Chris Sloan and Paul Allison Invite ChatGPT to Co-Plan an Essay Assignment about Autism for 9th Graders
Author: Chris Sloan, Paul Allison, and ChatGPT
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Chris and Paul asked ChatGPT:
He wants them to include references to three things they had looked at together.
1. Temple Grandin’s TED talk,“The world needs all kinds of minds:”
2. Rain Man
3. Kim Peek –
Get to know the real Rain Man: Kim Peek
What are the most important things to know about autism?
What we’ve learned in the first two weeks of playing with ChatGPT is to use AI like a piano, and not a record player. In other words, to adopt a stance of dialogue with ChatGPT.
See Paul Cantrell’s thoughts about starting with the “obvious, standard BS baseline” https://hachyderm.io/
and this:
https://mastodon.design/
ChatGPT answered:
Autism is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how a person perceives the world and interacts with others. Some of the most important things to know about autism include the following:
- Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that it affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. Some people with autism may be highly functional and able to live independently, while others may require significant support in daily activities.
- People with autism may experience challenges with social interactions, communication, and repetitive or restrictive behaviors. These challenges can affect their ability to form and maintain relationships, communicate their needs and wants, and engage in activities that are typical for their age and development level.
- There is no cure for autism, but early intervention and support can make a significant difference in the lives of people with autism. This can include educational and behavioral therapies, as well as support for the individual and their family.
- It is important to remember that autism is not a disease or a disorder that needs to be “fixed” – it is a unique way of experiencing the world, and people with autism can lead fulfilling and rewarding lives when given the support and understanding they need.
- It is also important to respect the individuality of people with autism and to avoid making assumptions about their abilities or experiences based on stereotypes or limited information. Every person with autism is unique, and should be treated with respect and compassion.
Chris and Paul asked ChatGPT:
ChatGPT answered:
Here are a few more things that may be helpful to know about autism:
- The cause of autism is not fully understood, but it is likely a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Research has shown that there may be a genetic predisposition to autism, but further research is needed to understand the specific genes and environmental factors that may play a role.
- Autism is more common than many people realize – it is estimated to affect about 1 in 54 children in the United States. It is also four times more common in boys than in girls.
- Early signs of autism can sometimes be detected in infants and toddlers, but the disorder is typically diagnosed in children between the ages of 2 and 3.
- Some people with autism may have other medical conditions, such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, or gastrointestinal problems. It is important for individuals with autism to receive regular medical care and monitoring to address any co-occurring conditions.
- People with autism may benefit from a variety of treatments and interventions, including behavioral therapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and medications to treat specific symptoms. The type and intensity of interventions will vary depending on the individual’s needs and preferences.
- There are many organizations and resources available to support individuals with autism and their families. These can include support groups, educational programs, and advocacy organizations. It can be helpful to connect with these resources for information, support, and advice.
Chris and Paul asked ChatGPT:
ChatGPT answered:
Sure, here are a few of the most important things to consider when thinking about autism:
- Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that it affects individuals in different ways and to varying degrees. It is important to recognize and respect the individuality of people with autism.
- People with autism may experience challenges with social interactions, communication, and repetitive or restrictive behaviors. These challenges can affect their daily lives and their ability to form and maintain relationships.
- There is no cure for autism, but early intervention and support can make a significant difference in the lives of people with autism. This can include educational and behavioral therapies, as well as support for the individual and their family.
- It is important to avoid making assumptions about people with autism based on stereotypes or limited information. Every person with autism is unique, and should be treated with respect and compassion.
- There are many organizations and resources available to support individuals with autism and their families. These can include support groups, educational programs, and advocacy organizations. It can be helpful to connect with these resources for information, support, and advice.
Chris and Paul asked ChatGPT:
…AND include references to the things they had been watching and talking about together?
Next are our attempts to get ChatGPT to bring the examples from Chris’s inquiry into the mix.
Image by Stable Diffusion 2.1 Demo.
ChatGPT answered:
Temple Grandin is a renowned author, speaker, and advocate for individuals with autism. She is also a professor of animal science at Colorado State University, and she has firsthand experience with autism, as she has been diagnosed with the disorder herself.
In her work, Grandin has spoken extensively about her experiences with autism and how it has affected her life. She has also discussed the challenges that people with autism often face, as well as the ways in which they can be supported and empowered to lead fulfilling lives.
Grandin has emphasized the importance of early intervention and support for individuals with autism, and she has called for increased awareness and understanding of the disorder. She has also highlighted the unique perspectives and abilities that people with autism can bring to the world, and has encouraged others to recognize and appreciate the value of neurodiversity.
Overall, Grandin’s perspective on autism is one of hope, resilience, and determination. She has been a powerful voice for people with autism, and has helped to raise awareness and understanding of the disorder.
Chris and Paul asked ChatGPT:
We are learning what ChatGPT can do and what it isn’t so good at.
ChatGPT answered:
I’m sorry, but I am not able to access external information or browse the internet. I am a large language model trained by OpenAI, and my knowledge is based solely on the text that I have been trained on. I do not have the ability to access information from the internet or other external sources.
If you have specific questions about Temple Grandin or her work, I will do my best to answer them based on the information that I have been trained on. However, I may not be able to provide specific examples or details that are not included in the text that I have been trained on.
Chris and Paul asked ChatGPT:
ChatGPT answered:
As I mentioned earlier, I am not able to access external information or browse the internet. I am a large language model trained by OpenAI, and my knowledge is based solely on the text that I have been trained on. I do not have the ability to access information from the internet or other external sources.
However, based on the text that I have been trained on, I can tell you that Temple Grandin often uses examples from her own experiences with autism to illustrate the challenges and experiences of people with the disorder. For example, she has described how her sensory experiences are different from those of neurotypical individuals, and how this can affect her interactions with the world.
We’re learning!
And there are some nice details in this paragraph and the one below. If students were using this ChatGPT, these paragraphs might help them to remember details from the TED talks, and they might see how to write about those things in their essays by seeing these descriptions.
Maybe we are getting somewhere?
Grandin has also discussed the ways in which she has been able to overcome some of the challenges associated with autism, such as through the use of visual thinking and other strategies. She has also emphasized the importance of early intervention and support for individuals with autism, and has given examples of how this can make a significant difference in the lives of people with the disorder.
Overall, Grandin’s work is based on her own experiences with autism, and she often uses examples and anecdotes from her own life to illustrate her points and to offer insights into the experiences of people with the disorder.
Chris and Paul asked ChatGPT:
ChatGPT answered:
Rain Man is a 1988 American film that tells the story of a self-centered car salesmanperson named Charlie Babbitt who discovers that his estranged father has left him a fortune in his will, but with a catch – the money is to be used to care for his older brother, Raymond, who has autism.
While Rain Man is a work of fiction, it does touch on some of the challenges and experiences of individuals with autism. It portrays Raymond as being highly intelligent and capable in some areas, such as counting cards and memorizing long lists of numbers, but also as having significant difficulty with social interactions and communication.
The film also explores the relationship between Charlie and Raymond, and how they come to understand and appreciate each other despite their differences. In this way, Rain Man can offer some insights into the experiences of individuals with autism and the people who care for them.
However, it is important to remember that Rain Man is a fictional movie, and not all people with autism will have the same experiences or abilities as the character of Raymond. As with any portrayal of autism in the media, it is important to avoid making assumptions about people with the disorder based on stereotypes or limited information.
Chris and Paul asked ChatGPT:
Oh, and notice that we are sneaking in another example from the inquiry Chris has been doing with his students.
ChatGPT answered:
An essay about autism could be structured in a variety of ways, depending on the specific focus and goals of the essay. However, one possible approach might be to begin by providing an overview of autism and some of the key characteristics of the disorder, drawing on information from sources such as the DSM-5 (the diagnostic manual for mental disorders) and research studies.
Next, you could use examples from people with autism, such as Temple Grandin and Kim Peek, to illustrate some of the challenges and experiences of individuals with the disorder. For example, you could discuss how Grandin’s visual thinking and Peek’s exceptional memory have helped them to overcome some of the challenges associated with autism, and how these abilities have been valuable in their careers and personal lives.
You could also use the character of Raymond from Rain Man as an example of how autism can affect an individual’s social interactions and communication, and how this can be a source of challenge and frustration for the person with autism and the people around them.
In the next section of the essay, you could discuss some of the ways in which individuals with autism can be supported and empowered to lead fulfilling lives. This could include information about early intervention and support services, as well as examples of how these interventions can make a positive difference in the lives of people with autism.
Finally, you could conclude the essay by emphasizing the importance of understanding and acceptance of individuals with autism, and by calling for increased awareness and support for people with the disorder. This could include a discussion of the value of neurodiversity and the unique perspectives and abilities that people with autism can bring to the world.
But how well ChatGPT makes transparent the expectations and the necessary steps for reaching toward them. We begin to think about how our assignments rarely do such a good job as ChatGPT is doing here. Can we use this?
Chris and Paul asked ChatGPT:
ChatGPT answered:
If you want to include your own experiences with people with autism in your essay, you could consider incorporating them into the body of the essay in a way that is relevant to the overall focus and argument of the essay. For example, you could use your experiences as anecdotal evidence to support a point you are making about the challenges and experiences of people with autism, or as a way to illustrate the effectiveness of certain interventions or support services.
It is important to be mindful of the potential risks and challenges of using personal experiences in academic writing. For instance, you should avoid making generalizations or assumptions about people with autism based on your own experiences with a single individual or a small group of individuals. You should also be careful to avoid overstating the significance or relevance of your experiences, and to avoid implying that your experiences are representative of the experiences of all people with autism.
If you do decide to include your own experiences in your essay, it is important to be clear and transparent about your experiences, and to provide adequate context and explanation for their relevance to the topic of your essay. You should also be prepared to defend your use of personal experiences if necessary, and to be open to feedback and critique from your readers.
Chris and Paul asked ChatGPT:
ChatGPT answered:
Sure, here is an example of an essay about autism that incorporates some of the elements that we have discussed:
Title: Understanding and Supporting Individuals with Autism
Introduction:
Autism is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how a person perceives the world and interacts with others. People with autism may experience challenges with social interactions, communication, and repetitive or restrictive behaviors. While there is no cure for autism, early intervention and support can make a significant difference in the lives of people with the disorder. In this essay, we will explore some of the key characteristics of autism, the challenges and experiences of individuals with the disorder, and the ways in which they can be supported and empowered to lead fulfilling lives.
Body:
- Characteristics of autism:
According to the DSM-5, the diagnostic manual for mental disorders, autism is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction, as well as by the presence of restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. These challenges can affect an individual’s ability to form and maintain relationships, communicate their needs and wants, and engage in activities that are typical for their age and development level.
- Examples of individuals with autism:
To illustrate some of the challenges and experiences of people with autism, we will look at two individuals who have been diagnosed with the disorder – Temple Grandin and Kim Peek. Grandin is a renowned author, speaker, and advocate for individuals with autism, and she has described how her visual thinking and problem-solving abilities have helped her to overcome some of the challenges associated with autism. Peek, who was known as the “real Rain Man,” was an exceptional savant with exceptional memory abilities, but he also experienced significant challenges with social interactions and communication.
- Support and empowerment for individuals with autism:
Early intervention and support can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals with autism. This can include educational and behavioral therapies, as well as support for the individual and their family. For example, Grandin has described how her early intervention with speech therapy and special education helped her to develop her communication skills and overcome some of the challenges associated with autism.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, autism is a spectrum disorder that affects individuals in different ways and to varying degrees. While people with autism may experience challenges with social interactions, communication, and repetitive or restrictive behaviors, they can also have unique perspectives and abilities that can be valuable and enriching to the world. By providing early intervention and support, we can empower individuals with autism to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives. It is important to recognize and respect the individuality of people with autism, and to avoid making assumptions about their abilities or experiences based on stereotypes or limited information.
But would this help a novice writer? So much of what we see about the early experiments with ChatGPT make the assumption that the user is already an able reader and writer. What about how our students might use this tool?
Chris and Paul asked ChatGPT:
Again, how can we teach students to ask for examples like this, and then to ask for help in making it their own?
ChatGPT answered:
Yes, of course! The essay that I provided is just an example to give you an idea of one possible structure and approach for an essay about autism. It is not intended to be copied or used as your own work – that would be plagiarism, which is not acceptable in academic writing.
To personalize this essay and make it your own, you could consider the following suggestions:
- Develop your own thesis or main argument for the essay. This should be a clear and concise statement that captures the focus and purpose of your essay.
- Use your own research and evidence to support your argument. This could include information from academic sources, such as research studies or articles, as well as personal experiences or observations.
- Incorporate your own perspective and voice into the essay. This could include your own thoughts, insights, and opinions on the topic, as well as your own experiences with people with autism (if applicable).
- Use your own examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points and to make your argument more engaging and relatable.
- Revise and edit your essay to ensure that it is clear, well-organized, and free of errors. This could include checking for grammar and spelling mistakes, as well as ensuring that your essay flows logically and that your ideas are well-supported and adequately explained.
- If you are unsure about how to personalize the essay or incorporate your own experiences, you could consider seeking feedback and guidance from a teacher, tutor, or mentor. They may be able to offer suggestions and advice that can help you to develop your own unique perspective and argument for the essay.
Still, Chris and I are feeling like this gives us a good guide for how to go back to our students and help them write their essays.
Chris and Paul asked ChatGPT:
ChatGPT answered:
It is difficult for me to say exactly how your teacher might write an assignment for an essay like this, as I am not familiar with your teacher or their teaching style. However, here are a few possible ways that your teacher might structure an assignment for an essay about autism:
- The assignment might include a prompt or question that guides your research and writing for the essay. For example, the prompt might ask you to discuss the challenges and experiences of individuals with autism, or to explore the ways in which they can be supported and empowered to lead fulfilling lives.
- The assignment might specify the length and format of the essay, such as a minimum or maximum number of words or pages, or a specific citation style (e.g. APA, MLA, Chicago).
- The assignment might include requirements for the sources that you use in your essay, such as a minimum number of academic sources or a requirement to use a certain type of source (e.g. peer-reviewed journal articles).
- The assignment might include evaluation criteria or a grading rubric that outlines how your essay will be assessed. This could include criteria such as the clarity and coherence of your argument, the quality and relevance of your evidence, and the effectiveness of your writing style.
- The assignment might include a timeline or schedule for the essay, including deadlines for completing various stages of the writing process (e.g. brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revising, editing).
- The assignment might include instructions for how to submit the essay, such as electronically through a learning management system or in hard copy to the teacher.
Overall, your teacher’s assignment for an essay about autism is likely to include specific requirements and expectations for the content and format of your essay, as well as guidance and support to help you to complete the assignment successfully. It is important to carefully read and understand the assignment before you begin your research and writing, in order to ensure that you are meeting all of the requirements and expectations.
Chris and Paul asked ChatGPT:
ChatGPT answered:
The students were more focused than usual, and I think the writing looks better than I expected. Like I mentioned Wednesday night, our conversation while using the AI helped me think through the assignment in a different way. For example, I put more thought into the scaffolding of the writing than I think I would have done on my own, and maybe even more than I would have just in a conversation with you alone, without the AI. Anyway, lots to think about.
Image by Stable Diffusion 2.1 Demo. Prompt: thinking in Salt Lake City winter
Here are a few examples of essay prompts that could be used for a topic on autism and that require the use of examples:
Although we might not want to choose any one of these, what if a list of options like this could be make explicit to students, which might help them to understand some of the purpose behind their writing.
Chris isn’t exactly sure how he might use these suggestions with his students, but they feel like helpful examples as he constructs the next set of prompts for his students.
Actually pretty good prompts, with purposes I hadn’t completely considered
- Write an essay in which you discuss the challenges and experiences of individuals with autism. In your essay, provide examples from the lives of people with autism, such as Temple Grandin or Kim Peek, to illustrate the ways in which autism can affect an individual’s social interactions, communication, and daily activities.
- Write an essay in which you explore the ways in which individuals with autism can be supported and empowered to lead fulfilling lives. In your essay, provide examples of interventions and support services that can make a positive difference in the lives of people with autism, such as educational therapies or advocacy programs.
- Write an essay in which you discuss the value and importance of understanding and acceptance of individuals with autism. In your essay, provide examples of the unique perspectives and abilities that people with autism can bring to the world, such as in the fields of art, music, or science, and discuss why it is important to recognize and appreciate neurodiversity.
- Write an essay in which you analyze the portrayal of autism in the media, such as in films like Rain Man or TV shows like The Good Doctor. In your essay, provide examples of how autism is depicted in these media sources, and discuss the strengths and limitations of these portrayals in terms of accuracy, representation, and understanding.
- Write an essay in which you reflect on your own experiences with individuals with autism. In your essay, provide examples of your interactions with people with autism, and discuss the ways in which these experiences have impacted your understanding of the disorder and the individuals who have it.
Cool! Chris notices that ChatGPT slips in The Good Doctor, something we had not mentioned.
Overall, an essay prompt for a topic on autism could require the use of examples in a variety of ways, depending on the specific focus and goals of the prompt. The examples could be used to illustrate key points, to support an argument, or to provide personal insight and reflection on the topic.
Chris and Paul asked ChatGPT:
ChatGPT answered:
One other thing to consider when writing an essay about autism is the use of inclusive and respectful language. It is important to avoid using language that is stigmatizing, dismissive, or offensive when referring to individuals with autism. For example, avoid using terms such as “suffers from autism” or “autistic person,” as these phrases can imply that autism is a disease or flaw that needs to be pitied or corrected. Instead, use phrases such as “has autism” or “individual with autism,” which are more respectful and accurate.
Additionally, be aware of the diversity within the autism community, and avoid making assumptions about people with autism based on stereotypes or limited information. People with autism are individuals with their own unique strengths, challenges, and experiences, and it is important to recognize and respect this diversity.
Finally, consider the potential impact of your essay on the autism community and on individuals with the disorder. Your essay has the potential to raise awareness, increase understanding, and promote acceptance of people with autism, and it is important to consider this responsibility as you write and revise your essay.
ChatGPT answered:
Sure, here is a summary of some key points to consider when writing an essay about autism:
- Begin by providing an overview of autism and some of the key characteristics of the disorder, drawing on information from reliable sources such as the DSM-5 and research studies.
- Use examples from individuals with autism, such as Temple Grandin and Kim Peek, to illustrate the challenges and experiences of people with the disorder.
- Discuss the ways in which individuals with autism can be supported and empowered to lead fulfilling lives, including information about early intervention and support services.
- Emphasize the importance of understanding and acceptance of individuals with autism, and avoid using language that is stigmatizing or offensive.
- Personalize the essay by developing your own thesis or main argument, using your own research and evidence, incorporating your own perspective and voice, and revising and editing the essay for clarity and coherence.
- Be aware of the requirements and expectations of the assignment, and seek feedback and guidance if necessary.
To get started on your essay, you could begin by brainstorming ideas and conducting research on the topic of autism. This could include reading articles and books on the disorder, watching documentaries or interviews with people with autism, and talking to individuals with autism or professionals who work with them. This research can help you to develop a better understanding of the topic and to identify potential examples and evidence to support your argument.
Next, you could consider organizing your ideas into an outline or plan for the essay. This could include creating a thesis or main argument for the essay, as well as outlining the key points and examples that you will use to support your argument. The outline can help you to stay focused and organized as you write, and to…
Overall (as ChatGPT often says) this experience was enriching and thought-provoking. As Chris remarked, it might make a teacher who is isolated feel more connected, just like Writing Projects do.
Might teachers coach students based on the responses they are getting so that they learn how to strategically take advice based on their strengths and stretch for growth? This implies a different role for teacher as coach but may define the new skills teachers will need given ChatGPT
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Suppose we made a protocol with some of the questions you were using (Plus a few others)? This might provide students with a guide to making the best use of AI by interacting with the results (as you did). We could suggest a few Habits of Mind to connect with this protocol.
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