ChatGPT course

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Mac Juli, Mar 31, 2025.

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  1. Mac Juli

    Mac Juli Well-Known Member

    Hello!

    If I use ChatGPT for my assignments in a ChatGPT course, is this cheating or the proof I have really mastered the topic and therefore acceptable? Asking for a friend!!

    Best regards,
    Mac Juli
     
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  2. MichaelGates

    MichaelGates Active Member

    The correct thing to do is to find a rival AI and use it for the answers about CharGPT assignments. Then tell ChatGPT what the rival said about it that was negative. You can write about the Great AI War you started for your final paper. At least that's what another AI told me to write here.
     
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  3. datby98

    datby98 Active Member

    Claude 3.7:
    This is an interesting ethical question that hinges on the learning objectives of your course.
    If your ChatGPT course is specifically teaching you:
    - How to effectively prompt and use AI tools
    - How to integrate AI assistance into workflows
    - How to critically evaluate and refine AI outputs
    Then using ChatGPT to help complete assignments may actually demonstrate your mastery of the subject matter. The key is whether you're actively applying the skills being taught rather than bypassing the learning process.
    However, it would still be considered cheating if:
    - The assignment instructions specifically prohibit using AI
    - You're submitting ChatGPT's output as entirely your own work without attribution
    - You're using ChatGPT to avoid learning the fundamental concepts the assignment is meant to teach
    I'd recommend:
    1. Checking your course policies on AI usage
    2. Being transparent with your instructor about how you're using the tool
    3. Focusing on demonstrating your prompting skills and critical evaluation of the outputs
    The real test of mastery isn't whether you can get ChatGPT to do your work, but whether you understand how and why it produces what it does, and how to effectively integrate it into your learning process.

    Gemini 2.0:
    That's a fascinating and highly relevant question in the context of AI education! The answer is nuanced and depends entirely on **the specific rules set by the instructor and the goals of the assignment.**
    Here's a breakdown:
    1. **If the Assignment Explicitly Asks You to Use ChatGPT:**
    * In this case, using ChatGPT is **not cheating**; it's **fulfilling the assignment requirements.** The goal is likely to assess your ability to:
    * Craft effective prompts (prompt engineering).
    * Critically evaluate the AI's output.
    * Understand its capabilities and limitations.
    * Integrate its output into a larger task.
    * Achieve a specific outcome using the tool.
    * Here, skilled use of ChatGPT *is* the demonstration of mastery.
    2. **If the Assignment Asks for Your *Own* Understanding, Analysis, or Writing (Even About ChatGPT):**
    * If the assignment is designed to test *your* ability to explain concepts, synthesize information, write original text, or demonstrate critical thinking *independently*, then submitting work primarily generated by ChatGPT **would likely be considered cheating.**
    * The goal here is to assess *your* learning and cognitive skills, not your ability to prompt an AI to do the cognitive work for you.
    * Using it for brainstorming, checking facts (carefully!), or refining your *own* writing might be acceptable (similar to using a spell checker or thesaurus), but generating the core content would cross the line.
    3. **The Grey Area:**
    * What if the instructions aren't perfectly clear? What if you use ChatGPT to help structure your thoughts or explain a complex sub-topic to you before you write your own answer? This falls into a grey area common with many learning tools.
    **The Deciding Factor: Academic Integrity Policy & Instructor Intent**
    * **Check the Syllabus/Assignment Instructions:** The course's academic integrity policy and the specific instructions for the assignment are paramount. Look for guidelines on AI tool usage.
    * **Ask the Instructor:** If there is *any* doubt, the only way to be certain is to ask your instructor directly. Frame it clearly: "For assignment X, which asks us to [assignment goal], to what extent are we permitted/encouraged to use tools like ChatGPT? Is the goal to demonstrate our use of the tool, or our independent understanding of the concepts?"
    * **Transparency:** If you do use ChatGPT in a way you believe is permissible but not explicitly encouraged (e.g., for outlining), it's often wise to be transparent about it, perhaps in a footnote or appendix, unless the instructor advises otherwise.
    **Conclusion:**
    Using ChatGPT in a ChatGPT course *can* be proof of mastery if the task is specifically designed to assess your ability to use the tool effectively. However, if the task is designed to assess your independent understanding, writing, or analytical skills, using ChatGPT to generate the work and submitting it as your own **is almost certainly cheating**, regardless of the course topic.
    **Always default to the course's specific rules and ask your instructor if unsure.**

    Llama 3.1:
    Using ChatGPT or any other AI tool to complete assignments in a course about ChatGPT (or any other topic) can be a gray area, and it's essential to consider the context and the instructor's expectations.
    While it might seem ironic to use ChatGPT for a ChatGPT course, it's crucial to understand that the goal of such a course is likely to teach you about the capabilities, limitations, and applications of ChatGPT, as well as critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving skills.
    If you use ChatGPT to complete assignments without proper understanding, analysis, or critical thinking, it could be considered cheating. Here's why:
    1. **Lack of original thought**: By relying solely on ChatGPT, you might not be demonstrating your own understanding of the topic. The instructor wants to assess your ability to think critically and apply the concepts learned in the course.
    2. **Misrepresentation**: Submitting work generated entirely by ChatGPT without proper attribution or disclosure can be seen as misrepresenting your own abilities and knowledge.
    However, if you use ChatGPT as a tool to assist your learning, understand the concepts, and demonstrate your mastery of the topic, it could be acceptable. Here's how:
    1. **Use ChatGPT as a learning aid**: Utilize ChatGPT to explore ideas, generate examples, or clarify concepts, but make sure you understand the underlying principles and can explain them in your own words.
    2. **Proper attribution**: If you use ChatGPT-generated content, clearly attribute it and explain how you used the tool to support your learning.
    3. **Demonstrate critical thinking**: Show that you've analyzed and evaluated the output from ChatGPT, and provide your own insights, critiques, or extensions of the ideas.
    To avoid any potential issues, it's best to:
    1. **Check with your instructor**: Discuss your plans with your instructor and ask about their expectations regarding the use of ChatGPT or other AI tools in the course.
    2. **Use ChatGPT responsibly**: Remember that ChatGPT is a tool, not a substitute for your own learning and critical thinking.
    By being transparent, responsible, and demonstrating your understanding of the topic, you can show that you've truly mastered the material and are not simply relying on ChatGPT to do the work for you.
     
  4. datby98

    datby98 Active Member

    DeepSeek R1:
    Using ChatGPT for assignments in a ChatGPT course can be viewed differently depending on the course's objectives and guidelines. Here's a structured summary:
    1. **Context of the Course**:
    - If the course focuses on understanding ChatGPT's functionality, applications, or programming, using ChatGPT for assignments might undermine the assessment of personal understanding.
    - If the course emphasizes effective tool usage, using ChatGPT could demonstrate mastery and be acceptable.
    2. **Assignment Instructions**:
    - Check if the assignments specify whether external tools are allowed. Compliance with these instructions is crucial.
    3. **Learning Outcomes**:
    - Using ChatGPT to generate answers without understanding may hinder learning. However, using it as a study aid for ideas or feedback can be beneficial.
    4. **Academic Integrity**:
    - Most institutions prohibit submitting AI-generated work as one's own. Context matters; using the tool for the subject matter may be acceptable, but not for demonstrating personal understanding.
    5. **Clarification**:
    - Consult the course syllabus or instructor for specific guidance to ensure compliance with expectations and objectives.
    In conclusion, whether using ChatGPT is cheating depends on the course's expectations. If the goal is personal understanding, it may be cheating. If the goal is tool usage, it might be acceptable. Seeking clarification from the instructor is recommended.

    GPT-4o:
    Whether using ChatGPT for assignments in a ChatGPT course is considered cheating or demonstrates mastery depends on the specific guidelines and expectations of the course. Here are some points to consider when evaluating this question:
    ### 1. **Course Rules and Academic Integrity**
    - Check your course syllabus or consult your instructor to determine whether using ChatGPT for assignments is allowed.
    - Some courses, particularly those focused on teaching how to use AI tools like ChatGPT, explicitly encourage or require such usage as part of the learning process. In this case, effectively using the tool demonstrates an understanding of how to apply AI to solve problems or complete tasks.
    - However, if the course prohibits unauthorized use of tools like ChatGPT for assignments, it would be considered cheating.
    ### 2. **Purpose of the Assignment**
    - If the goal of the assignment is to assess your ability to use ChatGPT effectively (e.g., crafting prompts, guiding the AI, interpreting outputs, or improving results with iteration), then using ChatGPT as part of the process is likely the intended behavior and shows you have mastered the topic.
    - On the other hand, if the assignment is testing your independent knowledge or critical thinking and you rely solely on ChatGPT without your own input, it could undermine the purpose of the task.
    ### 3. **Your Role in the Process**
    - Using ChatGPT in a thoughtful and productive manner, such as generating ideas, structuring an argument, or fine-tuning results, can reflect your understanding and mastery, especially if you actively shape and evaluate the AI's output.
    - Simply copying ChatGPT's answers without contributing your own critical thought or analysis may not demonstrate mastery and could be classified as unethical or lazy, depending on the context.
    ### 4. **Transparency Matters**
    - Be transparent about your use of ChatGPT. If your course allows or encourages AI use, you should disclose in your submission when and how ChatGPT was used. For example, "This response was generated with the help of ChatGPT and edited by me for clarity and accuracy."
    - Transparency fosters trust and ensures credit is given appropriately, both to yourself and the tool you used.
    ### 5. **Mastery Beyond the Tool**
    - Cultivating a balance between using AI tools and your own abilities is key. Mastery often means understanding ChatGPT's strengths and limitations, knowing how to refine its outputs, and being able to perform tasks without relying solely on the tool. This deeper comprehension is what demonstrates true learning.
    ### Conclusion
    Using ChatGPT in a ChatGPT course would likely not be considered cheating if:
    1. The course explicitly encourages or allows it.
    2. You use the tool thoughtfully and with clear understanding.
    3. You remain transparent about its use.
    Ultimately, the definition of "cheating" or "mastery" depends on the context of your course, the assignments, and the academic standards set by your instructor. Communicate openly with your instructor to ensure you're using the tool appropriately.

    03-mini:
    The answer to whether using ChatGPT for your assignments is considered cheating largely depends on the context and specific guidelines set by your course or institution. Here are some things to consider:
    1. **Course Policies and Academic Integrity Guidelines:**
    Many courses and institutions have clearly defined policies regarding the use of external aids, including AI tools such as ChatGPT. It’s important to review your course syllabus or academic integrity guidelines to see what is allowed. In some cases, using assistants for drafting or brainstorming might be acceptable if you properly cite or disclose the use, while in others it may be considered academic dishonesty.
    2. **Nature of the Assignment:**
    - **Learning vs. Final Evaluation:** If an assignment is intended to measure your personal understanding and mastery of a topic, relying heavily on AI-generated content without adding your own voice might undermine the learning objective.
    - **Collaboration vs. Individual Work:** Some assignments are meant to be completed individually without external help. Ensure you understand whether using AI assistance aligns with the expectations for that particular assignment.
    3. **Proper Attribution and Transparency:**
    If you do choose to use ChatGPT or other AI tools, it is advisable to be upfront about it. Some educators appreciate knowing that you used an AI tool for initial ideas or to overcome writer’s block, as long as you build upon that content with your analysis and understanding. Always check if your institution requires you to disclose such help.
    4. **Skill Development and Understanding:**
    The core intent of assignments is to demonstrate your mastery of the material. If you use ChatGPT to generate ideas or even draft content, make sure you spend time digesting and understanding the material. This ensures that you’re genuinely learning and can explain or justify the work as part of the evaluation process.

    5. **Potential Risks and Ethical Considerations:**
    - **Dependency:** Relying too heavily on AI tools might lead you to miss out on the learning opportunity.
    - **Plagiarism Concerns:** Even when AI generates content, presenting it without proper attribution may raise concerns about originality.
    - **Detection Technologies:** Some institutions are developing methods to detect AI-generated content, which could have implications for your academic record if it’s against the rules.
    **Conclusion:**
    Using ChatGPT for assignments isn’t inherently cheating, but it is essential to align its use with the intended learning objectives, adhere to your institution’s policies, and maintain academic integrity. To ensure you’re on safe ground, consider discussing your planned use of AI tools with your instructor, and always strive to understand and integrate the learning material yourself.
    In summary, AI can be a valuable tool when used responsibly, but the key is to use it as a supplement to your education rather than a replacement for personal effort and mastery of the content.
     
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