I recently participated in a panel discussion at Matt Miller’s annual Ditch Summit and discussed the role of AI in education. Victoria Thompson, Holly Clark, and Donnie Piercey were also on the panel, and the discussion was very thought-provoking (link at bottom). It got me thinking a lot about the potential impacts of tools like ChatGPT. I did a little experiment and asked ChatGPT a set of Problem, Research, Understand, Solve, and Share questions directly from a randomized set of Solve in Time! cards. The results are either astounding or imposing, depending on how you look at it. Though I was asking questions related to real-world problem solving in schools, I was really wondering how well the responses would be. I wondered, could AI actually solve problems as well or better humans? With all of the questions and concerns about AI being used to replace human capital, I was struck by the things that ChatGP could not do very well. Namely, it is clear to me that AI’s biggest deficiencies are in the areas of specificity, compassion and creativity. See the AI italicized responses to the questions below to see what I mean. Also, be sure to read to the very bottom for a special Solve in Time! discount offer provided by ChatGPT to ring in the New Year!

🟥 What is a problem concerning real-world problem solving in schools?

One potential problem concerning real-world problem solving in schools is that students may not be adequately prepared to apply their problem-solving skills to real-world situations. In many cases, the problems that students are asked to solve in school are contrived or artificial, and may not accurately reflect the complexity and uncertainty of real-world problems. As a result, students may struggle to transfer their problem-solving skills to real-world situations, and may be less confident in their ability to tackle complex challenges.

No lies detected. So far, I’m impressed. I could see a small group of educators or students dialoguing about this response and then choosing a specific example as a problem to solve. 

🟪 How have others tried to solve this problem?

Another approach has been to adopt a more interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning, which can help students see the connections between different subject areas and how they can be applied to real-world problems. This may involve incorporating more cross-curricular activities or using a more integrative approach to teaching different subjects.

Additionally, some schools and educators have focused on building a culture of problem solving, by emphasizing the importance of this skill and providing opportunities for students to practice and develop their problem-solving abilities. This may involve incorporating problem-solving activities into the curriculum, setting up problem-solving clubs or competitions, or providing professional development opportunities for teachers to learn more about effective problem-solving strategies.

Building a culture of problem-solving. I love this idea! Though a very good response, there is an opportunity for actual research at this junction. What schools or institutions can we look further into for examples of how to best implement these activities? Where are they? Who can we contact to learn more? So far, ChatGPT has proven to be effective in giving generalities but falls short in giving specifics.

🟦 When did you first notice the problem?

As an artificial intelligence, I don’t have personal experiences or observations. I was programmed to have knowledge about a wide range of topics, but I don’t have the ability to observe or experience things directly.

Ruh-roh. No personal experience means no human emotions. No empathy, no compassion, no way of actually noticing injustice or inefficiencies. No, I don’t think AI will be replacing humans in solving real-world problems.

🟨 What are some things you need in order to solve it?

There are a number of things that may be necessary in order to address the problem of inadequate preparation for real-world problem solving in schools. These could include: A focus on real-world problem solving… An interdisciplinary approach…A culture of problem solving…Adequate resources and support…

Again, really good ideas, but lacking specifics that can only be identified by the people that feel the pain of their problems in their context. 

🟩 Create a song about solving this problem

Here is a possible song about solving the problem of inadequate preparation for real-world problem solving in schools:

Chorus:

We’ve got to teach them how to solve

The real-world problems that they’ll face

Give them the tools and the skills

To rise up and take their place

Verse 1:

We’re facing a challenge

In education today

Students need to be prepared

For the problems that come their way

Verse 2:

It’s time to think outside the box

And find new ways to learn

We need to give students the chance

To apply what they’ve learned

Chorus

Bridge:

We can’t just teach them to memorize

We need to teach them to think

We need to give them the opportunity

To solve the problems that they’ll face, and to the brink

Chorus

Sure, ChatGPT pumped out lyrics in about 20 secs (and how is that much different than many of the songs we hear on the radio?). But what it was missing was rhythm and delivery. What was missing was full creative expression that comes from an individual who cares deeply about what they create and whether or not an audience will applaud their work. 

We have spent so much time in education focusing on activities that engage the left hemisphere of the brain that we forget that there is so much to be developed on the right side: creativity and collaboration. And herein is where the inequity lies. In schools that are mainly interested in standardization and increased test scores, AI will definitely pose a major threat. But there are also schools that create a culture of problem-solving that choose to deviate from the norm and have critical conversations about the ethics of such technology for our future. 

📺 Watch the Ditch That Summit panel discussion if you would like to  know more of my thoughts on ChatGPT and AI in education.

🎁 Ok, last question, ChatGPT. How much should I offer for a New Year’s sale of Solve in Time! cards?

A common approach is to offer a discount of around 20-30% off the regular price. 

Wow, that’s a great idea. Use this link during the month of January to get 25% off your total order. Thanks ChatGPT!