Conference Paper
Large Language Models

The role of ChatGPT in higher education: Benefits, challenges, and future research directions

Tareq Rasul(Australian Institute of Business), Sumesh Nair(Australian Institute of Business), Diane Robyn Kalendra(Australian Institute of Business), Mulyadi Robin(Australian Institute of Business), Fernando de Oliveira Santini(Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos), Wagner Júnior Ladeira(Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos), Mingwei Sun(Australian Institute of Business), Ingrid Day(Australian Institute of Business), Raouf Ahmad Rather, Liz Heathcote(Australian Institute of Business)
May 11, 2023Journal of Applied Learning & Teaching585 citations
PDFDOI

585

Citations

26

Influential Citations

Journal of Applied Learning & Teaching

Venue

2023

Year

Abstract

This paper examines the potential benefits and challenges of using the generative AI model, ChatGPT, in higher education, in the backdrop of the constructivist theory of learning. This perspective-type study presents five benefits of ChatGPT: the potential to facilitate adaptive learning, provide personalised feedback, support research and data analysis, offer automated administrative services, and aid in developing innovative assessments. Additionally, the paper identifies five challenges: academic integrity concerns, reliability issues, inability to evaluate and reinforce graduate skill sets, limitations in assessing learning outcomes, and potential biases and falsified information in information processing. The paper argues that tertiary educators and students must exercise caution when using ChatGPT for academic purposes to ensure its ethical, reliable, and effective use. To achieve this, the paper proposes various propositions, such as prioritising education on the responsible and ethical use of ChatGPT, devising new assessment strategies, addressing bias and falsified information, and including AI literacy as part of graduate skills. By balancing the potential benefits and challenges, ChatGPT can enhance students’ learning experiences in higher education.

Analysis

Why This Paper Matters

The rapid emergence of ChatGPT has sparked intense debate in higher education about its potential to transform learning and its risks to academic integrity. This paper, published in the Journal of Applied Learning & Teaching in May 2023, provides a timely and balanced perspective on the role of ChatGPT in tertiary education. With 585 citations, it has become a key reference for educators and administrators grappling with the integration of generative AI into teaching and learning.

Grounded in constructivist learning theory, the paper argues that ChatGPT can support active, student-centered learning if used appropriately. It systematically outlines five benefits and five challenges, offering a structured framework for evaluating the tool's role. This balanced approach is particularly valuable as institutions rush to adopt or ban ChatGPT without a clear understanding of its implications.

The paper's significance lies in its practical propositions for responsible use, including education on ethical use, new assessment strategies, addressing bias, and incorporating AI literacy into graduate skills. These recommendations have influenced policy discussions and curriculum design in higher education worldwide.

Technical Contributions

  • Conceptual framework: Applies constructivist learning theory to analyze ChatGPT's potential in higher education, providing a theoretical lens for evaluation.
  • Benefit identification: Articulates five key benefits: adaptive learning facilitation, personalized feedback, research and data analysis support, automated administrative services, and innovative assessment development.
  • Challenge identification: Highlights five critical challenges: academic integrity concerns, reliability issues, inability to evaluate and reinforce graduate skill sets, limitations in assessing learning outcomes, and potential biases and falsified information.
  • Propositions for responsible use: Offers actionable recommendations such as prioritizing education on responsible and ethical use, devising new assessment strategies, addressing bias and falsified information, and including AI literacy as part of graduate skills.

Results

As a perspective paper, it does not present empirical results or metrics. Instead, it provides a conceptual analysis that identifies five benefits and five challenges, and proposes propositions for balancing them. The paper argues that by addressing these challenges through the proposed measures, ChatGPT can enhance students' learning experiences. The high citation count (585) indicates the paper's influence and the relevance of its propositions to the academic community.

Significance

The paper has significant implications for higher education practice and policy. It urges educators and students to exercise caution and emphasizes the need for ethical, reliable, and effective use of ChatGPT. By proposing the inclusion of AI literacy as a graduate skill, it anticipates the growing importance of AI in the workforce. The paper's balanced perspective has informed institutional guidelines and sparked further research on AI in education. Its widespread citation reflects its role in shaping the discourse on generative AI in academia, making it a foundational reference for practitioners and researchers alike.

chatgpthigher-educationgenerative-aiconstructivist-learningacademic-integrityai-literacyassessment

Related Papers