Use of XIPU AI and ChatGPT to Generate Personalized Teaching Materials in Academic Settings
Abstract
 
This essay explores the integration of some of the latest Large Language Models (LLM) such as XIPU AI and ChatGPT in academic settings to optimize personalized education. It discusses scenarios in language classrooms for correcting grammatical errors, generating exercises, and creating tailored essay prompts and essay samples. The results and evaluation highlight the model's efficacy in supporting personalized learning, addressing challenges in language teaching, and saving teachers time. The conclusion emphasizes the transformative potential of AI technologies exemplified by XIPU AI and ChatGPT in providing individualized and engaging learning experiences across various academic settings.
 
Keywords: XIPU AI, ChatGPT, Personalized teaching, Language teaching
 
1. Introduction
 
In recent years, there has been substantial criticism of the "one-size-fits-all" approach in the current education system. Due to its inadequacy to meet the diverse needs of individual learners. As a result, education around the world is shifting towards a more personalized and student-centered strategy. To bolster this personalized approach, computer-aided teaching has emerged as a powerful tool, facilitated by development in AI technologies like ChatGPT and XIPU AI. The integration of AI in education has made significant contributions to the progression and widespread adoption of personalized education in academic settings.  
 
2. Scenarios of Integrating Large Language Models into Academic Settings in Language Lessons
 
ChatGPT and XIPU AI are all what we call LLM, which can be used as both in-class and after-class tools to generate practice materials catering to different aims and needs. Before using these AI tools to generate any materials, the first step is to gather information, especially on students’ language proficiency levels and educational aims. The following two examples provide practical ideas for using ChatGPT and XIPU AI to support personalized education in academic settings.
 
2.1 Correcting Grammatical Errors and Generating Exercises
 
The Natural Language Processing (NLP) model or Large Language Processing (LLP) can handle tasks that are more repetitive and dependent on context. Grammar corrections follow rule-based principles and can be categorized as binary, with options of either being right or wrong. Hence, they are the ideal fits for grammar correction. As is shown in the picture below, after identifying the grammar errors, XIPU AI can also make corrections or suggestions, which enables students to visualize their errors and improve their writing skills progressively.
 
 
(Image1: Using XIPU AI to proofread and identify grammar errors)
 
Moreover, these AI chatbots can also be used to drill into specific grammar key points and generate specific practices. Compared with using textbook practices, the practices generated by AI are more personalized, targeting specific levels and educational contexts.
 
 
(Image 2: Examples of using XIPU AI and ChatGPT to generate grammar exercises targeting specific language levels, grammatical errors, and academic context)
 
2.2 Generating Essay Prompts and Sample Essays
 
The chatbot's expeditious response and the capability to create and modify various types and levels of content have made it a valuable tool for creating personalized materials in class. In comparison to random prompt generators, XIPU AI and ChatGPT can generate writing prompts that align with the instructional requirements of a given task for specific groups of students. For example, the pictures below show how ChatGPT generates personalized essay prompts on the same topic targeting students of different language levels in only a few seconds.  
 
 
(Image 3: Using ChatGPT and XIPU AI to generate personalized essay prompts and samples)
 
In addition to generating prompts, these AI tools are also built to generate extensive texts such as essay paragraphs or samples (see picture above).
 
This feature has proven effective in fostering student engagement and motivation, as they can write about subjects that hold significance for them. By tailoring prompts to suit the specific needs and interests of students of different levels and grades, students are more motivated and engaged in the writing process.
 
3. Results and Evaluation
 
3.1 Grammatical Error Correction and Generating Grammar Exercise
 
Correcting grammar mistakes is often considered one of the least interesting and time-consuming tasks in language teaching. It's worth noting that the AI's ability to make corrections is impressive, but it relies on a vast database of real-world English usage examples. Consequently, its corrections are based on how language is used, taking a descriptive approach that may deviate from the rules taught by teachers. Moreover, personalized learning had the potential to mitigate information overload, hence making students more focused on the target grammatical structure. Additionally, by generating unique types of grammar exercises that suit students’ level, students can focus on the specific grammar problem rather than other aspects of the language. 
 
3.2 Generating Essay Prompts and Samples
 
In academic settings, providing diverse writing prompts that cater to students' distinctive needs poses a notable challenge. For instance, Year 1 students may be tasked with writing a discursive essay, while Year 2 students were assigned to write on the same topic for an argumentative essay. Furthermore, tutors are required to provide personalized essay prompts that suit diverse levels of students. Given the significant disparities between different grades and levels, selecting prompts that are contextually, lexically, and syntactically appropriate for learners can be a time-consuming and energy-draining process for language teachers. By giving specific instructions regarding the desired level, passage length, and topic, teachers can leverage its capabilities to generate well-suited passages for their students. However, teachers must verify the accuracy of the generated text at this stage to avoid the potential risk of the AI generating false information.
 
These examples illustrate how AI tools can assist teachers by generating tailored content, saving them from tedious and time-consuming tasks. Moreover, the use of this AI tool extends beyond mechanical and robotic duties and can be employed for creative purposes, such as generating innovative writing prompts and sample paragraphs. Traditionally, people consider LLM-generated content as non-innovative and repetitive. However, the practical use of AI in academic settings proves to be the opposite. In conventional language classes, teachers often assign content and exercises relying on their limited teaching experience or materials found in textbooks. This can restrict the scope of the learning. Conversely, incorporating AI into education offers teachers fresh ideas and insights beyond their past experiences, unlocking new possibilities and sparking creativity for those seeking innovative teaching materials. This also opens up opportunities to create customized educational experiences that streamline the instructional design process, focusing on students' personalized needs for their advancement.
 
4. Conclusion
 
In summary, the incorporation of AI technologies such as XIPU AI and ChatGPT holds the revolutionary potential to completely transform the education system through the provision of individualized and tailored learning opportunities for students. By adapting teaching resources and tasks to cater to the specific needs and interests of students, educators can create a more captivating and rewarding learning environment. The utilization of these tools has more possibility not only in language classrooms but also in all academic settings. As long as educators can make good use of the tool, it can be very powerful in supporting teaching and rendering personalized education easily and effectively.
 
 

AUTHOR
Xiaoxue ZHAO,
English Language Centre,
School of Languages,
XJTLU

DATE
24 January 2024

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