge and understanding rather than merely memorizing facts. Important to remember: If it doesn't add value, move on and do something else.