Unveiling the role of ChatGPT in higher education: a qualitative inquiry into its implementation among teaching faculties in Chennai, India

Abstract

This study investigates the adoption of ChatGPT among teaching faculty in higher education institutions in Chennai, India, as well as the positive influence that it has had. The major purpose is to gain an understanding of the experiences and perspectives of faculty members with regard to the incorporation of ChatGPTs within their respective teaching practices. Twenty faculty members from a variety of fields participated in semistructured interviews as part of a qualitative research design. The interviews were conducted in order to collect data. The use of thematic analysis allowed for the identification of significant themes and patterns within the data. Based on the findings, it is evident that educators make frequent use of ChatGPT, primarily for the purpose of providing aid with assignments and preparing for lectures. It is believed that the benefits include increased student engagement as well as improved efficiency in the management of educational requirements. Nevertheless, difficulties like as concerns regarding data privacy and security, technical limitations, and a reduction in the amount of interaction between students and lecturers were also highlighted. Enhanced training, increased technological support, and explicit ethical rules were some of the recommendations made by the participants in order to address these difficulties adequately. By giving localized insights on the application of ChatGPT within the context of Chennai's higher education system, this research helps to provide a solution to a gap in the existing body of literature. Although the study highlights the potential for artificial intelligence technologies to alter teaching techniques, it also highlights the necessity of adopting a balanced strategy that takes into consideration both ethical and practical concerns. The results provide educators, policymakers, and researchers with significant recommendations that may be utilized to improve educational outcomes through the utilization of artificial intelligence systems.