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International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

Abstract

This study explores the use of ChatGPT as a help-seeking tool in educational contexts, examining both its potential benefits and costs through a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis. The purpose is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the various internal and external factors that either promote or hinder the use of ChatGPT for academic help-seeking. The strengths of ChatGPT, such as its 24/7 availability to provide immediate responses, non-judgmental tone, and the ability to provide personalized help based on specific prompts, position itself as a valuable resource for help-seekers. However, the low quality of the responses generated by ChatGPT, the varied performance in its understanding across subjects, and the lack of emotional support indicate that the tool must be utilized with caution. This study indicates that ChatGPT holds the potential to be utilized to improve student engagement and develop student critical thinking skills. In the meantime, the threats associated with ChatGPT, such as over-reliance, unethical use, devaluation of human support, and the widened digital divide, should not be neglected. Findings suggest that responsible integration of ChatGPT as a complementary help-seeking tool, rather than a replacement, can maximize its positive impact on learning while safeguarding essential skill development. Limitations and recommendations for future studies are also discussed.

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