The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education is a growing but controversial trend. One such AI tool is ChatGPT, a chatbot developed by OpenAI. It provides explanations for concepts and answers questions about comparisons, similarities and differences in specific fields. Some experts believe that ChatGPT could be a valuable tool for education, while others are concerned about its potential negative effects. 

Concerns about ChatGPT at Universities

Some experts are concerned the imprudent use of ChatGPT may cause problems for student education. Korea University (KU) has established guidelines for the use of ChatGPT on campus to prevent negative effects while guaranteeing student rights to a certain extent for academic purposes. KU stated there should be a thorough consideration on various effects of using ChatGPT, such as plagiarism and misconduct, reduced problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, biased information acquisition, and the reinforcement of stereotypes. Professor Lee Seong-yeob of the KU Graduate School of Management Technology pointed out careless or excessive use of ChatGPT could produce inaccurate or biased information and become a risk factor. He also warned heavy reliance on AI explanations could lead to a decrease in human creativity. "Like ChatGPT, AI-based tools contribute to improving human tasks such as document creation," Prof. Lee said. "However, from an educational perspective, there is a risk it could decrease student creativity.”

Proponents of ChatGPT at Universities

Others argue that a rather vigorous use of ChatGPT is necessary. Sungshin Women’s University (SSWU) Dept. of Media Communication Professor Kim Ho-sung believes using ChatGPT in higher education can elevate students' intellectual levels and transform universities from education-centered institutions to research and development-centered ones. "Students need to understand and utilize basic knowledge quickly to learn advanced concepts," Prof. Kim said. "While the traditional education system focuses on accumulating knowledge, future education should change to a problem-solving approach that easily applies existing knowledge to new problems." He added that ChatGPT will bring about a shift in education from a knowledge transmission approach to a research-oriented approach generating new knowledge. Kim actively encourages students to use ChatGPT in SSWU classes, designating ChatGPT as a class assistant. Prof. Kim uses ChatGPT extensively in class assignments, discussions, and projects. He said, "It is a trend to use ChatGPT in education.” Adding that banning the use of it “is similar to the old Korean practice of banning new technologies. Smartphones did not degrade human memory, spatial perception, calculation, and conversation skills. It rather improved problem-solving abilities.”

ChatGPT as a Possible Solution

A possible solution for this situation is to use ChatGPT as a useful secretary or intelligent friend. Kyung Hee University School of Management Professor Kyoung Jun Lee recommended students to use ChatGPT as much as they can. He also suggested professors give assignments using ChatGPT and allow students to use it vigorously. He suggested to think of ChatGPT as a useful tool or assistant. He said, “ChatGPT doesn't always give the right answer, but if students know how to use it effectively, it will definitely help improve their thinking skills.” As a professor, he said it is difficult to expect to get answers back from students during class time when he asked some questions. At that time, he said he can use ChatGPT as a useful tool. Showing the chatting page to every student, he asks several questions related to class subject to ChatGPT. If ChatGPT answers, he can interact with students about what is correct and what is wrong among ChatGPT’s answers. This is possible because ChatGPT is not always perfect. Prof. Lee also showed how ChatGPT technology is used in counseling applications. Since ChatGPT is not a real person, people can more easily talk about their secrets or stories that are difficult to be told. When a person has to deal with a difficult problem that is hard to talk to someone, then the ChatGPT counseling application will be a big help. It hears what a person wants to get a solution, then it provides various possible solutions about the problems as well as giving thoughtful words that touch one’s heart. Although using ChatGPT counseling application is useful, Prof. Lee pointed out that it is important not to fall too deep into  ChatGPT and not to think it as real human-like friend.

"Anyone using ChatGPT should be aware of two things: it is not a person, and its information may be incorrect," said Prof. Lee. "If you keep these points in mind, knowing how to use ChatGPT will be very useful, so I want students to have a good AI friend called ChatGPT.” 

In universities, discussions on the usage of ChatGPT are ongoing. Some argue restrictions on the use of ChatGPT should be imposed while others argue more vigorous usage is needed. Using ChatGPT will be more prevalent in the future. It will be both impossible and meaningless to restrict all AI usage. A possible solution to use ChatGPT, therefore, is to think of it as a useful secretary or intelligent friend.