ChatGPT as well as other Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) programmes are a sign that the future is now, with AI being able to plan your holiday itinerary, draft your essay, process data quickly and even help with researching complex topics. Students may often turn to ChatGPT for help on assignments and projects but are you aware of the specific ways in which ChatGPT can help students?

Revision and Further learning
You will inevitably come across some theories or topics during your studies that are complex or take time to digest. You can ask ChatGPT for different ways to elaborate a particular theory or topic in a simplified sense or even to give examples on the topic that helps to provide a better understanding of the concept. A popular prompt is called ELI5 (Explain It Like I’m 5), where difficult topics get broken down into layman terms for ease of comprehension. Sample prompt: “Explain like I’m Five: What is quantum computing?”
Idea Generation
Writer’s block is real. Sometimes it can be difficult to figure out where to start or what to write on especially in reports and essays. GAI tools can assist by brainstorming and generating ideas for research projects, essays, or creative endeavours. These tools can provide inspiration by generating text, images, or even music based on input prompts to help give students a direction to complete assignments. If you already have ideas on hand but need help with organising your thoughts, GAI can help structure the pointers in a clear manner before you go ahead to develop them further.
Alternative Viewpoints
When coming across a particularly difficult topic or theory it also helps to sometimes take a step back and try a different method to understand the concept. ChatGPT can give you a different viewpoint to easily understand the concept which helps especially in a complicated theory that involves multiple layers of understanding like giving you a more familiar and realistic examples to describe the theory. Use prompts to present your current understanding of the issue and get GAI to counter those views with facts from a specific perspective.
Efficient Time Management
GAI tools can help students save time by automating certain tasks, such as generating outlines or drafting initial versions of essays. This allows students to allocate more time for in-depth research and analysis. Students can even ask GAI to help assist in creating schedules for meetings especially in group projects.
Proofreading and Vetting
To add the cherry on top, ChatGPT can aid in making your essays and reports more fluid by checking for sentence structure, grammar and even suggesting vocabulary to use. You can also use prompts to change the tone of voice, for example editing a script to sound more formal. GAI can easily help to replace words or phrases throughout the entire essay without the need to manually check for replacements.
At SIM, the learning goes beyond the degree qualifications. With the Centre for Micro-Credentials, students are also able to take up short term courses that are time-sensitive in this competitive landscape, including one on ChatGPT for Academic Excellence.
Topics that the course will cover include but are not limited to are:
- How students can learn to effectively incorporate ChatGPT into individual as well as group projects
- How to use ChatGPT ethically and avoid plagiarism.
- The usage of ChatGPT to construct detailed project execution plans based on requirements and rubrics.
Students can easily sign up for such workshops by logging in with their student Outlook account on the CMC website and can even get in touch with them through their Instagram page @sim_cmc!
Generative AI tools aren’t just some fancy add-ons to your traditional learning methods; they’re the game-changers you need to dominate your academic journey! With the power of AI at your fingertips, you can unleash your creativity, explore the depths of knowledge, and revolutionize your approach to learning. Ready to dive headfirst into the world of Artificial Intelligence? Look no further than the University of London’s cutting-edge courses, tailor-made to fuel your passion and propel you to success. Don’t wait around – seize the opportunity to supercharge your intellect and future-proof your career. Get in on the action now!