Ai ChatGpt - and the missing link

The missing link in all the excitement about ChatGpt is the role of the questioner working with an AI to generate content. I'm sure you're all familiar with the adage, "the quality of your answers depends on the quality of your questions." And this has never been more true than when working with an AI.

ChatGPT and other related AI are fantastic tools to generate base-level content for learners; As a learning designer, I have found the AI works well for AQF level two and three content and assessments but struggles with higher-level learning. In addition, their output needs significant fact-checking but helps scaffold learning for an SME to work through with an instructional Designer.

The generative language models are truly powerful and extraordinary tools for querying vast information banks at lightning speed and transforming the results into an array of end products. However, there is a real skill in setting the agenda for an AI to follow and then posing the right questions, in the right order, with the right phrasing to generate useable content.

Instructional designers (IDs) and learning designers (LDs) are crucial in creating effective and engaging learning resources with AI. Integrating AI technology into the instructional design process brings numerous benefits to creating learning resources.

As an instructional designer in the vocational and higher ed sectors, I design and develop educational programs and materials for various vocational and higher ed courses. I use my experience to make learning more engaging, effective and accessible to learners. I assess the target audience's needs and create instructional materials that meet their learning objectives, using instructional design theory, multimedia technology, and e-learning tools. I work with subject matter experts and stakeholders to ensure that the content is up-to-date, relevant, and meets industry standards. I also evaluate the success of my designs and make necessary modifications to improve learning outcomes.

When working with artificial intelligence, I apply the same processes to interrogate and probe for information carefully while using my knowledge of the education sector's processes, format requirements, and compliance frameworks. An ID can also improve AI output by tailoring learning content to each learning cohort's specific needs and preferences.

AI can also help IDs make content creation more efficient. For example, AI can assist us in creating learning content by generating content outlines, suggesting multimedia resources, and even creating quizzes and assessments. As a result, we can save significant time and effort, allowing us to focus on other important tasks, such as designing effective instructional strategies and consulting with Subject matter experts and other stakeholders.

I understand that bean counters in the education industry people want maximum value for money, and some feel that AI means instant free resources. But having worked in the corporate banking sector, I also understand that you get what you pay for and that if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys. AI is a lot like a monkey; it can do some cool tricks, but it needs someone to train it to do them.

AI, particularly ChatGPT, has garnered much attention in creating educational content. However, the role of the questioner in this process is often overlooked. The adage "the quality of your answers depends on the quality of your questions" still holds when working with AI.

ChatGPT and similar AI are effective tools for generating base-level content for learners and can be particularly useful for AQF level two and three content and assessments. However, they may struggle with higher-level learning, and their output requires significant fact-checking.

The power of generative language models lies in their ability to query vast amounts of information at lightning speed and produce a range of end products. However, setting the agenda for AI and posing the right questions; in the right way; is a real skill.

Instructional designers (IDs) and learning designers (LDs) are crucial in creating effective and engaging learning resources using AI. Integrating AI technology into the instructional design process brings numerous benefits, including improved content creation and efficiency.

An instructional designer in the vocational and higher ed sectors is responsible for designing and developing educational programs and materials for various courses. They assess the target audience's needs and create instructional materials that meet their learning objectives, using instructional design theory, multimedia technology, and e-learning tools. They also work with subject matter experts and stakeholders to ensure that the content is up-to-date and relevant and evaluate the success of their designs to make necessary improvements.

When working with AI, instructional designers apply the same processes to gather information and tailor content to specific learning cohorts' needs and preferences. AI can also assist in creating content outlines, suggesting multimedia resources, and generating quizzes and assessments, making the content creation process more efficient.

While some in the education industry may view AI as a means to free resources, the reality is that you get what you pay for. AI is like a monkey that performs neat tricks, but that monkey needs training. The value added by instructional designers in training and utilizing AI cannot be overstated.