Chat GPT

A Case Study

Abstract

Chat GPT is adding a new layer to the relationship between plagiarism and learning. There are contradicting reactions from educational institutions worldwide: from restricting students’ access to Chat GPT, to embracing the technology and using it to improve assessments and foster original thinking among students. This paper presents a case study on possible impacts of Chat GPT on my students’ learning. For the 2023 Winter term, from January 9 to March 25, I have taken an “open minded” approach to Chat GPT and allowed my students to explore or use Chat GPT for their studies as long as they disclose doing so. The paper presents some observations and findings from my last three months of experience in this uncharted territory. The paper covers the following topics: the rate of student adoption of Chat GPT and possible explanations; how some students are exploring or using Chat GPT in their studies; the possible impacts of Chat GPT on the students’ assignments; and, finally, the challenges and opportunities that I see. This case study can shed some light on the impacts of Chat GPT on student learning, suggesting how we may enter an era of using AI tools to our advantage, to nurture higher learning and higher thinking.