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Not really me...

6/3/2023

3 Comments

 

March 6, 2023

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Richard Fidler speaking at Writers' Week
​With all of the hype and interest around artificial intelligence and creative writing, I thought a blog on ChatGPT would be appropriate. If you’re unfamiliar with ChatGPT, here’s a brief overview.
 
“In recent years, the development of artificial intelligence has revolutionized the way we live and work. One of the most impressive examples of this technology is ChatGPT, a large language model developed by OpenAI. This model has captured the attention of the tech industry and the scientific community for its ability to generate human-like responses to written prompts. In this blog post, we'll explore the ins and outs of ChatGPT, how it works, and why it matters.
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​What is ChatGPT?
 
ChatGPT is a language model based on the transformer architecture, which was first introduced by Google in 2017. It was developed by OpenAI, a research organization founded by tech luminaries such as Elon Musk and Sam Altman. ChatGPT is a deep learning model that uses unsupervised learning to generate human-like text based on the input it receives.
The "GPT" in ChatGPT stands for "Generative Pre-trained Transformer." The "generative" part refers to the model's ability to create new text based on what it has learned from its training data. The "pre-trained" part refers to the fact that the model has already been trained on massive amounts of text data, making it more accurate and efficient than other language models.”
 
There are risks, as with anything:
 
“As an AI language model, ChatGPT can provide valuable information and assist with various tasks. However, there are some risks associated with using ChatGPT, including:
 
1. Bias: ChatGPT's responses are based on the data it was trained on, which can include biases that were present in the original dataset. This means that ChatGPT's responses can sometimes reflect and perpetuate biases, stereotypes, and prejudices.

2. Misinformation: ChatGPT's responses are generated based on statistical patterns in the data it was trained on. While it can provide helpful information, it can also generate responses that are inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading.

3. Lack of empathy: As an AI language model, ChatGPT does not have emotions or empathy. This means that it may not understand or be able to respond appropriately to emotional or sensitive topics.

4. Privacy and security: ChatGPT's interactions with users may involve personal information that needs to be protected. There is also the risk that bad actors could use ChatGPT to generate harmful content, such as fake news or hate speech.

5. Dependence: Depending too heavily on ChatGPT for decision-making or information-gathering could lead to a loss of critical thinking skills and independent thought.
 
Overall, while ChatGPT can be a useful tool, it's important to recognize its limitations and be aware of the potential risks associated with its use. It's important to use ChatGPT with caution, and to verify the information it provides through other sources whenever possible.”
 
Of course, I didn’t write any of the above. ChatGPT did from my prompt. I figure I won’t need to ‘create’ blogs hereon in. I can have ChatGPT generate them for me. For example, it is Writers’ Week in the city and for the first time ever I can attend any of the sessions on any of the days because I am no longer tied to an 8-6+ job. To celebrate Writers’ Week, here’s a quick poem:
 
“In Adelaide's Writers' Week,
The city's streets come alive
With words that dance and words that speak
And tales that make us thrive.
 
Authors, poets, and wordsmiths too
Gather here from far and near
To share their stories, both old and new
And bring their passions clear.
 
We listen to their voices rise
Like music in the air
As they paint worlds before our eyes
With words that we can share.
 
From memoirs to fiction, they inspire
And captivate our hearts
In Adelaide's Writers' Week, we conspire
To make art that never departs.
 
So let us gather in this space
And revel in the magic of the pen,
For in Adelaide's Writers' Week, we embrace
The power of words once again.”
 
Yes. ChatGPT again. Doggerel. Needs a serious edit and I’d hope to write something much more interesting, but then…
 
Maybe I can write fantasy novels – or more to the point, ChatGPT can write them for me. I asked it to write a fantasy story in the style of Tony Shillitoe (it doesn’t know who I am, by the way – I’m unknown to it). Here’s what it generated:
 
“Once upon a time, in a land far beyond the reach of mortal men, there lived a powerful sorcerer named Zephyr. Zephyr was known throughout the land for his mastery of the arcane arts, and his ability to summon forth creatures from other dimensions to do his bidding.
 
One day, Zephyr decided to undertake a journey to the far-off kingdom of Arvandor, where he had heard rumors of a powerful artifact that could grant its wielder unimaginable power. Setting out from his tower in the mountains, Zephyr travelled for many weeks, battling fierce monsters and crossing treacherous terrain until he finally arrived at the gates of Arvandor.
 
As he made his way through the city, Zephyr sensed a powerful magical presence emanating from the castle at its center. Without hesitation, he made his way to the castle gates and demanded an audience with the king.
 
To his surprise, the king agreed to see him, and Zephyr found himself standing before the throne, face to face with the ruler of Arvandor.
"What brings you to my kingdom, sorcerer?" the king asked.
"I have come seeking the artifact of power that is said to be hidden within your castle," Zephyr replied.
The king eyed him warily. "And what makes you think I would just give it to you?"
 
Meh. Although I do like the final line as a threat.
 
This is a very selective set of examples of what ChatGPT and other AI systems can already do and this is merely the beginning of a whole new age. I don’t believe creative writers are at risk yet – unique styles are difficult to replicate in original work (but not impossible). However, the “writing is on the web” for workplace writing and simpler creative tasks. Resumes, reports, Hallmark poems are all simply and effectively generated. For example, here’s what I got when I asked for a night-fill resume for a supermarket job:
 
“Name: [Your Name]
Contact Information: [Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address]
 
Objective: To obtain the position of Night Fill at [Supermarket Name], bringing strong physical stamina, attention to detail, and excellent time-management skills to ensure timely and accurate stocking of merchandise.
 
Education:
  • [High School Diploma or equivalent], [Year of Graduation], [High School Name]
 
Experience: Night Fill, [Supermarket Name], [City, State], [Year-Present]
  • Unload delivery trucks and stock shelves with merchandise according to store procedures and standards
  • Ensure product rotation and freshness by following proper rotation procedures
  • Monitor inventory levels and inform the manager of low stock items
  • Keep the work area clean and organized, following safety and sanitation guidelines
  • Collaborate with other team members to complete tasks within designated time frames
  • Provide excellent customer service when asked for assistance with finding items
 
Skills:
  • Strong physical stamina and ability to lift heavy boxes and containers
  • Attention to detail to ensure accurate placement of merchandise and adherence to store standards
  • Excellent time-management skills to complete tasks within designated time frames
  • Customer service-oriented mindset to assist customers with finding items
  • Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment
 
References: Available upon request.”

ChatGPT offers a great first draft option for writing. Our world is on the cusp of another digital revolution, especially paired with deep fake technology and the ability to use multiple platforms to spread (mis)information quickly, widely and efficiently. Is it possible the next generation of storytellers will be as constructed as their stories?
 
“Words wake on the web,
Tomorrow’s tales yet untold:
AI defines us.”
 
(a collaborative ChatGPT and human haiku)
3 Comments
Val Clark
6/3/2023 10:16:42 am

Talking to a not retired primary teacher yesterday who explained the practical application re lesson planning. Might give it a go and tweak re grant applications.

Reply
Tony Shillitoe
6/3/2023 12:54:39 pm

Here's what ChatGPT did on a simple phoneme request:

Grade Level: Year 5 (ages 9-10)

Duration: 45 minutes

Learning Objectives:

Students will be able to identify individual phonemes in words.
Students will be able to use their knowledge of phonemes to read unfamiliar words with accuracy.
Students will understand the relationship between phonemes and letters.
Materials:

Whiteboard and markers
Phoneme flashcards
Reading passages with unfamiliar words
Procedure:

Introduction (10 minutes):

Begin by introducing the concept of phonemes. Explain that phonemes are the individual sounds that make up words, and that being able to identify and manipulate phonemes is an important part of learning to read.
Give examples of phonemes by saying a word and breaking it down into its individual sounds. For example, "cat" is made up of the sounds /k/, /a/, and /t/. Write the word "cat" on the whiteboard and underline each phoneme as you say it.
Show the students a set of phoneme flashcards and explain that each card represents a different phoneme.
Main Activity (25 minutes):

Distribute the phoneme flashcards to the students and ask them to practice saying the sounds aloud.
Write a few simple words on the board, such as "mat" and "pig". Ask the students to identify the phonemes in each word and hold up the corresponding flashcard for each sound.
Write some more challenging words on the board, such as "elephant" and "umbrella". Ask the students to work in pairs to identify the phonemes in each word and hold up the corresponding flashcards.
Hand out reading passages to the students. Ask them to read the passages silently and underline any unfamiliar words.
In pairs, ask the students to use their knowledge of phonemes to sound out and read the unfamiliar words. Encourage them to use the phoneme flashcards to help them.
Ask a few students to share their newly learned words with the class.
Closure (10 minutes):

Recap the lesson by reviewing the concept of phonemes and how they relate to reading.
Ask the students to reflect on how they used their knowledge of phonemes to read unfamiliar words.
Provide opportunities for the students to practice their phoneme skills independently or in small groups, such as by playing phonics games or completing phonics worksheets.
Assessment:
Observe the students as they identify and use phonemes throughout the lesson. Assess their understanding of the concept by asking them to explain phonemes in their own words or to identify the phonemes in a given word.

Reply
john de laine link
18/10/2024 02:12:50 am

ai has killed writers block, and for that alone, it has been well worth it

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    Writing is my passion. Ideas, opinions, beliefs, experiences expressed through language - through words and images - pervade and create my life. Writing is my voice, my soul, my self. My dream is one day writing will sustain my life...

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  • Home
  • Writer's Journey: A Blog
  • Writing
    • Fantasy Fiction >
      • Andrakis Trilogy
      • The Ashuak Chronicles
      • Dreaming in Amber Quartet
    • Teen Fiction >
      • Joy Ride
      • Caught in the Headlights
      • In My Father's Shadow
      • The Need
    • Historical Fiction >
      • Girlie
    • Anthologies and Magazines >
      • The Red Heart
    • Poetry
    • Other Works
    • Writer FAQs
  • Who Am I?
    • Writer
  • Contact