ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence language model developed by OpenAI. It can engage in conversational interactions and provide responses to a wide range of queries. ChatGPT is a helpful research tool for students, researchers, and anyone seeking information on various topics (ChatGPT, generated on 15 February 2023, using the prompt "explain what chatgpt is in three sentences for a library resource page").
Essentially it is a text generator that creates texts based on prompts from a chatbot style interaction. It is designed to be conversational, but can also be used for standalone prompts.
ChatGPT is a web-based tool that requires you to make an account to use. As a note, according to OpenAi's Privacy Policy they "may share your Personal Information with third parties without further notice to you." It is currently free as part of a research preview, but OpenAI could later put it behind a paywall. OpenAI has already launched a $20/month subscription plan for ChatGPT.
Due to its popularity ChatGPT is often down or slow to generate responses during peak usage windows. This is important to know if you are planning on using it in your class - you should have a plan b in case it isn't available at that time. It may be better as an out-of-class activity, as that will give students more time to generate the text.
Current weaknesses:
Resources
"ChatGPT Guidance for the CUNY Classroom: Graduate Center experts weigh in on how professors can reap the benefits and avoid the pitfalls of ChatGPT." by Cathy N Davidson, Roderick Hurley, Luke Waltzer, Adashima Oyo, and Matthew K Gold
"Adapting College Writing for the Age of Large Language Models such as ChatGPT: Some Next Steps for Educators" by Anna Mills and Lauren ME Goodlad
"ChatGPT Advice Academics Can Use Now" by Susan D'Agostino for Inside Higher Ed.
Some conversations happening around ChatGPT that may be worth knowing as you consider using it as a tool in your own work/teaching: