3 Ways ChatGPT Supports Innovative Educators with Free GPTs

OpenAI announced that all GPTs in the GPT Store are now free.

This development is big news for teachers, who can now use personalized AI tools without financial barriers. I reached out to educators around the world on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook to find out how they are benefiting from GPTs.

What is a GPT?

GPTs allow users with a paid ChatGPT account to create custom AI chatbots for specific tasks.

Many teachers have adopted GPTs to develop unique tools that address a variety of challenges, from administrative tasks and planning learning experiences to creating resources for their students. According to an email from OpenAI, “All free ChatGPT users can now use GPTs in the GPT Store, making AI technology accessible to everyone.”

Although users can now access GPTs without a cost barrier, creating GPTs remains a feature exclusive to paid accounts.

Authorized teachers

GPTs provide unprecedented opportunities for educators.

Teachers have traditionally relied on education technology companies to understand their needs and create effective tools to use in their jobs. With GPTs, teachers can create solutions tailored to their specific needs, automating tasks and providing specialist support for themselves and their colleagues.

Antti Leppilampi, a lecturer at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences in Finland, uses GPT to improve coaching sessions. He explained to me, “We incorporate GPTs into our sessions, and I give students quick ideas to continue their discussions with GPTs afterward. Since GPTs are now free to use, I will likely incorporate them into my other courses as well.

This accessibility means that teachers can experiment freely and integrate GPT more widely.

Three reasons why it’s good for educators

1. Improved efficiency and productivity

GPTs can automate time-consuming tasks, allowing educators to focus more on teaching.

Andrew Spiece, a computer science teacher at Grand Blanc High School in Michigan, uses GPTs to analyze exam results and generate personalized review materials. “I use them daily for myself and other teachers. It’s a total game changer,” Spiece told me.

Sue Cluck, a science teacher at Gravette High School, Arkansas, shared, “I created one for students to upload their worksheet and it will guide them through the process of solving specific problems without giving answers . Another was created to help teachers reveal their standards and produce specific statements based on those standards.

2. Personalized learning experiences

GPTs can be used to customize tools, meeting individual student needs.

Jess Baron, an inclusive education teacher in Ottawa, Canada, explained: “I have developed various GPTs to improve teaching and learning, and have been experimenting with AI since its introduction in 2022. Some GPTs that I developed include teaching guides, streamlining task efficiency. for creating accessibility products (virtual word walls, custom scripts for feedback on forms), gamification of learning, SMART goal navigators, executive functioning experts and currently, an agent education optimization which will hopefully and helpfully streamline the entire learning cycle for teachers.

3. Fast and reliable access to information

GPTs can provide fast and accurate information, saving time and reducing confusion.

Jack Dougall, a humanities teacher at Canterbury School in the Canary Islands, uses GPTs for complex lesson elements. “I shared GPTs with my students for internal assessment and extended essay. GPTs provide quick answers with page numbers for clarity,” says Dougall.

Michael Fricano II, K-6 design technology teacher at Iolani School in Hawaii, said, “I created GPTs that can analyze a student’s block-based curriculum and provide feedback and debugging assistance (without revealing solutions)! means more accessible for schools! »

Broadening the horizons of educators

The impact of free GPTs extends beyond immediate classroom tasks.

Louise Jones, community manager at ThingLink in Scotland, highlights wider access for isolated educators. “I developed a GPT tool to help teachers structure digital escape rooms. This tool has become incredibly popular because it makes it much easier to create immersive learning experiences using AI. The tool now free greatly expands access for many educators, especially those who are isolated and may not have colleagues to brainstorm with.”

Transforming education

Free access to GPTs represents a decisive turning point, moving from being a simple user of AI to being a creator.

Now, more educators can harness the power of AI to innovate, streamline their workflows, and provide personalized support to their students and colleagues. Although creating GPTs still requires a paid account, the ability to use existing GPTs for free improves the teaching and learning experience, fostering a more inclusive and effective educational environment.

Before introducing GPTs into your classroom, follow your organization’s data protection procedures. Always seek advice from the responsible authorities at your school, college or university. Ensuring compliance with data protection regulations is crucial to protecting student and teacher information.

Integrating GPTs into education promises a future where the expertise and experience of teachers will have a direct impact on the technology they use because they are the ones creating the solutions.