Teaching and Learning History

I am interested in learning more about how teachers of History (college and high school level) are using A.I. tools like ChatGPT in the classroom. Like many, I have been frustrated by campus-wide conversations that tend to polarize between A.I. boosters and A.I. rejecters, with historians falling mostly (but not entirely) into the latter group. I've read a few personal reflections by history teachers that describe a positive experience with a particular tool but have yet to find anything that looks systematically at the ways that A.I. tools can be used productively in classes. (I've seen plenty of pieces that discuss how A.I. undermines student reading, research, and writing skills so no need for more on that score!) If anyone can direct me to a good resource or if you have had positive experiences of your own, I'd love to hear about them!  Thanks in advance!

As a graduate student, I use ChatGPT to find keywords, dates, and other research material for topics I need to learn about. I fill out a worksheet that I created listing what information I took from ChatGPT. I also cite it as a source from where I received my information. Then I look it up in Google the exact sentence to see exactly what article this information came from and cited them. I know that sounds like overkill, but I want to give credit where credit is due. I use that information when researching databases; finding the right search string and what booleans (and or not) or truncations to use is hard sometimes.

I've been experimenting with having my high school students use GPT as a "thought partner" in the early stages of a research paper. They're using it to explore matters such as periodization, refining research questions, identifying milestone events, identifying leading scholars, locating debates among historians, etc. I've also used it to demonstrate to them how good GPT is at coming up with a list of sources that don't actually exist. This is helping them see both the values and limitations of the tool. But I'm at the early stages of discovering those values and limitations myself.

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Daniel Holt
New York NY
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I am an undergraduate, and I have found that AI, if used correctly, is just like another search tool that someone can utilize. I use it to help me streamline the search process and use the sources generated in the chat for my research. I always cite the sources I pull from and read the articles the AI has used to respond to my inquiry. I also find that it increases vocabulary. The chat is generated in an academic format, and it helps those who are not the most proficient of writers accurately convey their message. As with any tool, it may be misused. However, that should not negate the usefulness. 

There's real potential for AI to support research but I caution you about using it to support writing. The last thing you want as a developing writer is to end up writing like a soulless chatbot.

On September 11, from 7:30-8:30 PM PST, I will be hosting a one-hour webinar sponsored by the National Council for History Education (NCHE).

In this free and open-to-the-public online learning opportunity, I'll share various assignments designed for history students to complete in class using AI and aimed at making the learning process more interesting, informative, and engaging.

Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dvRebyWyT7-2CvVvHIhayA#/registration

I'm sorry I missed this, Peter!  Is there any chance you have a recording to share?  I'd also love a great resource or article to share with Middle and Upper School history teachers about copyright and ethical use of AI, restructuring projects, and the importance of lateral reading, if anyone has something to share!

It's great to see your interest in exploring the role of AI tools like ChatGPT in history education! While there's a lot of debate around AI in classrooms, some teachers have reported positive experiences integrating AI into their lessons. For instance, ChatGPT can facilitate engaging discussions, generate thought-provoking questions, or help students analyze historical texts.

A few resources you might find helpful include articles on educational platforms that showcase case studies from teachers who have successfully integrated AI into their curriculum. Additionally, you could look for webinars or workshops focusing on AI in education, which often feature firsthand accounts from educators.

I'd also recommend connecting with online communities or forums where educators share their experiences. Hearing directly from fellow history teachers can provide valuable insights into practical applications of AI tools in the classroom. If you're looking for specific examples, there's a helpful list of best AI tools that highlights various ways educators are using these technologies effectively. Good luck, and I hope you find the information you're looking for!