Using ChatGPT in the History Classroom – and beyond
Close to a term has passed since commentators, newspapers and teachers caught up to the emerging trend of utilising Artificial Intelligence platforms in educational settings. The release of ChatGPT came as the first engagement for many with AI technology, despite students having utilised less visible forms of machine learning in recent years. Calls to ban the technology were upheld in some schooling systems. Fortunately, at MLC School we have adopted a research informed and exploratory approach to the technology. We have looked to partner with the girls in developing both an awareness, and a growing proficiency with ChatGPT and other similar knowledge generators.
It has been pleasing over the last few weeks to work collaboratively with Senior School students to utilise AI in the development of both their summative tasks, as well as their formative learning experiences. Together we have looked at ways to enhance learning through the development of summary notes, scaffolds, bibliographies, and differing historical perspectives. Thankfully, our girls are well versed in the skills of critical thinking, know that context is king, and continue to look at the artificially generated information with a healthy sense of scepticism.
How have we been using ChatGPT? I offer you a few ways that AI is used in the classroom, and some ideas about how students can engage with the technology at home:
1. Creating base understanding of topics
Unsure about a particular topic, question, or area of study? ChatGPT can be used as a search tool to generate short summaries and introductory notes on a topic, fully customisable to age or ability of the student.
2. Creating Study Tools and Questions
Looking for a way to enhance your study routine? Ask AI to generate a Mnemonic on a topic you’re studying to assist in memorising ideas and concepts. Looking to create an opportunity to test yourself on content? Request ChatGPT develop some short answer or even multiple choice questions to test your understanding. Hint: It will even generate the answers if asked!
3. Essay plans/summary notes
Have a heap of notes/summary work from class or research? Input this data into ChatGPT in order to create summary notes, assist in the formation of an essay plan or past paper question. Be mindful; however, to ensure that the notes generated BEST suits the course syllabus.
4. Finding bibliographies, support materials, sources, videos and YouTubes
Stuck starting your research? Unsure of what sources are available on a topic? Has your YouTube search come up empty? Ask ChatGPT to generate a bibliography, source list, quotes, and even list of YouTube videos on any topic. You can customise your search to currency of research, academic level of your task, and length. Hint: as a computer modelling system the research will not be from the last two years, so ensure you utilise other methods to verify and extend your investigation.
5. Proofing your work according to a criteria
Completed an assessment and unsure about whether it matches the criteria? Don’t have someone to assist in the review and editing process? You can enter your work into the system, and then upload the marking criteria. ChatGPT will then offer a comment on your work. Please note, this one area of growing accuracy; however, not perfect. It is a review tool that is useful, but not flawless. If in doubt, talk to your teacher, or go to one of the tutorial sessions many of our departments run.
– David Posker-Hill
Head of Department – History and Religious Education
