The rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) language models - challenges and opportunities for geographical and environmental education

Abstract

Much discussion has been surrounding generative AI language models, such as ChatGPT, and the advantages and threats they present to education. As an AI language model, ChatGPT has the potential to transform geography and environmental education. The extensive knowledge base and natural language processing abilities that ChatGPT possesses make it a perfect tool for this purpose; it can actively include students in conversation (as the chat in its name implies) while also providing them with quick feedback. Because of this, students are free to progress through the material at their own pace, using strategies that best suit them individually. Yet, this change has been criticised by others who worry about intellectual property violations and undermining academic integrity. As discussions continue about whether generative AI models are a boon or bane for education, we would like to focus on the problems and potential facing geography and environmental education in particular. We did a simple experiment and asked ChatGPT to: "Write a short paragraph to explain how geographical education can support a child’s development cognitively and affectively, in responding to the environmental challenges of our times." This was the result.