OpenAI is looking to change the way online courses are taught by possibly introducing chatbots that could help students learn. During a recent discussion hosted by Coeus Collective, Siya Raj Purohit, a member of OpenAI’s team focused on education, shared some exciting ideas about this. She mentioned that OpenAI is considering ways for teachers to create their own custom chatbots, called “GPTs,” which would be connected to the courses they teach.
Purohit expressed her hope that professors will start making these custom chatbots available to the public. She envisions a future where students can interact with these chatbots to engage with course material throughout their lives, not just during the semester. While this idea isn’t currently in action, it is something OpenAI plans to develop in the future.
She pointed out that some professors are already using OpenAI’s tools to upload a full semester’s worth of course materials and create their own chatbots. These chatbots then provide students with access to that information, allowing them to explore and research topics more deeply. Purohit believes this approach is a powerful way for students to learn.
OpenAI is actively pursuing opportunities in the education sector, which they see as a significant area for growth. Recently, they brought on Leah Belsky, the former chief revenue officer of Coursera, to lead their efforts in education. They also launched a specialized version of ChatGPT called ChatGPT Edu, aimed specifically at universities.
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The market for artificial intelligence in education is projected to grow significantly, potentially reaching $88.2 billion in the next ten years. However, progress has been slow because many educators are hesitant about using AI in the classroom.
One example of a chatbot in education is Khanmigo, which was created by Khan Academy in partnership with OpenAI. This chatbot can assist students with homework and exam preparation by providing tips and guidance, using the resources available on Khan Academy. However, there have been some issues with Khanmigo’s performance; for instance, it struggled with basic math problems and didn’t always catch mistakes when asked to check its answers.
Despite these challenges, Purohit is optimistic about the future of AI in education. She stated that OpenAI is continually improving its technology and aims to make it more effective for teaching and learning.
However, many educators remain cautious about AI tools. A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 25% of public K-12 teachers believe that using AI in education can do more harm than good. Another study revealed that only 18% of K-12 teachers are currently using AI in their classrooms.
