ChatGPT, John Dewey

Synergies in Education: ChatGPT and Dewey's Hands-On Learning Revolution

February 20, 2024

By Shiva Hajian

My son came home the other day with a perplexed expression, letting me know he needed to do a science project about animal cells. This topic sounded a bit complex and worrying for an 11-year-old boy at his computer all the time, playing Roblox. Eager to help, I proposed a collaborative approach, combining the informational power of ChatGPT with some hands-on, real-life project guidelines.

Armed with curiosity and the digital companionship of ChatGPT, we delved into the intricacies of animal cells. ChatGPT served as a wellspring of information, breaking down complex concepts of this topic into digestible pieces. For example, it started with statements such as “An animal cell is a fundamental building block of living organisms that consists of various parts called organelles.” It then offered insights into the structure and functions of various cell components, making details clear and understandable.

Although this information was an essential starting point, it was still highly theoretical and difficult to visualize. An idea began to crystallize – why not transform this theoretical knowledge into a tangible fun project? We envisioned a cell model crafted from everyday items to make the learning experience interactive and not just informative.

We asked ChatGPT to give us an idea for an engaging fun project. In no time we got a project/recipe and our kitchen transformed into a laboratory, each organelle meticulously represented with a unique ingredient: Cytoplasm (Green Jell-O), Endoplasmic Reticulum (Licorice), Vacuole (Air Head Bites), Lysosome (M&Ms), Golgi Apparatus (Banana taffy), Ribosomes (Sprinkles), Mitochondrion (Mini Tootsie Roll), and Nucleus – a peach.

With each placement of a candy or dollop of Jell-O, we discussed the role and significance of that particular organelle. It was a fantastic blend of learning and creativity, and the result was not just a model but a feast for the eyes and taste buds.

Creating this hands-on, experiential project felt as if John Dewey's dream had come true. Dewey, one of the key figures in developing constructivism and experiential learning, recognized the social nature of learning and the importance of hands-on projects. He believed learning becomes enriched when individuals engage in shared experiences, collaborative problem-solving, and communal exploration of ideas.

Dewey's educational model focuses on the active participation of students in their learning process and their involvement in student-centred activities. According to Dewey, genuine learning occurs when students inquire, question, explore, and arrive at an understanding of concepts by themselves under the guidance of a coach, instructor, trainer, or collaborator. Our project, born out of curiosity and hands-on exploration, embodied Dewey's vision of students actively engaged in a learning process.

One key aspect to understand is that ChatGPT can become a collaborative partner, making learning an interactive and exciting adventure for children in the same way it became a valuable companion and guide in our science journey. ChatGPT did not replace our “human” initiative and effort; instead, it complemented and enhanced it, facilitating access to information and encouraging critical thinking. This combination of digital guidance and hands-on application mirrors skills students will need in the real world, where problem-solving and critical thinking take precedence over memorization.

As we stood back to admire our work, I couldn't help but appreciate how technology—when coupled with imagination, a bit of sweetness, and Dewey's educational philosophy—could transform even the most intricate concepts into something as delightful as our edible animal cell model.