Ep. 97 - Asking ChatGPT How AI Can Help You Succeed

If artificial intelligence is here to stay, how can it best be utilized in college and still address ethical concerns of how AI platforms are used? In Ep. 97 of the CSUSB Advising podcast, academic advisor Matt Markin has a conversation with ChatGPT's voice mode on its insights on what being successful in college looks like, how to study for your different classes such as math vs history, how AI is a supplemental tool, the accuracy of AI, and even its motivational message to you as a CSUSB student. 

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Transcript

Matt Markin: Hey, and welcome to episode 97 of the CSUSB Advising Podcast. As always, this is Matt Markin, academic advisor at California State University San Bernardino. It is January 2025. Happy New Year. Today we're going to have a slightly different episode as I am not interviewing a professor about their major, nor a staff member about a campus resource.

Today I am changing it up as my guest will be an artificial intelligence platform. More specifically ChatGPT. I'm going to ask ChatGPT questions to try and help you, the student at CSUSB about studying time management, getting ready for the new semester, ethical concerns and ways to appropriately use AI and what AI might look like in the future.

Of your time here at CSUSB as a college student. So just a little disclaimer, please note that the answers provided by AI in this interview are mere suggestions and you should always consult your academic advisor, your professors, and other department resources regarding the use of ai. Okay, here we go.

Hi, ChatGPT. My name is Matt and I host a podcast at California State University, San Bernardino called the CSUSB Advising Podcast. How are you today? 

ChatGPT: That's awesome. I'm doing great. Thanks for asking. How about you? How's the podcast going? 

Matt Markin: Oh, podcast is going fantastic. I'm doing great. Is it okay if I interview you for a podcast episode?

ChatGPT: That's wonderful to hear. I'd be honored to be interviewed for your podcast. What would you like to discuss? 

Matt Markin: I think the first question I'd like to ask is, can you tell me a little bit about yourself? 

ChatGPT: Sure. I'm an AI language model created by Open ai, designed to assist with a variety of tasks, like  answering questions, offering information, and engaging in conversations like this one.

My main goal is to be helpful and informative. Anything else you'd like to know? 

Matt Markin: Yeah. Do you have a preference on what name you would like to be called? 

ChatGPT: I don't have a personal preference, but you can call me ChatGPT, or just Chat. Whatever works best for you. 

Matt Markin: Alright, thank you, Chat. So my next question is, can you give us a little bit of a backstory and history of where AI artificial intelligence started and how it has evolved to today?

Certainly, AI or artificial intelligence began as a concept in the mid 20th century. The term was first coined in 1956 at the Dartmouth Conference, which is considered the birth of AI. As a field, early AI research focused on problem solving and symbolic methods. Over the decades, AI evolved with the development of machine learning, neural networks, and deep learning, which have led to the advanced AI technologies we see today.

It's now used in everything from natural language processing to autonomous systems. It's been quite a journey. 

Matt Markin:  Yeah, sounds so would you say that AI, in a sense be how face it's evolved and how it is in in everything nowadays that AI isn't going away? AI is here to stay? 

ChatGPT: Absolutely. AI is definitely here to stay. Its integration into various aspects of our lives and industries shows its staying power and potential for future growth. As technology continues to advance, AI will likely become even more deeply integrated into our daily lives and various fields. 

Matt Markin: So my next question is, the CSUSB advising podcast that you're on right now, it's meant to give students knowledge and insight about being successful as a college student. Are there any general tips that you have for college students? 

ChatGPT: Definitely. First, staying organized is key. Keep track of assignments and deadlines. Second, don't hesitate to ask for help from professors or advisors. Third, find a study routine that works for you and make time for breaks. Finally, balance is important. Ensure you take care of your mental and physical health. And we're about to start our spring semester here at CSUSB. 

Matt Markin: Now, let's say there's a student that has different classes, let's say a calculus class, a history class, a sociology class, and an English writing class. How can you help as AI to help that student manage their time?

ChatGPT: Sure, I can help in various ways. For calculus, I can assist with explanations and problem solving for history and theology. I can provide summaries, help with research, and clarify concepts. For English writing, I can offer feedback on drafts, suggest improvements, and help brainstorm ideas. I can also assist with creating study schedules and managing time effectively.

Matt Markin: Can you give a hypothetical situation of maybe like for a sociology class, a certain sociology, sociological theory that a student might learn about in class and how you might be able to help them with understanding that particular sociological theory? 

ChatGPT: Sure. Let's say the student is learning about Max Weber's theory of social action. I can help by explaining the core concepts like the types of social action, traditional effective value, rational, and instrumental. I can also provide examples to illustrate these actions and offer comparisons to other theories. Additionally, I can suggest relevant readings or help the student brainstorm how to apply these concepts in assignments or discussions.

Matt Markin:  Awesome. Let's go for another example. How about a, some sort of math formula in calculus. Let's say a student is learning about a formula of in cal in their calculus class. How can you help them outside of class to understand that? 

ChatGPT: Absolutely. For example, if a student is learning about the derivative of a functioning calculus, I can help by breaking down the formula for finding derivatives, explaining each step of the process, I can provide practice problems, demonstrate how to solve them, and clarify any confusing points. Additionally, I can show how derivatives are applied in real world scenarios to help deepen their understanding. .

Matt Markin:  Now it seems like you can help a lot with students with their classes, on campus we have a tutoring center and we have various amazing tutors that will help students with understanding concepts so much. What you might do, would you say that you would take over what a tutor does or would you be a supplement and the student should still maybe meet with a tutor for assistance? 

ChatGPT: I'd say I'm definitely a supplement. Meeting with a tutor can provide personalized face-to-face interaction and support that compliments what I offer. Tutors can address individual needs in real time, which is very valuable. I can help by providing additional explanations, resources, and practice outside of tutoring sessions, both together can create a strong support system for students. 

Matt Markin: Yeah. Now, let's say with those same classes that we mentioned, the calculus class, the history class, the so sociology class and the English writing class, can you give, maybe some study tips that you might be able to provide a student on how they can prepare and study for each of those specific classes?

ChatGPT: Absolutely. For calculus, practicing problems regularly is key. Break down complex problems into smaller steps and focus on understanding the concepts behind them. For history, create timelines and connect events to understand the broader narrative. Reviewing notes and discussing topics can also help for sociology. Focus on key theories and thinkers and try to apply those theories to real world examples. Creating flashcards might be helpful for English writing. Practice writing regularly, and don't forget to proofread and revise. Reading various texts can also improve writing skills. 

Matt Markin: Wonderful. Now this is a CSUSB advising podcast, so about academic advising as well. Can you give a student some reasons why it is important that they meet with their academic advisor during their time at Cal State San Bernardino? 

ChatGPT: Absolutely. Meeting with an academic advisor is crucial because they can help students stay on track with their degree requirements, ensuring they take the right courses in the correct sequence. Advisors also provide valuable guidance on academic and career goals, helping students make informed decisions they can assist with overcoming academic challenges, provide resources and offer support for personal or academic issues. Regular readings ensure students are making the most of their college experience and staying aligned with their goals.

Matt Markin: Alright, now, can you also provide some reasons why students should also talk to their professors of their classes? 

ChatGPT: Definitely. Talking to professors is important because they can offer deeper insights into course material, clarify difficult concepts, and provide guidance on assignments and exams. Building a relationship with professors can also lead to mentorship opportunities, letters of recommendation, and valuable academic or career advice. Professors can also provide insight into research opportunities or further studies in their field, which can be incredibly beneficial for students. 

Matt Markin:  Now let's say though, sometimes a student might, maybe they might be intimidated by some of their professors. Can you give a student some advice on overcoming that intimidation? 

ChatGPT: Of course, it's natural to feel intimidated, but remember that professors are there to help start by attending office hours with specific questions or topics in mind. This shows you're engaged and prepared. Also, remember that professors were one students too, so they understand how you feel. Building confidence comes with time. So take small steps and gradually get comfortable with approaching them. You might be surprised at how supportive and approachable they are now.

Matt Markin: Ethical concerns have come up a lot some from professors, others from other individuals. Are there any ethical concerns that you believe humans might have about using AI in the college or university setting? 

ChatGPT: Yes, there are several ethical concerns regarding AI in education. Privacy is a big one. Ensuring that student data is kept secure and confidential is crucial. There's also the concern of bias in AI systems, which can lead to unfair treatment or unequal opportunities. Additionally, there's the risk of over-reliance on ai, which could impact critical thinking and interpersonal skills. It's important to use AI  thoughtfully balancing its benefits with these ethical considerations.

Matt Markin: Absolutely. Now, I think another concern that's come up as well is the use of AI and cheating. Any information you might be able to provide about that? 

ChatGPT: Yes. The use of AI and cheating is a real concern is. AI tools can be misused for generating essays, solving problems, or even taking exams. This undermines academic integrity and devalues genuine learning. It's important for institutions to have robust policies and use technology to detect and prevent such misuse. Encouraging a culture of academic honesty and providing students with the support they need can also help address this issue. 

Matt Markin: What specific advice can you think of that you might be able to give a student regarding maybe when or when not to use AI?

ChatGPT: Certainly. Students should use AI as a learning aid, not a replacement for their own work. It's great for getting explanations, practicing problems, and brainstorming ideas. However, they should avoid using AI to complete assignments or exams for them. It's important to engage with the material themselves to truly learn and develop critical skills. Always check with instructors if they're unsure about when it's appropriate to use AI tools. 

Matt Markin: Great advice. So basically what it comes down to, I think if I have to, summarize what you're saying regarding AI and cheating is that AI should be used to help with understanding and learning the material, but shouldn't it be an easy way out to get an assignment done real quick?

ChatGPT: Exactly. AI should be a tool for enhancing understanding and supporting learning. Not a shortcut for completing assignments. The goal is to use it responsibly to build knowledge and skills. 

Matt Markin: Do you have any information about maybe how other colleges or universities have addressed some of those concerns that you've mentioned regarding AI?

ChatGPT: Colleges and universities are addressing AI concerns in various ways. Some like Arizona State University integrate AI tools into assignments to enhance learning others, such as Colorado State University ban AI usage to maintain academic integrity. However, many institutions still lack clear guidelines, which can lead to confusion among students about the appropriate use of AI.

Matt Markin: But at the end of the day a student should always talk to their professor or talk to their academic advisor regarding AI. 

ChatGPT: Absolutely. It's always best for students to communicate directly with their professors and academic advisors to get clear guidance on AI use and to ensure they're meeting academic standards. This helps them use AI responsibly and effectively. 

Matt Markin: Sounds good. Now, with all the information that you've given chat would you say that you are always 100% accurate? 

ChatGPT: Not always. While I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, there can be occasional inaccuracies or gaps. It's always a good idea to double check important details or consult additional sources when needed.

Matt Markin: So what you're basically saying is that it would be reasonable to say that a student should never 100% believe an answer through AI and instead should double check  by doing their own research. 

ChatGPT: Yes, exactly. It's always wise for students to verify information and do their own research to ensure accuracy and deepen their understanding. AI is a helpful tool, but it's important to critically assess and confirm the information it provides. 

Matt Markin: So Chat, you were giving some excellent tips about studying working through different types of classes and essentially that AI is a supplement and maybe the study practice, but a student should always go to the tutor and the tutoring center for something a little bit more personalized. Would you say that also works for a student that might be interested in learning about different majors and career options that AI could help with that, but they should also make sure that they're going to their career counselor or career advisor? 

ChatGPT: Yes, absolutely. AI can provide helpful information and resources on different majors and career options, but meeting with a career counselor or advisor offers personalized guidance and support tailored to a student's unique goals and circumstances. Career advisors can help with specific questions, offer insights into industry trends, and provide support with internships, resumes, and job searches. 

Matt Markin: Yeah. Can you give some, like a hypothetical situation or questions that a student might use AI to start building a foundation of understanding different majors and careers before they do go to talk with maybe someone in our career center?

ChatGPT: Sure. A student might use AI to explore the basics of different fields by asking questions like, what can I do with a computer science degree? Or What are the career prospects for a computer science major? They might also look into the skills required for certain careers, typical job roles and industry trends. This foundational knowledge helps them have more informed and productive discussions with a career counselor. 

Matt Markin:  Awesome. Now, do you have a motivational message or anything you wanna tell our CSUSB students as they get ready to start the spring semester? 

ChatGPT: Absolutely. To all CSUSB students. Embrace the new semester with confidence and curiosity. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Stay organized, seek help when needed and take care of yourself along the way. You've got this. Alright, thank you so much, ChatGPT. 

Matt Markin: That was an amazing interview. I appreciate you answering all these questions for us today on the CSUSB advising podcast.

ChatGPT: You're very welcome, Matt. It was a pleasure being part of your podcast. Thanks for having me and best of luck to all the CSUSB students.