ChatGPT, known as the chat generative pre-trained transformer, has ignited both controversy and interest within the communication classroom. This machine learning chatbot tool has prompted rhetorical discourses concerning the ethical dilemmas arising in ChatGPT's evolving landscape within the communication field and its impact on higher education and critical thinking. Academic institutions will need time to navigate the debates surrounding the ethical dilemmas linked to the integration of ChatGPT in the classroom and higher education, as it is evolving more rapidly than universities can respond. Rather than perceiving ChatGPT as a threat, this chapter aims to refine our pedagogical approach by emphasizing proactive exploration and understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with ChatGPT in the communication classroom.
TopChatgpt Innovation In Higher Education
The rapid advancement of technology, including AI chatbot tools, could present both opportunities and challenges for academics and PR practitioners in the field of communication (Abramson, 2023; De Witte, 2023; Fister & Head, 2023; President, 2023; Qadir, 2022; The Learning Network, 2023; Warner, 2023). Open Artificial Intelligence (OpenAI) has introduced software known as ChatGPT, which serves as a versatile tool capable of synthesizing information, engaging in conversations, and even generating content for student essays in seconds (Radford et al., 2018; Raford et al., 2019; Warner, 2022), based on the input it receives through its updated 4th version in its series of GPT foundation models, GPT-4 (Elkhatat et al., 2023; Duckworth et al., 2023).
Therefore, rhetorical discourses about ChatGPT, in theory and practice, should advocate for quality education amid the ongoing decline of rates of student enrollment in higher education since 2019, as per the U.S Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (Weissman, 2021). In the ChatGPT era, this paper showcases a restructure in the communication classroom activities. It aims to assist students in developing a critical standpoint about ethical communication, intellectual property, and academic writing pedagogy, while also understanding the overall impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on human communication.
Higher ED leadership should engage with faculty, staff, and students in developing AI chatbot policies for institutional governance (Abramson, 2023; De Witte, 2023; Fister & Head, 2023; President, 2023; Qadir, 2022; The Learning Network, 2023; Warner, 2023), and must provide resources and time for students and faculty to further explore AI chatbot tools, including ChatGPT, in the communication classroom. I think that incorporating ChatGPT into the communication classroom is a fun process, but also requires educators and PR practitioners to carefully address ethical dilemmas associated with AI generation texts, including the prevention of dishonesty, forgery, cheating, and plagiarism (Elkhatat et al., 2021; Elkhatat et al., 2023; Frye, 2022).
Drawing parallel to the introduction of Google and with the appropriate educational strategy, ChatGPT can function as a valuable tool in preparing students for their future careers, providing a distinct perspective on how to enhance critical thinking skills and learning within the field of communication. Driven by curiosity, academics, researchers, and PR actioners must understand how these AI chatbot tools operate to fully embrace AI's promise and avoid ethical pitfalls, ensuring the essential human element in communication is not overlooked (PSRA Board of Ethics and Professional Standards, 2023).