Volume 2 Issue 4
by Michael Wagner
Knowledge Pilot, Launch Global Education
There is a story this week of a technological breakthrough sweeping across the world, making ripples far and wide. What I am talking about is the release of ChatGPT by the technology company OpenAI, a program that can write responses to inquiries of all kinds. Educators are concerned that students will now look to AI to originate work. Already, there is talk about programs that will be able to recognize if written work was originated by AI.
Wow, a whole other level of technology reveals itself. We’ve provided some links that will help you understand just what ChatGPT is. And stay tuned.
Discoveries
ChatGPT?
The latest technological advancement, an artificial intelligence system called ChatGPT, which stands for chat generative pre-trained transformer, could be a game-changer. The technology allows a user to input a subject matter and parameters for a written piece and an automated response will be generated based upon an AI web search.
The initial concern of educators is that students will use the technology in replacement of originating their own work. Naomi S. Baron, Professor of Linguistics Emerita, American University, shared in The Conversation the possible detriments of having such technology available to students.
Best cities to start a STEM career
The growth of computer science and STEM careers is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. As industries continue to develop, college graduates should consider the best locations to secure related career opportunities. Micah Ward of University Business shares the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
These are the 25 best cities for newly graduated STEM professionals
The continuing question – is college worth it?
Two important college topics continue to dominate the news—the toll college debt takes on students and the continued decrease of undergraduate enrollment. Within this current climate, it is becoming even more important for students to examine the return on investment (ROI) of a college degree. Guillermo Elizondo, co-founder and CEO of Territorium, a global education technology company, considers the college degree ROI in an article for University Business.
YouTube gets into the higher education business
In a recent development, Arizona State University has partnered with YouTube and the online course provider Crash Course to begin offering for-credit courses through YouTube. This interesting new partnership comes at a time when higher education is struggling to attract and retain students. Susan D'Agostino of Inside Higher Ed outlines the program.
Tip of the Week
The emails come fast and furiously
Over the past few weeks, I have been getting questions—mainly from juniors—about the incredible number of emails they are receiving from colleges and universities. Some of the emails are so repetitive that students are feeling annoyed.
Their common questions are: What do I do with these emails? Should I be opening them? Should I be replying to them?
Quite simply, I advise students to open the emails and review the information. If it is a school that a student wants to learn more about or is seriously considering, then they should engage with the school. On a small scale, it is a form of demonstrated interest, and it is one of the easiest ways for students to begin what I call the dating phase of the college application process.
So go ahead, open that email and see what the school has to offer. What do you have to lose? You could even be pleasantly rewarded.
Before you go...
This past month, a drone camera captured a moose while flying above its natural habitat. I will let the video speak for itself, as shared by outdoor enthusiast Derek Burgoyne on CBS News.
This week and every week we aim to highlight the most current and up-to-date stories impacting the world of higher education. Taking a look at ChatGPT is a good example of that as AI driven applications could have major ramifications on the way students do research and the way we assess learning. I hope the stories resonate with you and that they will prompt you to look deeper to learn more.
Have a great week.
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.