Blog Post #5 - ISCI 761: AI in the Classroom with Ethan Mollick
Co-Intelligence: AI in the Classroom with Ethan Mollick via YouTube
In our Module 4 folders this week, there is a heavy focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it can be implemented into the classroom. Today, I had the opportunity to watch Ethan Mollick's lecture (linked at the top of this post) on how AI is not replacing the job of the classroom teacher, but it is simply making it easier. Towards the end of his lecture, he performed a live demonstration of how he uses ChatGPT with his students and he showcased how it can benefit them in the "real world." After watching the lecture, I decided to tackle one of his pre-made activities, or "GPTs," found on ChatGPT. I spent about half an hour going through his extensive list of activities, but I eventually chose to do the "Negotiation Simulation Tutor" since he used it for part of his demonstration.
The first thing the simulator had me do was describe what I do for a career and then provide my experience with negotiation. For the sake of the activity applying to my professional life, I entered that I am a high school English teacher with very little experience negotiating. ChatGPT immediately generated pieces of advice and core concepts I should focus on, such as "Ask smart questions, Think about what both sides want, Decide what's 'good enough' to accept or walk away, and Be confident even when you feel uncertain." I appreciated these tips being shared with me before I even began the actual simulator. Right after the reminders, ChatGPT gave me three pretend scenarios to choose from: Selling a Classroom Tool to a School District Buyer, Buying a Painting for Your Home at a Local Art Fair, or Negotiating a Summer Tutoring Contract. Sticking with the season, I chose to negotiate a summer tutoring contract.
Once I selected my scenario, I was instantly thrown into ChatGPT's version of "role play" where I was meeting with a potential tutee's mother at the public library. I was assigned my role, my goal (to negotiate a fair contract), key details for me to remember (my typical hourly rate, tutoring session frequency, schedule flexibility, etc.), and what I already knew about the mother I was pitching my services to. I learned very quickly that there was a certain number of "turns" I was allowed to take (5) before I had to make my final offer, so I really had to focus on covering all bases when "conversing" with the mother of my prospective student. At the end of the exercise, the mother and I came to an agreement with pricing, meetings, and time allotted for tutoring. ChatGPT also provided me with a final review of my performance, giving me a section of feedback titled "What You Did Well," and one called "Opportunities for Growth."
Overall, I really loved this exercise. As someone who hates negotiation and confrontation, it was fun to have some low stakes practice. While I may not use a GPT like this in my English II classes, I could see myself using it with my AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) seniors as they are about to begin preparing for graduation and entering the "real world." It would be really fun to allow them time to experiment with Ethan Mollick's "tutors" and pre-made GPTs available to us. I cannot wait to see how I can fit this in my classroom this upcoming school year!
References
Mollick, E. [Global Silicon Valley]. (2024, April 16). Co-Intelligence: AI in the Classroom with Ethan Mollick [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/8FnOkxj0ZuAsi=uCa6XyH6syOJ5pNw
I used the "Negotiation Simulation Tutor", as well, Beth. Like you, I hate negotiating and confrontation. Truthfully, I avoid it at all costs so I was intrigued at the idea of sitting down at the "bargaining table" with Chat GPT to attempt to practice and hone my skills. While I'm not sure that I will be any better at negotiating, I found the experience fascinating. (I just can't get over how "intelligent" Artificial Intelligence is!) I do know that in any future negotiating experiences, I would want Chat GPT to be on MY side of the table!
ReplyDeleteI think your plan to allow your AVID students to experiment with Chat GPT is the precise thing that Mollick was encouraging educators to do. I think that your willingness to experiment with it in your classroom says a lot about you as an educator, and i hope that both you and your students gain a lot of insight from the assignment!
I like that this exercise with the Negotiation Simulation Tutor provides a clear picture of how these tools function and what their output looks like as opposed to some of the more abstract conversations we have about AI. Your reflection on this being low stakes practice for a skill that many people find challenging really gets to the heart of why simulations like this can be so effective. Using this with your AVID seniors is a perfect example of thoughtful tech integration. It's not just about using a new tool, but about finding the right one to meet a specific, real-world learning need for a particular group of students.
ReplyDeleteBeth I really enjoyed the Co-Intelligence: AI in the Classroom with Ethan Mollick via YouTube. Thanks for sharing. ChatGPt does provide immediate feedback but there have been times, the information provide to the end user is not accurate and a little more research needs to be done. I have never used Negotiation Simulation Tutor but you have peaked my interest to use it this coming year. Great Post!
ReplyDeleteBeth,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your experience with Ethan Mollick’s negotiation simulation. It sounds like an incredibly valuable tool for both educators and students! As a librarian, I can definitely see the potential for incorporating Chat GPTs like this into the library setting. I would love to host workshops on real world skills like job interviews and resume writing. These kinds of high engagement activities would be perfect for helping students build confidence and critical thinking in a safe environment. I love your idea of using them with AVID students, which is such a great way to prepare them for life beyond high school!