Can ChatGPT Disrupt One’s Thinking Skills?

Thoughts on Gates’ Article on “The Age of AI has begun”

Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash

Recently, Bill Gates wrote a detailed article in GateNotes on how AI and tools like ChatGPT will change the world. The article, titled ‘The Age of AI has begun,’ is thoughtful and touches on a number of topics. In this post, I would like to comment on one of his arguments in which he states that AI-related tools can help elevate the level of students in certain subjects. While that may be true in some cases, it can also have the reverse effect unless steps are taken in how students are taught and how they learn.

The way things stand, I feel tools such as ChatGPT will seriously impact the students’ learning processes, unless something is done to change the methods of learning. Relying too heavily on such tools can lead to a loss of independent thinking and problem-solving abilities. (Learn about AI in organizations in this course here.)

For example, the research and writing process (pre-ChatGPT) has been a valuable way to enhance a student’s (and others) thinking skills. It requires critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, effective communication, and self-reflection. Students (and writers) must evaluate the credibility of sources, analyze information, and synthesize ideas to create a coherent argument. This process helps to develop critical thinking skills, including the ability to assess information, identify biases, and make informed decisions.

But as discoveries like ChatGPT have greatly facilitated the research and writing process, there is concern that the development of creative thinking skills through this process may be greatly impacted. If students rely solely on the information provided by ChatGPT or similar tools, they may miss out on the opportunity to engage in critical thinking and problem-solving processes that are essential for developing their cognitive abilities. Similarly, the use of generated content through tools such as ChatGPT may limit students’ exposure to diverse perspectives and sources of information.

Learning institutions will therefore have to consider how students use such tools and how this could impact their overall learning processes and skills. Their challenge will be to revisit their curriculum and develop plans that can continue to develop students’ critical thinking skills.

While the challenge of developing critical thinking skills in the context of new technologies and learning methods is not a new one, it is becoming increasingly important as the pace of change and new innovations, such as AI, accelerates.

I would love to hear your thoughts.

(Learn about AI in organizations in this course here.)

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