A large language model, or LLM, is an artificial intelligence that has been trained to understand and generate text in a human-like fashion. Think of it like a super-smart version of autocomplete. Based on having "read" an enormous body of text, called a corpus of text, a LLM can produce similar text in response to a question or other prompt. The biggest LLMs have been trained on a corpus consisting of most of the text freely available on the internet, which takes a huge amount of processing power (and money). However, they are still prone to hallucinate, or make up probable-sounding (but false) information, so you should always fact-check any information you get from a LLM.
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ChatGPT was the first LLM to be made widely available to the public
LLMs are good at many tasks that make teaching and learning easier, such as explaining concepts, providing examples, and designing assignments. However, if you are an instructor, make sure you check any LLM-generated content for errors before giving it to your students. If you are a student, make sure you check with your instructor before using a LLM to help with an assignment. Here are some possible use cases for education:
The following articles provide some suggestions on how to use generative AI effectively in the classroom. Whether and how you choose to use AI in the classroom is up to you.
"We’re releasing a guide for teachers using ChatGPT in their classroom—including suggested prompts, an explanation of how ChatGPT works and its limitations, the efficacy of AI detectors, and bias."
UCLA's guide on generative AI for instructors
Best practices for instructors considering using LLMs
An overview of concerns and possible use cases
A paper explaining how instructors can use LLMs to improve their teaching
Ideas for how to use LLMs to implement previously time-intensive evidence-based teaching practices
10 use cases and examples
The following articles provide some suggestions on how to use generative AI appropriately in the classroom if your instructor approves.
An overview of benefits and potential pitfalls for students considering using LLMs
An article from a student on how to use LLMs for writing responsibly
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