Generative AI’s particular contributions to Knowledge Building

Abstract

Although generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has relevance to education broadly, it is especially in harmony with Knowledge Building. Both are concerned with community or public knowledge and are at their best when moving ideas along developmental pathways. Beyond subject-matter knowledge, GenAI can apply knowledge about knowledge, making it a valuable participant in Knowledge Building’s central task, knowledge creation. However, large language models like Chat GPT appear to have a strong bias toward rhetoric (presentation) rather than identifying “essences” and supporting explanatory coherence. We discuss needed research and design to take advantage of the Knowledge Building-AI affinity for idea improvement: Knowledge Building aims to position students to use AI to advance knowledge for public good. This implies a higher level of goal-directedness than is normally expected either in students or in AI, but a collaborative approach that draws on the strengths of students and Gen AI shows early signs of promise.

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