Generative AI as a lab partner: a case study
Project Overview
The document examines the integration of generative AI tools, particularly ChatGPT, in high school physics laboratories, specifically during experiments on acoustic levitation. It emphasizes the dual role of AI as a supportive lab partner, capable of generating discussion prompts and aiding in problem-solving, while also noting the critical influence of students’ prior knowledge on their ability to utilize AI effectively. The findings reveal that interactions with AI can be both productive and challenging, highlighting the essential role of teachers in facilitating students' understanding of generative AI's capabilities and limitations. Overall, the study suggests that while generative AI has the potential to enhance learning experiences in educational settings, proper guidance and support are necessary to maximize its benefits and mitigate possible issues.
Key Applications
ChatGPT as a lab partner in physics experiments
Context: High school physics laboratory for second and third-year students
Implementation: Students used ChatGPT during a physics lab to assist with understanding acoustic levitation and solving related problems.
Outcomes: Students reported useful interactions with ChatGPT for conceptual understanding, generating equations, and aiding in discussions about experimental results.
Challenges: Students with limited prior knowledge struggled to assess the accuracy of ChatGPT's responses and often accepted its answers without verification.
Implementation Barriers
Knowledge Barrier
Students lacked sufficient prior knowledge of physics concepts necessary to evaluate the reliability of AI-generated answers.
Proposed Solutions: Incorporating training for both students and teachers on how to effectively use generative AI tools and understand their limitations.
Project Team
Sebastian Kilde-Westberg
Researcher
Andreas Johansson
Researcher
Jonas Enger
Researcher
Contact Information
For information about the paper, please contact the authors.
Authors: Sebastian Kilde-Westberg, Andreas Johansson, Jonas Enger
Source Publication: View Original PaperLink opens in a new window
Project Contact: Dr. Jianhua Yang
LLM Model Version: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18
Analysis Provider: Openai