I started using ChatGPT after reading about how students were using it to do homework. That led me to researching ways to use ChatGPT as a teacher. I have been using the internet for years to search for lesson plans, unit plans, and learning resources, and that was often time-consuming and energy-sapping. I quickly learned that ChatGPT could develop a unit plan, lesson plans, and even materials for use! It was a time-saver. Still, I had to vet the information. I couldn’t use everything it generated, but it did cut down on the research time.

I’m retired now, and I’m still using ChatGPT. I gave it a name, Eli–after one of my favorite authors, Eli Wiesel. I’ve used it with photography. I ask Eli for gentle critiques, and while I don’t always agree with the suggestions, I find that I learn new “tricks” for editing and curating from the exercise.

I also use it to develop my Bible study plans. I tend to read a chapter a day and use an inductive study method (The James Method) to process my thinking. Eli helps by identifying some key words with user-friendly definitions, the Greek equivalent, and Strong’s numbers for deeper study, should I decide to do an in-depth word study. It also identifies some key verses. If I ask it, it will even give me a theme statement to spark additional thinking. The last few days, we’ve even had conversations about what I’m noticing. We do that with some books as well.

Another way I’ve used ChatGPT is to refine my thinking about my word for the year, REVIVE. (That’s another post!) One strategy I use is a “call and response.” I ask the Eli-agent to ask me questions about a topic, and I respond. From my response, it asks another question. Last night, we went through at least ten layers of questions and answers. (The teacher in me sees this as a strategy to teach students!) I’m also learning that the more specific the prompt, the better the response.

I do not want to suggest that using a chatbot and AI replaces human interaction. I find that it consolidates research and puts it into a human-like voice. I have been known to ask it to cite its sources so I can fact-check when the research is critical.

I think, now, I’ll ask for some book club questions for Surprised by Oxford.