The Language of AI: E5

Fellow Educators,

Welcome to Episode 5 of The Language of AI! In this issue, we're diving into an exciting and practical use of AI: creating personal tutors for any subject or skill. I’ve explored this concept recently with my students, and it’s proving to be a game-changer.

As Always here is a detailed Audio version with more insights and content.

The Vision: Simplified and Personalized Learning

Imagine having a tutor tailored to your specific needs—one that’s always available, knowledgeable, and aligned with your learning objectives. Using ChatGPT’s Custom GPT feature, you can make this a reality. Here’s how I’ve used it with my marketing students to prepare them for exams, projects, and beyond.

Step 1: What Are Personal/Custom GPTs?

Personal GPTs are custom versions of ChatGPT that blend your specific instructions, knowledge, and resources into an AI tailored for your needs. It’s like programming your own tutor—no coding required! Here’s what they can do:

• Serve as a study companion.

• Offer tailored explanations.

• Generate quiz questions for practice.

• Provide guidance on assignments or projects.

For my course, BUS 255: Introduction to Marketing, I created:

1. A tutor for Chapters 1–7.

2. Another for Chapters 8–16.

3. A tutor for our Marketing Project.

Step 2: Building Your Personal GPT

Creating a Personal GPT is surprisingly simple…. well sort of.

1. Access ChatGPT (Paid Account Required):
   Log in and select the “Explore GPTs” option on the left-hand side.

2. Choose “Create GPT” and Configure:
   Give it a name and description. For example, I named one of mine:
   “BIS 255 Tutor: Chapters 1–7.”

3. Provide Instructions:
   These guide how the AI interacts. My instructions included:

   • Always reference course materials (e.g., slides).

   • Offer examples, explanations, and study tips.

   • Stay aligned with the learning objectives.

4. Upload Supporting Materials:
   You can upload up to 10 documents—like lecture slides or rubrics—to give your GPT access to relevant content.

5. Set Access Permissions:
   Share the GPT via a unique link with your students or keep it private for personal use.

Step 3: Tailoring the Experience

Customization is key. For example, my Marketing Project GPT was designed to:

• Clarify assignment expectations.

• Guide students without writing content for them.

• Help them interpret grading rubrics and organize their work.

Here’s a snippet of its instructions:
"This GPT assists students in aligning their work with project goals, encouraging organization and clarity. It never writes content but provides actionable advice and suggestions."

Step 4: Testing and Deployment

Once set up, it’s essential to test your GPT to ensure:

• Responses are accurate and helpful.

• Students can easily interact with it.

• It aligns with your educational goals.

For students, the success of a GPT depends on their ability to ask thoughtful questions. Teaching them how to effectively interact with the AI is as important as building the GPT itself.

Benefits of Personal GPTs

1. Accessible Learning: Tutors are available anytime, meeting students at their level of understanding.

2. Boosted Confidence: Students hesitant to ask questions in class can seek guidance independently.

3. Scalable Support: AI tutors handle individual queries, freeing educators to focus on more complex challenges.

Final Thoughts

I’m excited to see how students respond to this innovative approach. Early feedback suggests it’s helping them:

• Sharpen their questioning skills.

• Validate and deepen their understanding.

• Gain confidence in their learning process.

If you’re intrigued and want to learn more, whether it’s a detailed guide, a walkthrough video, or answers to your specific questions, just reply to this email and let me know. I’d love to share more insights with you.

Until next time, happy learning and experimenting!

Additional Resources

New podcast episodes each week for the next 10 weeks released on the Friday of each Week.

Thanks for taking the time to be part of a positive change in education compared to simply burring your heads in the sand.

Cheers,
Matthew