The impact of ChatGPT

I think ChatGPT and AI is the best thing possible for outdoor education. Schools really haven't changed since the industrial revolution. Basically you get a group of people in a large room and go over the same things again and again every single year, much like a factory process which can be automated.

This is important to develop core reading, writing and numeracy skills. However, the glaringly obvious problem that has emerged from the over use of technology in schools and at home coupled with the devastating effects on social and emotional growth and mental health during COVID means it's time for AI to run its efficient soulless course to disrupt the classroom, leaving outdoor ed in the prime position to teach real skills in the real world, that actually build up peoples resilience (which everyone talks about, but aren't quite sure how to achieve). This is a wonderful opportunity for schools to expand outdoor education as the answer to life, the universe and everything is in everyone's hands, they just have no idea what to do with it and why. The one thing outdoor ed is so strong in, is helping people identify their unique strengths and their why, something a computer will never be able to do for them.

PS ChatGPT is terrible at risk assessments, we put it to the test and it was pretty average so no short cuts for anyone there! You still need to know what you're doing on that front, but it writes an awesome end of term academic report! Happy fast-paced report churning! I mean writing :)

it will be interesting in general to see what happens. I think it is an inevitable evolution of technology. I was reading a blog recently that suggested that something like this could even do journalists out of a job! Not sure that it is at that level just yet, but it won't take long as the tech improves - HAL 2001 Space Odyssey anyone? From an OE perspective, I think there is opportunity for practitioners to be able to pull together information in a quicker, more specific way to use in their lesson plans, possibly navigation tips etc. I think, similarly to what Dylan indicated below, it will really come down to what it is we are wanting to gain from the tool.

I guess the question that needs answering is "what is outdoor education for?"

When you can articulate that then a position on the impacts of AI can be more properly considered. In my experience we're not very good at explaining why outdoor education is so important and what benefits come from it.

Here is another article on the platform https://www.inc-aus.com/minda-zetlin/heres-exact-moment-when-i-fell-in-love-with-chatgpt.html