If you have been following the news in recent months, then you will likely have heard of ChatGPT. This ground-breaking platform has brought the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into our homes and workplaces, and we are on the precipice of an exciting new world.
Despite being in its infancy, the software is transforming how individuals write and create content, providing grammatically correct text that is largely factually correct too. For people with dyslexia, this is a great opportunity for them to enjoy real-time support as they type, while for schools and home learners, it can be an efficient way to gain insight into certain topics.
However, the sudden ability for everyone to write copy has created a number of difficult challenges and ethical questions for schools and workplaces. So is ChatGPT a valuable tool for dyslexia or a short-term solution that could cause more issues? In this blog, we thought we would take a closer look.
What is ChatGPT?
Before we take a look at how the software can be incorporated into learning environments and how it can benefit those with dyslexia, it is first important to understand what ChatGPT actually is. The platform is a highly advanced computer program and language model that is able to generate human-like text based on the commands and prompts that users enter.
The software has been developed and trained on a huge amount of information, with data being pulled from the internet, books and studies. This enables ChatGPT to respond and provide content on a vast array of subjects, writing copy in a variety of styles and formats.
This is a revolutionary software that is undoubtedly going to change the world we live in. On its launch, tech mogul Elon Musk declared, “ChatGPT is scary good. We are not far from dangerously strong AI” while analysis by UBS found it was the fastest-growing app of all time.
As it is still in its research phase, the software is currently free to use; however, there is a subscription service that gives users access to the latest versions, and it is anticipated that upon its full release, it will become a paid-for service.
How can ChatGPT be used for learning?
From writing cover letters and essays to creating coding, ChatGPT is arguably the biggest technological advancement since the internet. While it cannot replicate the engaging copy of a professional copywriter or the innovative code that a coder can create, it is helping to transform the world of education.
The software has the potential to revolutionise how learning is undertaken in classrooms. For teachers, the software can help them to quickly create lesson plans, hold interactive lessons, generate quizzes, and produce easy-to-understand concepts on difficult concepts. Teachers can also program the software to answer common questions or even provide feedback and guidance on submitted essays.
For students and home learners, the platform can support them on their educational journey in a number of ways:
- 24/7 support
One of the biggest advantages of ChatGPT for students is that it is like having a teacher with them 24/7. The software is available whenever they need it, providing in-depth answers and insight into whatever topics students might be struggling with.
- Personalised recommendations
The machine learning algorithms used by ChatGPT allow it to analyse how a student uses it, adapting its approach to provide personalised recommendations based on their individual needs. This will ensure students are able to receive targeted support and advice.
- Quickly summarise topics
ChatGPT can also be used to generate bite-sized summaries of text, allowing students to quickly comprehend large passages of text. By being able to break the content down into more manageable chunks, it helps students understand the material.
- Create visual aids
Alongside quickly summarising large quantities of text, ChatGPT can also create a range of visual aids to support learning, including diagrams, mind maps and flowcharts.
- Better time management
Effective time management is an essential skill for students, but it can be very easy for them to become distracted or waste too much time on a particular aspect of their learning. ChatGPT can help to improve efficiency by reducing the time spent researching topics. It can also be used to create a clear and personalised study plan.
- Wider range of resources
Finally, ChatGPT is giving students greater access to resources. Having been trained on a vast amount of data, the software is able to draw upon an almost endless choice of information that can help students improve their learning process.
How can ChatGPT benefit someone with dyslexia?
While ChatGPT has the potential to transform the learning experience for every student and teacher, it is for those individuals with dyslexia that it can be a game changer. Alongside the benefits listed above, the software is also able to support with:
Writing support
The biggest benefit of ChatGPT for those with dyslexia is that it offers fantastic writing support. With the right prompts and input, it can create grammatically correct text that is free from spelling mistakes and errors. The advanced algorithms can also help with predictive text, which further reduces the risk of a mistake or misunderstanding.
Speed up work
When individuals do not have to worry about spelling or typing, it helps to enhance their efficiency and speed up the writing process.
Audio output
ChatGPT is also able to produce an audio version of the text, which can be very useful for those individuals who struggle with reading and comprehending information.
Provide context
One of the biggest challenges when writing with dyslexia is being able to understand the meaning and context of the text. ChatGPT can support this by providing this information on large bits of text, ensuring it is easier to understand.
Carefully designed
The platform itself has also been carefully designed to be easy to read. The simple layout makes the text clear, supporting users with visual processing and making it easier to understand what is being said.
What are the disadvantages of using ChatGPT for learning?
Although there can be no denying that ChatGPT and advanced artificial intelligence can provide a range of benefits to students, it is not without its shortcomings. This technology is still in its early days and there are many pitfalls to remember, including:
- Its usage
One of the biggest issues currently surrounding ChatGPT is its overall usage. Many schools and educational facilities have banned its use to stop students from using it to write all of their essays and content. That is why it should not be seen as a shortcut to high grades but instead as a tool that can help to enhance your existing writing and knowledge.
- Poor language
The content that ChatGPT produces is certainly impressive, but the language and style that it uses are very recognisable and robotic. The technology is not able to replicate the nuances and idioms that a traditional student can make, which means software can quickly identify it as machine-generated.
It also lacks any artistic expression and emotion, which means it is unable to touch the reader on the same level and means it is harder to convey your point effectively to teachers.
- Incorrect information
Another major issue with ChatGPT is the information that it provides. While the vast majority of the content it creates is correct, it draws upon readily available information on the internet, and it can be easy for users to confuse it.
A quick Google search will reveal examples where it has stated that 2+2=5 or incorrectly suggesting that the James Webb Space Telescope took the very first pictures of a planet outside our solar system. This means students should not be relying on it to solely write their work for them, and they will need to independently verify every fact.
- Lack of human interaction
Although ChatGPT is able to provide personalised learning, it is no substitute for a professional teacher. That lack of human connection can seriously impact how students learn, with research showing that active learning from teachers has been proven to increase success.
- Ethical concerns
There is also an increasing ethical question being asked about AI. Last month many of the world’s leading experts signed an open letter asking for its development to be paused, while many teachers are also concerned that reliance on its use will stop students from developing the critical thinking and interaction skills required not only for learning but for life, too.
Final thoughts
While AI and platforms such as ChatGPT are here to stay, they are still a number of issues with the information it provides. However, while it cannot be used to write essays or create genuinely compelling copy, when used as a tool to enhance your learning and support your research, it can be a very valuable addition, especially for those with dyslexia.
Here at The Dyslexia Shop, we know how important the right tools and equipment are when it comes to improving your knowledge and supporting your learning. That is why we offer our customers a huge array of products designed to transform your education. Check out the full range today, or get in touch with our team to find out more!