Generative AI as a lab partner: a case study
Project Overview
The document explores the integration of generative AI tools, particularly ChatGPT, in high school physics laboratories, emphasizing their potential to enhance learning experiences by assisting students with problem-solving, generating discussion topics, and providing tutoring support. It finds that while these AI tools can significantly benefit students, their effectiveness is closely linked to the students' existing knowledge of physics concepts. The findings underscore the importance of the teacher's role in facilitating the use of generative AI, as educators are essential in helping students navigate these tools and understand their capabilities and limitations. By guiding students in effectively leveraging generative AI, teachers can maximize the educational benefits these technologies offer, fostering a more interactive and supportive learning environment.
Key Applications
ChatGPT as a virtual lab partner
Context: High school physics laboratory session focusing on the speed of sound and acoustic levitation with second- and third-year students
Implementation: Students were given access to ChatGPT during a lab where they investigated acoustic levitation. They interacted with the tool to seek guidance on experiments and conceptual understanding.
Outcomes: Students found ChatGPT useful for answering conceptual questions and providing equations needed for their experiments. It helped some students to finish their analyses and discussions about acoustic levitation.
Challenges: Students with less prior knowledge struggled to evaluate the reliability of ChatGPT's responses, leading to misunderstandings about physics concepts. There was a risk of over-reliance on AI for explanations without critical evaluation.
Implementation Barriers
Knowledge Barrier
Students’ prior knowledge of physics concepts influenced their ability to effectively use ChatGPT, leading some to trust incorrect information. Additionally, students anthropomorphized ChatGPT, viewing it as a knowledgeable source without critically assessing the information provided.
Proposed Solutions: Educators should provide training on how to effectively use generative AI tools and emphasize the importance of understanding underlying concepts. Incorporate discussions on the limitations of AI tools in educational settings, emphasizing the need for verification of information.
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