Does Gen-AI have a role in public affairs education? Let’s ask ChatGPT

Abstract

The academic literature has expanded significantly in recent times to consider how Gen-AI is transforming the learning process. However, there still remain gaps in the literature, first in applying selected individual Gen-AI applications to classroom learning, and second in focusing upon specific uses in public administration education. In addressing this gap, this research uses a sequence of assignment scenarios to examine how Gen-AI may be integrated into pedagogical approaches and align with course learning objectives. Using the Gen-AI application ChatGPT– which is a popular choice for students to consult for course assignments– an examination of results generated from program queries point toward both opportunities and challenges from the perspectives of teaching (instructors) and learning (students). The below discussion contributes to the literature by first developing three assignment scenarios (linked to learning objectives) to explore the utility of Gen-AI in the learning process, and second discusses various teaching and learning benefits and challenges which are premised on the need for moderation and carefully planned usage of Gen-AI technology in the classroom. This blending of pedagogical theory and practice suggests a need for instructors to teach students about the implications of technology usage and assignment originality in unison with the actual topical coverage of the content that is being presented.