As districts continue to turn to innovative tutoring interventions to help their students bounce back academically, students are taking matters into their own hands by hiring their own free, personalized tutor: ChatGPT.
Since its inception, the generative artificial intelligence tool ChatGPT has sparked controversy—and excitement—among educators and students. But now, we’re seeing that it’s actually being used as a force for good, and it might be the answer districts are looking for in terms of learning recovery.
A new survey from Intelligent reveals that both K12 and college students are using ChatGPT as a study aide, most commonly in the areas of math and science.
According to the data from the survey:
- 95% of respondents say their grades have improved since they began studying with ChatGPT.
- 9 in 10 prefer studying with the tool than with a tutor.
- Nearly all respondents have replaced some of their tutoring sessions with AI.
One of the driving factors, according to one college student who took part in the survey, generative AI is convenient, making it a more effective tutor.
“As a current college student using ChatGPT, I have found it to be a helpful and convenient tool for studying,” they said. “Unlike seeing a tutor, ChatGPT is available 24/7 and can answer my questions immediately.”
“Plus, I can study at my own pace and review the information as many times as I need to. While it’s not quite the same as having a human tutor, I appreciate the accessibility and flexibility that ChatGPT offers.”
More from DA: Can districts overcome tight timelines to fill their superintendent vacancies?
Across K12 and college students, 85% said they find ChatGPT more effective than an in-person tutor. However, tutors don’t see themselves being replaced.
“As a foreign language tutor, I admit that at first I was concerned that I could be replaced by ChatGPT,” said one tutor featured in the survey. “However, as amazing as it is, it’s still only a tool, and students need more than just knowledge to learn. The bond between student and teacher, trust, encouragement and bearing witness to the student’s learning journey is, in my opinion, what promotes true learning and growth in a way that prompts and computer-generated responses just can’t.”
