Practical Activities to Explain ChatGPT to Students

Introduction

PAY ATTENTION – this video was recorder over a year ago Bing Chat was the most reliable chatbot then. Now it is rebranded to Copilot and ChatGPT access problems are also gone. Lessons ideas i show apply to any chatbot, so use whatever you like.

Language models like ChatGPT represent revolutionary advancements in AI. While their potential is immense, explaining how these tools work to students can be challenging. This article outlines three engaging activities that educators can use to introduce students to the capabilities and nuances of chatbots like ChatGPT.

Misconceptions About Chatbots

Many view chatbots as omniscient “genies” capable of answering any question or performing tasks perfectly. However, they are much more than tools for simple queries. Chatbots are sophisticated systems designed to simulate conversation, problem-solving, and even creativity.

Activity 1: Guessing Games

One of the simplest ways to demonstrate ChatGPT’s reasoning ability is through guessing games.

Setup

• Use Bing Chat or a similar platform for a reliable and free experience.
• Switch to a creative mode for a more engaging interaction.

Example Game

Ask students to think of an animal. The chatbot guesses it by asking up to 10 yes-or-no questions. This activity highlights the chatbot’s logical reasoning and deductive capabilities.

Learning Outcomes

• Critical Thinking: Students analyze how the chatbot narrows down possibilities.
• Engagement: The fun nature of the game keeps students interested.

Activity 2: Role-Playing

Role-playing enables students to explore chatbot capabilities in a dynamic context.

Example Role

Students can request the chatbot to act as a historical figure, such as King Arthur. By interviewing the chatbot, they experience how AI combines creativity and factual knowledge.

Enhancing the Experience

• Provide specific instructions to the chatbot to maintain the role.
• Encourage students to ask imaginative or context-specific questions.

Learning Outcomes

• Interactive Learning: Students explore historical or fictional narratives.
• Understanding AI Limitations: They observe how chatbots occasionally lose context or revert to a generic tone.

Activity 3: Image Generation

Many chatbots, like those integrated with DALL-E models, can create images based on text prompts.

Example Task

Ask the chatbot to:

1. Role-play as a character (e.g., a blue dinosaur).
2. Generate an image representing the character.
3. Modify the image into a sticker or adjust its style.

Applications

• Use generated images for creative projects.
• Explore how AI adapts to varying styles and user requests.

Learning Outcomes

• Visual Creativity: Students understand AI’s potential in art and design.
• Future Technology Insight: They witness the blend of conversational AI and graphic design.

Broader Implications

These activities demonstrate the versatility of AI, moving beyond traditional applications like answering questions. By engaging in games, role-playing, and creative projects, students learn how to interact with chatbots as tools for exploration and creativity.

Conclusion

Teaching students about ChatGPT through practical activities bridges the gap between complex AI concepts and everyday use. These exercises are not just fun—they provide insights into how chatbots work and inspire students to think critically about AI’s potential and limitations. Start these activities in your classroom to make AI education an exciting journey!