How to Use ChatGPT Effectively With Prompt Engineering
Introduction
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a subject of debate in the educational sector. Many students have turned to AI tools like ChatGPT to aid them with their academic work, yet the use of this technology has been perceived negatively, with some students even calling for it to be banned from universities. To help students utilize these tools ethically, Florianne Jimenez, Assistant Professor of English and Co-Director of the Writing Center at the University of Massachusetts Boston, suggests prompt engineering as a critical tool to optimize ChatGPT's effectiveness.
Why Prompt Engineering is Necessary
Traditionally, students seek to attain higher academic grades in the texts they produce. However, Jimenez argues that the process of writing is the most crucial element of the writing classroom. ChatGPT should be viewed as a supplementary tool, similar to spell check or Grammarly, to help students become better writers. By using prompt engineering, the AI tool's input and output can be optimized to produce quality text.
How Prompt Engineering Can Be Used Effectively
One of the reasons why the use of AI in education has a negative connotation is because students often use it for unethical practices. However, Jimenez suggests that students should be upfront about their use of ChatGPT, and educators should not subject them to strict policing. For instance, if a student is using ChatGPT for creative and innovative purposes and is open about it, they should be encouraged. Conversely, if a student is using ChatGPT and not disclosing it, that would be considered a form of dishonesty.
To use ChatGPT effectively, Jimenez advises students to "Think small, not big" using prompt engineering. One should provide clear instructions on the task at hand, format, style, and length. Instead of a generic prompt like "Write an essay on global warming," something more specific like "Explain in five paragraphs how human activity has contributed to the increase in global temperatures in the Philippines, citing the top climate change experts of 2021" is much more effective.
Easy Ways to Get Started with Prompt Engineering
Students can get started on prompt engineering by ensuring their prompts give clear instructions on the task at hand. Assigning a role to ChatGPT will guide the AI's thought process with proper voice execution. Providing examples of what you're looking for can help the AI understand what you want it to do. Experimentation with different prompts is crucial to refining prompt engineering skills over-time.
Fact-Checking with AI
Although AI tools like ChatGPT have their benefits, they are not entirely fool-proof. Jimenez advises students to fact-check whatever AI produces, particularly when writing research papers as accuracy is critical. While ChatGPT is exceptionally helpful in brainstorming and creating outlines, it is less effective when writing an entire essay with little to no planned human intervention.
Conclusion
The use of AI tools like ChatGPT in education should not be viewed as cheating; instead, they should be supplementary tools used to optimize the writing process. By using prompt engineering, educators can guide students on how to use ChatGPT effectively. Students should also practice fact-checking to ensure the accuracy of the texts produced by AI tools.
