Does ChatGPT help or hinder education? Exploring its benefits, challenges, student guilt, and the need for educator training

Abstract

The advent of ChatGPT in educational settings has sparked ongoing debate about whether it serves as an innovative tool or a disruptive force. This study contributes to this discourse by offering a balanced exploration of the advantages and challenges of integrating ChatGPT into education, considering both student and educator perspectives. Additionally, we analyze whether students feel guilty using it and investigate the reasons behind such guilt. From the educators’ viewpoint, the study goes beyond assessing ChatGPT’s pros and cons by identifying the institutional training necessary for its effective integration into teaching. Using a qualitative approach, we gathered narratives through an open-ended online survey, and inductive content analysis revealed key benefits, drawbacks, the reasons behind student guilt, and educators’ training needs across secondary and higher education. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of ChatGPT’s impact on education and offer guidance for its responsible use.