5 December 2023
As with all emerging technologies, the evolutions come fast. In the realm of artificial intelligence, OpenAI has once again made waves with its ground-breaking introduction of personalised Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPTs). This development marks a significant stride in the education landscape by tailoring learning experiences to individual needs. Although, given ChatGPT’s parent companies recent leadership tussles, this feature is still in the works and its released, pushed to early 2024.
Building off its GPT-4 system, OpenAI, is allowing creators to develop applications on their own. From booking plane tickets to math tutoring, users will be able to develop ‘custom versions’ of GPTs for a specific purpose. “Creating one is as easy as starting a conversation, giving its instructions and extra knowledge, and picking what I can do, like searching the web, making images, or analysing data” says the platform. Adding another layer to the change is the ability to publicly share community-created apps and monetise them on OpenAI’s very own store.
Personalised GPTs represent a new frontier in AI, allowing the customisation of language models to cater to individual preferences and learning styles. The ability to adapt content based on user interactions opens avenues for a more personalised and engaging educational experience. This customisation is not just a feature but a paradigm shift, recognising the diverse ways in which individuals absorb and process information.
Other notable introductions include personalised GPTs functioning as a “plug-in” to other websites and services, allowing them to perform tasks on one single platform. Adding another dimension to personalising the generative AI tool is the ability to hedge on external data sources such as emails or listings to perform specific, customised tasks.
Traditional educational systems face numerous challenges, from addressing diverse learning needs to providing timely feedback. Enter technology, particularly personalised learning, and adaptive technologies, which have shown promise in bridging these gaps. Personalised GPTs offer a sophisticated solution by tailoring content delivery to the unique requirements of each student.
For educators and institutions that are struggling to find the ‘perfect’ platform or the ‘one-stop-shop’ this might just be the helpline. With the freedom to specifically tailor an application to specific needs, teachers might be able to design a GPT that can generate differentiated classroom materials in no time, perhaps by feeding the app data from a fixed syllabus and designated reading sources or a GPT to help with marking different types of tests.
The advantages of incorporating personalised GPTs in education are manifold. Enhanced student engagement and motivation are natural by-products of content that resonates with individual interests and preferences. Furthermore, the adaptability of these models contributes to improved learning outcomes, fostering a deeper understanding of subjects. Personalised GPTs also facilitate more effective feedback mechanisms, allowing educators to address specific areas of improvement for each student.
As with any technological advancement, the integration of personalised GPTs in education raises important ethical considerations. Privacy and data security concerns must be addressed to ensure the protection of students’ personal information. Additionally, transparency and responsible use are paramount to prevent potential biases in personalised content, fostering an equitable learning environment.
Sharing her thoughts on the recent developments, Professor Rose Luckin, Founder of Educate Ventures Research observes, “it will be uncomfortable initially… as we [educators] get used to these tools, as we become more proficient in using them, as we feel more confident about the extent to which they’ve been ethically developed and that there is regulation in place to assure that, then we will become better able to leverage their benefits.”
It’s a tricky time for education leaders, whilst not wanting to stifle innovation in teaching, it is still necessary to regulate and ensure the safe usage of technology and the security of data. As we navigate the evolving landscape of education, embracing the transformative power of personalised GPTs can pave the way for a more inclusive and effective learning environment.
Almost 12 months since ChatGPT burst into the scene and governments are just getting around to drafting and implementing regulatory frameworks on its use in general. However, technology moves fast, can the safeguards keep pace? Educators, policymakers, and technologists need to collaborate to ensure the responsible integration of personalised GPTs and AI technology in classrooms.
Further Reading
The Australian Framework for Generative AI in Schools
Teachers say classrooms are now AI testing labs
Awesome GPTs repository
