Volume 3 Issues 3 & 4
by Michael Wagner
Knowledge Pilot, Launch Global Education
A Special Double Edition:
Embracing the Potential of Generative AI
Part One
Over the past few months, my interest in Generative AI has grown exponentially, to the point where I find myself engaging with it daily. My wife and I have both embraced the use of artificial intelligence, recognizing its potential and the myriad of ways it can enhance our lives. However, in conversations with others, we often encounter puzzled looks when we mention AI, or specifically ChatGPT, almost as if they're asking, "What are you talking about?" It's become apparent that there's still a significant portion of the population unaware of this groundbreaking technology.
This observation has led me to dedicate this of our newsletter to this latest technological advancement that holds immense potential for productive use. In a nutshell, the basic concept of the technology encompasses algorithms and models capable of generating vast amounts of content by utilizing prompts as the writing model. Another term that is important to know is that ChatGPT is considered a large language model. One of the biggest advantages of the program is that it can be used for a variety of purposes and situations.
Although ChatGPT was introduced to the public in November of 2022, many are still unfamiliar with its capabilities and impact. For context, "ChatGPT, the popular chatbot from OpenAI, is estimated to have reached 100 million monthly active users in January of 2023, just two months after launch, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history, according to a UBS study on Wednesday." Source: Hu, Krystal. "ChatGPT Sets Record for Fastest-Growing User Base - Analyst Note." Reuters, 2 Feb. 2023.
I urge you to remain open to this transformative technology, as it has the potential to significantly improve our lives. As you delve into the following information, I hope you'll discover the vast possibilities Generative AI offers. It is our goal in each newsletter to provide valuable insights, and I trust that by the end of this edition, you'll have gained new knowledge and perspective towards Generative AI.
Discoveries
Part A – Background Information
The New(est) Technology
Generative AI is a bit like a super creative computer that can make all sorts of things like music, art, and even stories. One example is ChatGPT, a chatbot that can answer a multitude of questions. It's free and impressively good, but it's also making some people worried, especially those whose jobs involve creating things. However, this technology isn't just for fun—it's already helping in fields like medicine and weather forecasting. As more companies start using these AI tools, we need to think about how to make sure they're fair and safe. An article in the January issue of McKinsey Explainers explains in various ways the applications use the technology.
Generative AI, a branch of artificial intelligence, encompasses deep-learning models capable of producing high-quality text, images, and various content based on their training data. At IBM Research, efforts are underway to leverage generative models for tasks ranging from software code development to chatbot training and synthetic data generation. The future of generative AI holds potential for both innovation and challenges, with ongoing research aimed at addressing issues of misinformation, bias, and privacy concerns inherent in these powerful models. Presented in the IBM blog post, Explainer, the article delves into all the potential this technology can have moving forward.
Adam Zewe of MIT News delves into the workings and significance of powerful generative AI systems like OpenAI's ChatGPT, offering insights into their distinctions from traditional artificial intelligence (AI), while it explores the evolution of Generative AI. Despite challenges, the article foresees Generative AI's role in reshaping economics and fostering creativity, envisioning a future where it enables the development of more intelligent AI agents and facilitates fabrication processes.
Generative AI (GAI), a subset of AI machine learning technologies, has recently emerged with the remarkable ability to create content in response to text prompts. Unlike its predecessors, generative AI can extrapolate from its training data to produce human-like writing, images, audio, and video. However, alongside its promise, generative AI introduces new risks, including inaccuracy, privacy concerns, and intellectual property violations. Greg Pavlik, Senior Vice President, outlines in Oracle Cloud Infrastructure the numerous applications this technology will affect.
Harvard University shares a comprehensive outline of Generative AI, an innovative technology capable of generating diverse content, from text to images, music, and beyond, by learning from extensive datasets. Harvard University Office of Information Technology outlines a series of initial guidelines for the ethical use of AI tools, explores various use cases and ideas for experimentation, provides insights on comparing AI tools and assessing appropriate data levels, and offers practical prompts to kickstart your journey with text-based and image-based AI tools. Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Part B – Advantages and Disadvantages of Generative AI
The Role of ChatGPT in Higher Education
One place ChatGPT is getting a lot of attention is in the landscape of higher education. Delving into its advantages and drawbacks, it is clear that ChatGPT is reshaping the educational experience for both educators and students. From enhancing accessibility to education and providing personalized learning experiences to assisting with homework and exam preparation, ChatGPT offers a myriad of benefits. Snehnath Neendoor, Senior Vice President - Business Development of Hurix Digital explores the roles of ChatGPT in higher education.
In his insightful article, John Rampton co-founder and CEO of Calendar discusses the revolutionary impact of ChatGPT, an AI chatbot developed by OpenAI. Launched in late 2022, ChatGPT has garnered immense popularity due to its versatility, with applications ranging from facilitating conversations to assisting in writing tasks like term papers.
Rampton meticulously outlines the advantages of ChatGPT, including its ability to mimic human conversation, its reliance on advanced AI models like GPT-4, and its versatility in tasks such as composing music and automating repetitive tasks for businesses. In addition, Rampton delves into the limitations and ethical considerations surrounding ChatGPT, such as its dependence on internet data, ambiguities in responses, and potential legal implications regarding copyright infringement.
In an insightful post, Maria Radeva provides a guest blog for the Learning Scientist, as she explores the evolving role of ChatGPT, an Artificial Intelligence tool, in the realm of education. With its rapid adoption since its release in late 2022, ChatGPT has garnered significant attention from students, educators, and researchers alike, boasting over 100 million users. Radeva delves into the multifaceted capabilities of ChatGPT, from providing human-like responses to queries to assisting in complex tasks such as writing articles and coding.
As its presence continues to grow in educational settings, discussions arise regarding its benefits and risks. While ChatGPT offers opportunities to enhance teaching practices, automate grading processes, and provide personalized tutoring, concerns regarding academic integrity, skill development, and biased data also emerge. Radeva navigates through these nuances, proposing potential solutions to mitigate risks and maximize benefits, ultimately advocating for an informed and strategic integration of AI tools like ChatGPT into educational practices.
Through a comprehensive analysis in a thought-provoking article appearing in Strategic Finance, Steven Mintz, Ph.D., professor emeritus of accounting at California Polytechnic State University examines the ethics surrounding the integration of ChatGPT, an innovative AI tool, into educational settings. Mintz acknowledges the transformative potential of ChatGPT in revolutionizing the learning process, from assisting with assignments and exams to providing personalized feedback and facilitating interactive learning environments.
Mintz also delves into the ethical risks associated with its use, including compromised data privacy, biased inputs, inaccuracies, plagiarism, and a lack of transparency and accountability. Mintz highlights the importance of educators being proactive in addressing these ethical concerns, advocating for increased training, clear guidelines, and responsible usage, to ensure that ChatGPT enhances learning without compromising academic integrity. Mintz underscores the need for a balanced approach that maximizes the benefits of ChatGPT while mitigating its ethical risks.
Ethics of ChatGPT in Education
Tip of the Week
Continuing to be a life-long learner
Engaging in certification or credentialing classes focused on cutting-edge technologies like Generative AI and ChatGPT is crucial for young adults, in today's tech-driven world. These courses offer a deep understanding of technologies reshaping society, including productivity, communication, and customer service. By mastering the underlying principles of these systems, students not only enhance technical skills but also develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities essential for navigating the future digital age.
Furthermore, obtaining certification demonstrates tangible skill acquisition and readiness for advanced coursework, highlighting students' genuine interest, commitment, and readiness for collegiate-level challenges. Colleges and universities recognize the significance of relevant certifications as indicators of preparedness and potential success in academic programs. By displaying their proactive engagement and depth of interest in emerging fields, students stand out as motivated, forward-thinking individuals ready to make meaningful contributions to their chosen fields of study and future careers.
Before you go...
The Art of The Postage Stamp and More
Michael Deas, a renowned portraitist, has quietly left an indelible mark on American culture through his prolific work, yet his name remains relatively unknown to many. Based in New Orleans, Deas has crafted over two dozen postage stamps featuring iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and playwright Tennessee Williams.
In an interview with correspondent Conor Knighton of CBS Sunday Morning, Deas delves into his artistic process, discussing his collaborations with the U.S. Postal Service, his cover designs for Time magazine, and his contributions to the iconic female figure holding a torch in Columbia Pictures' film introductions. Take a look at the work of Michael Deas and the mark he has left on the projects he has painted.
We have dedicated this special edition of the Odyssey newsletter to exploring the transformative impact of Generative AI, shedding light on its multifaceted applications and implications. From its potential to reshape various industries to its role in education, Generative AI presents both opportunities and challenges. We have delved into the advantages and disadvantages of AI tools like ChatGPT, highlighting their role in higher education and ethical considerations. We have also emphasized the importance of lifelong learning and certification in emerging technologies.
As always, we encourage you to please take a moment and pass along the Odyssey Newsletter to your friends to help us grow our following.
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Mr. Mike and Dr. Ann
Michael Wagner, MAED is a founder and the Knowledge Pilot for Launch Education. Mr. Mike has assisted hundreds of students around the world on their college pathways.