Enhancing Student Writing in Higher Education through ChatGPT: Applications and Implications

1. Introduction

The term “artificial intelligence” was coined by McCarthy et al. in 1955. (McCarthy et al., 2006) Upon its release in November 2022, the world’s most recognizable form of AI, ChatGPT, became the fastest growing app in the history of web applications. (Gordon, 2023) Its use among students has become one of the most debated topics among scholars and educators (Imran & Almusharraf, 2023) especially for its ability to accelerate academic fraud and possibly obviate deep language learning. Yet despite its many threats and challenges, the integration of artificial intelligence in educational settings offers numerous opportunities for enhancing student learning experiences. This paper enumerates and discusses ten roles for ChatGPT in higher education classrooms, specifically as an educational and productivity aid for students.

2. Ten Roles

2.1 Writing Assistant

ChatGPT shows its initial impact during the preliminary stages of academic writing, notably in developing ideas, structuring essays, and refining arguments. By leveraging vast textual databases, the AI can assist students in the ideation phase of writing by offering multiple perspectives and arguments on a given topic. This capacity not only broadens the student's understanding but possibly also enriches their critical thinking skills, enabling a more robust engagement with the subject matter. The scholarly literature is rife with examples of individuals, groups, and projects using ChatGPT and similar generative AI for brainstorming. (Kim et al., 2024) It is worth noting, though, that the quality of “brainstormed” ideas produced by ChatGPT is variable, (Tsufim & Pomerleau, 2024) often requiring several iterations of prompting (2024).

Professional researchers are increasingly using large language models like ChatGPT to generate ideas for investigation and to phrase research questions appropriately. One study evaluated ChatGPT’s ability to generate research ideas for systematic reviews in otolaryngology, (Shaari et al., 2024) and found those ideas to be unique, feasible, and clinically relevant.

Additionally, the structural composition of an essay can be pivotal in academic writing, requiring coherent organization that supports the logical flow of arguments. ChatGPT aids in this process by suggesting potential outlines based on key points derived from user input, acting as a kind of scaffold that students can build upon. This interactive process can help in structuring essays more effectively, ensuring that all relevant points are addressed systematically. AI-guided essay structuring can significantly enhance the logical sequencing of arguments, leading to clearer and more persuasive essays. Additionally, the AI's ability to simulate different argumentative styles can help students to refine their arguments, potentially making them more precise and tailored to academic standards.

The refinement of arguments is another area where ChatGPT can prove valuable. By engaging in dialogue with the tool, students can test the strength of their arguments, receiving immediate feedback on logical fallacies or weak assertions. This kind of iterative hypothesis testing with AI can promote a higher level of argumentative maturity, allowing them to develop more convincing and rigorously defended positions. In this way, ChatGPT does not merely act as a passive tool but as an active participant in the user’s intellectual development.

2.2 Grammar and Style Tutor

ChatGPT's linguistic capabilities enable it to “understand” and apply complex grammatical rules across various contexts. It can identify and correct a wide range of grammatical errors, from basic punctuation mistakes to more sophisticated syntactic irregularities. It provides immediate feedback with real-time corrections, facilitating a learning environment where errors are not just corrected but also explained, thereby promoting a better understanding of grammatical rules.

ChatGPT can also contribute to the stylistic development of student writing by suggesting enhancements that improve clarity, coherence, and overall readability. It can analyze text for stylistic consistency and conciseness, offering alternatives that refine the tone and voice of the writing. For instance, it can suggest variations in sentence structure to avoid repetition, recommend more precise vocabulary to enhance expression, or reorganize paragraphs to ensure a logical flow of ideas. These capabilities are particularly valuable in academic writing, where clarity and adherence to formal style are paramount.

The pedagogical implications are profound. By providing tailored stylistic suggestions, the AI essentially acts as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical application. This practical approach not only reinforces learning but, it can be argued, also empowers students to experiment with different writing styles in a controlled environment. It is entirely possible that as tools like ChatGPT become more commonly applied in constructive classroom environments, an overall elevated quality of student writing might be observed.

2.3 Research Aid

The capacity of artificial intelligence systems like ChatGPT to generate summaries and explanations of complex topics represents a significant advancement in both communication and knowledge production. ChatGPT is capable of distilling complicated and involved information into concise summaries and clear explanations. In educational settings, this functionality can be leveraged by students who grapple with comprehending dense academic texts or complex subject matter.

Moreover, ChatGPT's proficiency in explaining difficult concepts extends the boundaries of traditional learning aids. Unlike static resources, it can interact dynamically with students, adjusting explanations in response to the learner's queries or the level of detail they require.

ChatGPT has been investigated as a tool for explaining complex medical reports to patients. Admittedly, studies have found some issues having to do with inaccuracy of content and inappropriateness of language. (Sun et al., 2024) Outside of medicine, multiple anecdotal reports suggest that generative AI is being used effectively, or at least satisfyingly, as a general explainer of complex ideas and text. (Egger, 2023)

2.4 Revision Tool

ChatGPT can suggest alternative expressions and constructions that not only maintain the original intent and meaning of the text but also enhance its clarity and readability. This can be useful for those who struggle with articulating complex ideas succinctly, or those whose writing may suffer from redundancy or ambiguity.

It is possible, as well, that as students work with the AI to refine their drafts, they are exposed to varied linguistic styles and structures, broadening their rhetorical skills. It is hoped that through continuous interaction with the AI, students can learn how to adjust their writing for different academic and professional contexts, enhancing their overall communicative competence. This is as an aspirational expectation not yet backed by published empirical data.

2.5 Plagiarism Education

Ironically, as the rise of classroom AI presents a sobering challenge to academic integrity, it might also offer something of a salve. AI tools offer the ability to paraphrase content accurately while citing sources appropriately. ChatGPT can provide examples of how to rephrase original texts without altering the intended meaning.

Moreover, ChatGPT can serve as an interactive tool that explores the nuances of citation practices across various citation styles. Whether it is APA, MLA, Chicago, or any other academic citation format, ChatGPT can demonstrate how to integrate citations seamlessly into the narrative of an academic paper.

It must be clear that ChatGPT cannot be relied upon to source its own references accurately. The prevalence of “hallucinations”, or outright fabrications of fictional citations, remains high. (Buchanan et al., 2023) As yet, it can only be used as a tool to avoid plagiarism through appropriate rewording. Though, future evolutions will surely minimize these presently substantial flaws.

2.6 Writing Prompts Generator

ChatGPT's application in generating essay questions and creative writing prompts offers a novel approach to stimulating intellectual engagement and creativity in educational settings. Leveraging its extensive training on diverse textual data, the AI can craft questions and prompts that challenge students to think critically and explore a wide range of themes and topics. This capability is particularly valuable in humanities and social sciences curricula, where the formulation of thought-provoking questions can foster deep analytical thinking and nuanced discussion. By providing a diverse array of prompts, ChatGPT assists educators in catering to a broad spectrum of intellectual interests and learning styles, potentially increasing student motivation and engagement with the material.

Furthermore, the flexibility of ChatGPT in adapting to different academic levels and subjects allows for customized learning experiences that can be tailored to the specific needs of the classroom. Whether generating prompts for introductory courses that require basic understanding and analysis or for advanced classes that demand complex argumentation and critical thought, ChatGPT can be programmed to vary the complexity and focus of the questions accordingly. This adaptability not only makes it a useful tool for educators in designing their syllabi but also enhances its utility in promoting differentiated instruction. Through its capacity to create targeted prompts, ChatGPT facilitates a paedagogical approach that is both inclusive and challenging, accommodating diverse student backgrounds and academic capabilities.

The role of ChatGPT in enhancing creative writing is also significant. By offering original and imaginative prompts, the AI encourages students to expand their creative boundaries and explore new writing styles and genres. This can be useful not only for literature and arts courses but also in developing students' general creative thinking and problem-solving skills in a variety of subject areas. The goal is to foster a proactive and inventive mindset.

2.7 Peer Review Facilitator

The simulation of peer review processes through LLMs like ChatGPT represents a significant innovation in educational methodology. ChatGPT can act as a virtual peer reviewer, providing constructive feedback on student writings, which is so very useful for the iterative process of writing and learning. This AI-driven feedback mechanism might be able to replicate the critical and supportive insights typically offered by human reviewers. By analyzing text for coherence, argumentative strength, and clarity, ChatGPT helps students identify weaknesses in their drafts and offers suggestions for improvement. This simulated peer review process not only accelerates the revision cycle but also reduces the dependency on human resources, allowing more frequent and timely feedback that is crucial for the developmental writing stages.

ChatGPT's capability to provide feedback is grounded in its ability to process and apply complex rules of grammar, style, and logic consistently. Unlike human reviewers, who may have subjective biases or variability in their responses, ChatGPT seemingly maintains a neutral and consistent standard. This consistency ensures that all students receive equal quality of feedback, promoting fairness in educational practices.

Additionally, the immediate nature of AI feedback fosters a more dynamic learning environment where students can experiment with various rhetorical and analytical strategies and instantly gauge the efficacy of their attempts. This aspect of ChatGPT is particularly beneficial for stimulating a growth mindset among students, encouraging them to view writing as a process that involves continuous refinement and learning.

The integration of ChatGPT into the peer review process can also enhance student engagement and learning autonomy. By receiving immediate, actionable feedback, students are prompted to take active roles in revising and improving their work, which helps to cultivate skills in critical thinking and self-assessment. ChatGPT’s application extends beyond just a writing aid; it becomes an integral part of a comprehensive educational strategy that aims to develop independent, reflective, and competent learners equipped to navigate the complexities of an increasingly information-driven world.

2.8 Accessibility Tool

ChatGPT's ability to assist students with disabilities or language barriers marks a significant advancement in making educational environments more inclusive and accessible. Through its natural language processing capabilities, ChatGPT can offer real-time language translation and simplification services, which are useful for students who might struggle with the medium of instruction due to linguistic differences. Non-native speakers are helped by the breaking down of language barriers that often hinder academic progress.

Furthermore, for students with reading disabilities such as dyslexia, ChatGPT can rephrase complex texts into simpler language, improving readability and understanding. (Botchu et al., 2024) This adaptive language support not only fosters a more inclusive classroom environment but also empowers students with diverse needs to participate fully in their educational pursuits.

Moreover, ChatGPT's interactive and responsive nature is particularly beneficial for students with cognitive disabilities. It can provide explanations at a tailored pace and repeat information without loss of patience, which is important for learners requiring additional processing time. The AI’s capacity to engage in one-on-one interactions without the constraints of a typical classroom setting allows for personalized learning experiences that can be adjusted according to individual student needs. Additionally, the anonymity and non-judgmental interaction can reduce the stigma and pressure that these students might feel in traditional learning contexts, encouraging a more positive learning experience.

The integration of ChatGPT into educational practices for students with disabilities is aligned with broader legislative frameworks and educational policies advocating for accessibility and equal opportunities in learning. The potential of AI to contribute to more equitable educational outcomes might signal a paradigm shift towards embracing technology as a fundamental component of inclusive education strategies.

2.9 Cultural and Contextual Sensitivity Checker

As global classrooms become increasingly diverse, the need for sensitivity in language that respects all cultural, ethnic, and personal backgrounds becomes more important. ChatGPT can assist in this regard by analyzing text for potentially insensitive or inappropriate language that could alienate or offend individuals based on race, gender, ethnicity, or other personal characteristics. The AI's ability to identify and suggest alternatives to such language helps educate students about the nuances of culturally responsive communication. This preventive approach not only minimizes instances of inadvertent offense but might also promote an educational atmosphere conducive to mutual respect and understanding.

ChatGPT's role extends beyond mere identification to include educational interventions that can guide students in understanding why certain phrases may be considered inappropriate and what alternatives might be more suitable. This shifts the focus from punitive measures to a more constructive, learning-focused approach. Through continuous interaction with the AI, students can develop a more nuanced understanding of language and its impacts, hopefully inciting greater empathy and social awareness.

ChatGPT can serve as an up-to-date resource that reflects current societal values and norms, assisting institutions in maintaining relevance and rigour in their educational offerings. Ultimately, ChatGPT's potential to detect and correct culturally insensitive language not only enhances the quality of student communications but also contributes to the broader educational mission of cultivating inclusive communities.

2.10 Thesis Advisor

ChatGPT can assist graduate students in developing nuanced, relevant, and researchable questions that are so very important to the success of a thesis or dissertation. This capability stems from the AI's ability to analyze existing knowledge gaps within a vast array of literature, thereby suggesting questions that can significantly contribute to scholarly discussions. The precision with which ChatGPT can generate and refine research questions not only streamlines the initial stages of thesis preparation but also enhances the scholarly rigour of the research proposal. This support is particularly useful in disciplines in which determining a viable research question is challenging due to the complexity of the subject matter.

students navigating the expansive and often daunting terrain of academic research, having access to an AI tool that provides immediate, informed feedback can dramatically reduce the time and effort involved in preliminary research tasks. ChatGPT can suggest innovative angles and interdisciplinary approaches that might not be immediately apparent to novice researchers. Additionally, the AI's ability to adapt to the specific needs and academic level of the student enhances personalized learning.

3. Conclusion

The threats posed by ChatGPT to the current educational paradigm should not be minimized. But we are well advised to also consider the paedagogical opportunities represented by the technology, particularly in the area of writing. There is much still unknown about the extent to which LLMs like ChatGPT can truly enhance student ability and attitude, and to which it can contribute to the enhancement of the student learning experience. But the potential is certainly there. These capabilities underscore the transformative potential of AI in academic writing, suggesting that such tools are not only functional aids but also paedagogical allies in the cultivation of critical academic skills. Educators should consider integrating AI tools into higher education writing curricula, as their inclusion might ultimately lead to richer academic discourse and more proficient writers in the scholarly community.

Author Contributions: All authors contributed to this research.

Funding: This project is part of the funded Chair in University Teaching at the University of Ottawa.

Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Informed Consent Statement/Ethics Approval: Not applicable.

Declaration of Generative AI and AI-assisted Technologies: Generative AI tools, specifically ChatGPT, were used in helping to conduct research for this article and for minor editing.