Learning with Conversational AI: ChatGPT and Bard/Gemini in Education

The integration of conversational Artificial Intelligence (AI) in educational settings marks a transformative era in teaching and learning. Within this scope, this chapter presents a comparative exploration of the role and impact of generative AI tools, specifically ChatGPT and the initially named Bard, now updated to Gemini, in the educational sector. Utilizing a scoping review, we delve into the nuances of AI-mediated learning by analyzing publications focused on Bard before its rebranding to Gemini, thus providing a pre-update baseline. The findings reveal ChatGPT and Bard’s significant potential in customizing learning, aiding pedagogical activities, and fostering student engagement, while also noting concerns over academic integrity and the ethical use of AI. The tools show promise in medical education and other scholarly practices, but their anthropomorphic qualities and the difficulty in distinguishing AI-generated content raise concerns about the need for critical engagement from students. The work emphasizes the importance of balancing technological advancement with traditional learning skills and addressing the potential exacerbation of disparities in research fields. It suggests the importance of inclusive discussions on AI governance and the future exploration of domain-specific LLMs for enhanced performance in specialized fields.