A Parent’s Guide to ChatGPT: What it is and how to use it

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What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT, or Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer, is a conversational AI model developed by OpenAI. It is designed to understand and generate a text-based conversation. It can handle a wide range of topics and engage in discussions on various subjects, but it does not have moral judgment.

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Where does ChatGPT get its information?

ChatGPT copies and re-writes information from other places on the internet. It doesn’t tell you its sources or who created the original information. ChatGBT can make mistakes, spread misinformation, and give inaccurate answers.

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Privacy:

Parents should advise their children to avoid sharing personal information during interactions. It’s important to remind kids that they are communicating with a machine and not a trusted human.

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Critical Thinking:

Let your children know that what they learn from ChatGPT is NOT always accurate. Explain the importance of checking the credibility of a source before trusting the information. This may also be a good time to talk about plagiarism. Plagiarism is the act of using someone else’s words, ideas, or work and presenting them as your own without proper acknowledgment.

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Education:

ChatGPT can be a valuable educational tool when used appropriately. Parents can explore supervised learning experiences with their children, focusing on specific topics or use ChatGPT to facilitate learning and creativity. See ideas below.

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Why are schools banning ChatGPT?

My children’s school district and many others are banning ChatGPT from school devices and campus networks because students can use it to write their papers and do their homework.

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Safety and Open Communication:

Parents need to supervise their children’s interactions with ChatGPT. Since ChatGPT can converse on any topic, there is a potential for exposure to inappropriate content, misinformation, or discussions that are not suitable for children. Parents should consider setting guidelines for usage and check in on their children’s interactions. Encourage kids to share any uncomfortable encounters.

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Summary:

While ChatGPT can offer opportunities for learning, parents should approach its use with caution and guide their children to ensure safety. Understanding ChatGPT will help foster a positive and responsible online experience for kids.

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Family-friendly ways to use ChatGBT:

1. Learning: Encourage your children to use ChatGPT for educational purposes, such as looking up information for school projects. ChatGPT can provide quick answers to factual questions or help clarify concepts in a conversational manner.
2. Language: If your family is learning a new language, ChatGPT can be a language practice partner. Encourage your children to engage in conversations in the target language with ChatGPT to reinforce vocabulary and grammar.
3. Travel: Explore different cultures and places virtually by asking ChatGPT about the world. ChatGBT can be used to plan an itinerary for an in-person visit to another city or country.
4. Brain Teasers: Engage in family-friendly trivia or riddles with ChatGPT. Challenge your kids to ask ChatGPT logic puzzles, math problems, or other questions. This can be a fun way to stimulate critical thinking.
5. History: Make history more engaging and interactive by asking ChatGPT about famous people or events from the past.
6. Storytime: Use ChatGPT to generate personalized bedtime stories based on your child’s interests. Encourage your kids to provide story prompts or characters, and let ChatGPT weave a unique tale.
7. Digital Etiquette: Use interactions with ChatGPT as an opportunity to reinforce appropriate and respectful online communication.
8. Supervised Use and Boundaries: Establish guidelines for using ChatGPT, including appropriate topics and time limits. Emphasize the importance of responsible and safe online behavior.

By integrating ChatGPT into family activities in these constructive ways, you can make the most of AI technology while ensuring that it enhances learning, creativity, and family engagement.

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Prompt Ideas for ChatGBT:

• Plan a 3 day-itinerary for (location of choice).

• What are family-friendly activities around (enter city of choice)?

• What are the best rated restaurants in (city of choice)?

• Give me 10 ways engage with my 15-year-old son

• Tell me a story about an Eagle named Eddie, appropriate for a 6 year old.

• What are 10 fun facts about (topic of choice)?

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What about you? How have YOU used AI or chatGPT. Let me know how you use it!