3 Ways ChatGPT Is Supporting Innovative Educators With Free GPTs

OpenAI has announced that all GPTs in the GPT Store are now free.

This development is big news for educators, who can now use custom AI tools without financial barriers. I reached out to educators around the world on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook to find out how they benefit from GPTs.

What Is A GPT?

GPTs allow users with a paid ChatGPT account to build custom AI chatbots for specific tasks.

Many educators have embraced GPTs to develop unique tools that address various challenges, from administrative tasks and planning learning experiences to creating resources for their students. According to an email from OpenAI, “All ChatGPT free users can now use GPTs in the GPT Store, making AI technology accessible to-all.”

Although users can now access GPTs without cost barriers, creating GPTs remains a feature exclusive to paid accounts.

Empowered Teachers

GPTs are offering unprecedented opportunities for educators.

Teachers have traditionally relied on educational technology companies to understand their needs and make effective tools to use in their work. With GPTs, educators can create tailored solutions for their specific needs, automating tasks and providing specialized support for themselves and their colleagues.

Antti Leppilampi, senior lecturer at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences in Finland, uses GPTs to enhance coaching sessions. He explained to me: “We integrate GPTs during our sessions, and I provide students with prompt ideas to continue their discussions with GPTs afterward. Given that GPTs are now free to use, I’ll likely incorporate them into my other classes too.”

This accessibility means educators can experiment freely and integrate GPTs more widely.

Three Reasons This Is Good For Educators

1. Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity

GPTs can automate time-consuming tasks, allowing educators to focus more on teaching.

Andrew Spiece, a computer science teacher at Grand Blanc High School in Michigan, uses GPTs to analyze exam results and generate tailored review materials. “I use them daily for myself and other teachers. It’s a complete game changer,” Spiece shared with me.

Sue Cluck, a science teacher at Gravette High School, Arkansas, shared, “I created one for students to upload their worksheet and it will walk them through the problem-solving process of specific problems without giving the answers. Another one was created to help teachers unpack their standards and output specific statements based on said standards.”

2. Personalized Learning Experiences

GPTs can be used to personalize tools, catering to individual student needs.

Jess Baron, an inclusive education teacher in Ottawa, Canada, explained, “I have developed various GPTs to enhance teaching and learning, and have been experimenting with AI since its introduction in 2022. Some GPTs I have developed include curriculum guides, streamlining task efficiency for creating accessibility products (virtual word walls, personalized scripts for form feedback), gamification of learning, SMART goal navigators, executive functioning experts, and currently, an education optimizer agent that will hopefully and helpfully streamline the entire learning cycle for teachers.”

3. Quick and Reliable Access to Information

GPTs can offer quick, accurate information, saving time and reducing confusion.

Jack Dougall, a humanities teacher at Canterbury School in the Canary Islands, uses GPTs for complex coursework elements. “I’ve shared GPTs with my students for the Internal Assessment and Extended Essay. The GPTs provide quick answers with page numbers for clarity,” Dougall explains.

Michael Fricano II, a K-6 design technology teacher at ‘Iolani School in Hawaii, shared, “I created GPTs that can analyze a student’s block-based program and provide feedback and debugging support (without giving away the solutions)! Making it free means more accessible for schools!”

Expanding Educators’ Horizons

The impact of free GPTs extends beyond immediate classroom tasks.

Louise Jones, a community manager at ThingLink in Scotland, highlights the broader access for isolated educators. “I developed a GPT tool to help teachers structure Digital Escape Rooms. This tool has become incredibly popular because it makes creating immersive learning experiences much easier with AI. The now-free tool significantly broadens access for many educators, especially those who are isolated and may not have colleagues to brainstorm with.”

Transforming Education

Free access to GPTs represents a turning point from teachers simply being users of AI to being creators.

Now, more educators can harness the power of AI to innovate, streamline their workflows and provide tailored support to their students and colleagues. While creating GPTs still requires a paid account, the ability to use existing GPTs for free enhances the teaching and learning experience, fostering a more inclusive and efficient educational environment.

Before introducing GPTs into your classroom, follow your organization’s data protection procedures. Always seek guidance from your school, college, or university’s responsible authorities. Ensuring compliance with data protection regulations is crucial to safeguarding student and teacher information.

The integration of GPTs in education promises a future where the expertise and experience of teachers have a direct impact on the technology they use because they are creating the solutions.