D.Lambert | Post Primary | Science
ChatGPT and other language models like it have the potential to revolutionize the way we assess students in education. However, there are also concerns that these models may negatively impact assessment practices and lead to a reliance on technology over traditional methods.
One of the main concerns with using ChatGPT for assessment is the potential for cheating. Students could easily copy and paste answers from the internet or use the model to generate responses to test questions. This could lead to a decrease in the validity and reliability of assessment results, as well as a lack of understanding of the student's true knowledge and understanding of the material.
Another concern is the potential for bias in the model's responses. ChatGPT is trained on a large dataset of text, which may contain biases and stereotypes. This could lead to unfair assessment of students, particularly those from marginalized communities. Additionally, the reliance on technology for assessment could lead to a decrease in critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Traditional methods of assessment, such as essays and problem-solving tasks, require students to engage with the material in a deeper way and apply their knowledge to new situations.
To mitigate these concerns, it may be necessary to revert back to more traditional methods of assessment. This could include a combination of written essays, problem-solving tasks, and oral exams, as well as the use of plagiarism detection software to prevent cheating. It is also important to ensure that the assessment tasks and materials are culturally responsive and do not perpetuate biases.
In conclusion, while ChatGPT and other language models have the potential to revolutionize assessment in education, it is important to be aware of the potential negative effects and to consider a balance between technology and traditional methods. The use of diverse assessment strategies, plagiarism detection software, and cultural responsive assessment materials can be a step towards reducing the negative impact of ChatGPT in education.
Now I'd like to claim I wrote this blog but I didn't. I asked Chat GPT to. Maybe the American English gave it away but yeah. If this passed as a blog without you reading this section then I hope you see the serious concern it will have for educators trying to assess their students. The technology is here to stay. Our assessment methods must also stay fair.
I have spent more time on this sentence than it took Chat GPT to write the blog belieive it or not.
