ChatGPT as a Learning Tool: A Study with High School Students in Rural Rio Grande do Norte

• Ademar F. de Sousa Neto Rui Barbosa State School http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1651-4159
• Salatiel D. Silva Federal University of Campina Grande https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3138-4196
• Ramiro de V. dos Santos Júnior Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid Region https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2899-7458

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/sbie.2024.241816

Abstract

Given the rapid pace of technological advancement and the increasing prevalence of natural language processing applications in daily life, we investigated how high school students in the interior of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, interact with and perceive the future value of ChatGPT. Our research-based approach analyzed usage patterns and perceptions among these students. A central finding reveals that technology is an integral part of contemporary life. We highlight the historical relevance of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and the younger generation’s readiness to adopt emerging technologies like ChatGPT. High school students utilize ChatGPT for various purposes, including academic support, social communication, and personal organization, in both educational and social contexts. Moreover, participants expressed optimism about ChatGPT’s potential to significantly impact their lives in the coming years while acknowledging potential challenges. Our findings underscore the crucial role that NLP tools like ChatGPT play in shaping the experiences and expectations of high school students, paving the way for further research and development in this field.

Keywords: ChatGPT, Natural Language Processing, Education, High School Students, Educational Technology

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