Mastering ChatGPT: Top 5 Practical Applications and Examples

One of the challenges with ChatGPT’s advanced conversation abilities is their potential to deceive. Engaging with it can feel like conversing with a real person, leading us to rely on typical conversational norms that may not apply to an AI.

For example, in human interactions, we generally assume that people do not fabricate information. However, large language models like ChatGPT can often provide fluent responses that are entirely incorrect, challenging this expectation. The AI’s metacognitive ability, or the capacity to recognize what it doesn’t know, is still underdeveloped in these applications. As a result, it may confidently offer answers even in areas where it lacks accurate information or expertise.

Unraveling ChatGPT’s Verbal Fluency and Practical Utility

While we may expect verbal fluency to correlate with overall intelligence, assuming that a language model like ChatGPT possesses comprehensive knowledge akin to a highly intelligent person can be misleading. The ability to recite Shakespeare, explain quantum computing, and demonstrate the prime number theorem in rhyming verse does not necessarily indicate proficiency in other cognitive domains, such as basic counting. Naively treating large language models (LLMs) as all-knowing entities can lead to unintended consequences.

Nonetheless, ChatGPT proves immensely beneficial for a diverse range of tasks. As suggested by Simon Willison, viewing LLMs as “calculators for words” reveals their true strength in processing and manipulating text, rather than considering them as general-purpose intelligences or human-like entities.

By acknowledging these considerations and distinguishing situations where LLMs excel from those where they may have limitations, we can harness their new capabilities effectively and avoid unforeseen pitfalls.

Here, we present ten valuable learning strategies using ChatGPT, inspired by the experiences of numerous readers who have shared their personal insights and suggestions.

1. Enhance Language Learning with ChatGPT’s Language Tutor Capabilities

The second most popular way users leverage ChatGPT is as a language tutor. In this realm, LLMs demonstrate their proficiency, producing grammatically correct text despite any other limitations they may have.

Language learners often set up interactive conversations with ChatGPT, allowing the AI to switch between the target language and English explanations when needed. Although these explanations may not be flawless, human tutors also occasionally provide incorrect grammar or vocabulary usage while being proficient in the language.

Additionally, ChatGPT proves useful in transforming texts to cater to beginners’ reading comprehension levels. Graded readers and comprehensive input strategies are effective for language learners, but readily available learner materials might be limited or uninspiring. LLMs can bridge this gap by converting texts written at a fluent native level into content suitable for learners’ current abilities.

Even renowned language-learning platform Duolingo is incorporating LLMs, signaling the potential for exciting advancements in language education. As users tap into ChatGPT’s language tutor prowess, they discover new opportunities for interactive language practice and personalized reading materials, making language learning more accessible and engaging.

2. Engage in In-Depth Discussions with Lengthy Texts Using LLMs

LLMs offer a unique capability to engage in dialogues with long documents, making it convenient to extract specific information from extensive texts. For example, when reading a scientific paper, you can swiftly inquire about details such as the sample size, methodology, or results. This feature proves especially helpful when handling large amounts of information, as you can cross-reference the AI’s responses with provided references for added accuracy.

While some users may explore creative applications, such as conversing with ChatGPT in the style of a particular writer, the ability to ask natural-language questions and receive responses with relevant references proves particularly valuable when dealing with lengthy documents.

However, it is essential to exercise caution and fact-check the AI’s answers. While ChatGPT can provide helpful insights, occasional inaccuracies can occur, as demonstrated in a dialogue where the AI cited a review article by Mayer but falsely identified it as a meta-analysis. Such instances emphasize the importance of verifying information independently to avoid potential misunderstandings.

In summary, LLMs offer an effective tool for interactive exploration of lengthy texts, facilitating information retrieval and simplifying the handling of complex documents. By being mindful of fact-checking, users can benefit from this resourceful feature while ensuring the accuracy of the information obtained.

3. Harnessing ChatGPT as Your Personal Socratic Tutor

Among the various uses reported by readers, employing an LLM as a personal tutor emerged as the most prevalent application.

By seeking explanations from ChatGPT for challenging concepts, unfamiliar code, or complex problems, users discover a valuable resource to aid their learning journey. The AI’s proficiency in providing insights in these areas makes it a cost-effective alternative to seeking assistance from human experts, who can often be expensive and scarce.

When using ChatGPT as a Socratic tutor, combining it with traditional learning resources such as textbooks or classes can enhance the learning experience. This approach allows users to cross-reference information and compare explanations provided by the AI with authoritative sources, mitigating the risk of potential errors. Instead of accepting everything the AI says at face value, it is beneficial to challenge explanations that do not align with the material studied in textbooks or classes. By using this critical approach, learners can maximize the benefits of ChatGPT’s tutoring capabilities and build a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

4. Efficient Note Organization with ChatGPT

For avid researchers like myself, locating scattered notes can often consume valuable time. This dilemma is shared by Robert Martin and others in the field. Keyword searches can be unreliable, especially when we cannot recall the precise terms used, even if the essence remains consistent.

Robert Martin tackles this issue using the embedding feature of LLMs, a tool within the same family of natural language processing techniques as ChatGPT. This feature enables the discovery of semantically related notes, moving beyond exact keyword matches.

A promising application involves personalized LLMs residing on your hard drive and accessing your existing data. This innovation could prove highly valuable, allowing you to search for information you know you’ve encountered but can’t quite remember where. By harnessing the power of LLMs for note organization, researchers can streamline their workflow, efficiently retrieve relevant information, and make significant advancements in their work.

5. Enhance Text Clarity Across Different Proficiency Levels

A significant challenge in comprehending expert-level texts lies in their intended audience, as they are often tailored for fellow experts. These writings lack detailed explanations, contextual information, and are filled with specialized jargon, making them less accessible to the general public. Consequently, most individuals depend on translators, such as general-market nonfiction or science writers, who adeptly convey expert ideas in a more reader-friendly format.

When utilizing AI tools, two strategies emerge. One approach involves simply requesting an LLM to simplify a popular concept, using language suitable for a broader audience, for example, asking, “Explain quantum computing as if I were an eighth-grader.” The alternative is to provide ChatGPT with an existing text or explanation and ask the AI to rephrase it in a more easily digestible manner.

Personally, I find the latter method to be slightly more dependable. By comparing the AI’s revised version with the original content, we can ensure accuracy and alignment with the intended meaning. This empowers users to adapt complex information for different comprehension levels, fostering better understanding and effective communication of expert knowledge across diverse audiences.