Sunday, September 24, 2023

Teaching w/ QR Codes & Qreative.ai

Hey there! ๐Ÿค“ You know, if I were to equate my love for QR codes, it'd be like saying ฯ€ is just 3.14. It's so much more than that! QR codes are the algebra to my equations, the angle to my triangles, and the 'x' I always want to find. Well...ok, maybe I won't go that far. But let's go into the mathemagical world of QR codes together and add some fun to our teaching toolkit! ๐Ÿ“Š๐Ÿ“๐Ÿงฎ

๐ŸŽ‰ QR Code Magic: 8 Quick & Easy Ways for Busy Teachers!

1. ๐Ÿ” Scavenger Hunts: Set up QR code hunts! Scan for clues or info. Quick, fun learning! [Source](https://www.rhodadesignstudio.com/5-ways-to-use-qr-codes-in-the-classroom/)

2. ๐Ÿ“š Instant Course Materials: Embed QR codes in syllabus/slides. No more long URLs! [Source](https://citl.news.niu.edu/2022/08/18/8-ways-to-use-qr-codes-in-the-classroom/)

3. ๐Ÿ“ Digital Quizzes: Use QR codes for online quizzes/exams. Paperless & efficient! [Source](https://www.qrcode-tiger.com/how-to-use-qr-codes-for-education-and-books)

4. ๐ŸŽฅ Video Book Reviews: Students create & link via QR. Scan, watch & inspire! [Source](https://www.classe365.com/how-can-we-use-qr-code-in-education/)

5. ๐ŸŒ WebQuests: Add QR codes to WebQuests. Dive into web resources with a scan! [Source](https://www.rhodadesignstudio.com/5-ways-to-use-qr-codes-in-the-classroom/)

6. ๐Ÿš€ Self-Learning Stations: QR codes + instructions = autonomous learning! [Source](https://www.rhodadesignstudio.com/5-ways-to-use-qr-codes-in-the-classroom/)

7. ๐Ÿ“– Resource Wall: QR code wall = treasure of resources. Scan & explore! [Source](https://www.teachthought.com/technology/qr-codes-resources/)

8. ๐Ÿ”— Quick Web Access: No typing long URLs. A scan = instant website access! [Source](https://www.edutopia.org/blog/using-qr-codes-in-classroom-monica-burns)

So, ready to QR it up in the classroom?! ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ“ฒ๐ŸŒŸ

Wait, there's more! Want a super easy way to generate unique AI art QR codes? Check out Qreative.ai, an OpenAI powered tool for generating QR codes and logos from text input.

Qreative - AI generated QR Codes

QR code made using Qreative. Prompt: "A kindergarten teaching in front of a chalkboard covered in vibrant colored shapes". (9/24/23)

If you're interested in checking out OpenAI powered Qreative, here's a link to access their beta version (free to use, for now):

Click here for Qreative access

ChatGPT: Personalized Algebra Tutoring?

 ๐Ÿš€ Quick Intro:

Have you heard of Large Language Models (LLMs) like the famous ChatGPT? They're the cool new kids on the AI block, and they're making waves in the teaching world! But what's the real deal with them when it comes to arithmetic and algebra abilities? Let's break it down a bit.


๐Ÿ”ข LLMs + Arithmetic = ๐Ÿคฏ


So, some super-smart researchers (shoutout to Zheng Yuan and team!) played around with LLMs and math problems. Guess what? Most of these AI models are NOT very good at basic arithmetic. However, for some reason, the famous ChatGPT4.0, is actually pretty good, scoring an 84% overall average in the "MATH401" benchmark -- check out the scoreboard:

        (From: Yuan et al, 2023)

๐ŸŽ“ MIT + ChatGPT = Perfect Match?


Here's a fun fact: LLMs tried their hand at the MIT Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science curriculum (yeah, the tough stuff!). GPT-3.5 tackled a third of it, and GPT-4? Well...with careful prompting strategies, it pretty much aced it! And, another fun fact: most of the researchers on the study were undergrads. ๐Ÿคฏ x 2

๐Ÿ“˜ Algebra Homework Helper: LLMs to the Rescue?


Remember those tricky algebra problems? LLMs might just be the new teaching assistant you didn't know you needed! They can answer questions and provide feedback. It can be like having a mini math detective at your side! But LLMs are currently limited in their logical processes, and there are ways to improve their performance. In fact, effective LLM strategies are similar to ones we would employ with our own students. For example, simply asking an LLM to "go step by step" helps a lot. This is a technique know as Chain of Thought (COT) prompting in the AI world.

๐Ÿค” But... Are LLMs the Ultimate Math Geniuses?


No! Of course not. LLMs are language models based on probabilities and trained to imitate humans. So mistakes will be made, and even these AI language whizzes can get confused with simple math. Nobody's perfect, right? ๐Ÿ˜‰ 

LLMs can be a classroom supplement, but does not replace the role of human thinking and reasoning.

๐Ÿ“š FAQ: ChatGPT for Teaching and Learning Algebra


Q: Can ChatGPT assist in learning algebra? ๐Ÿค–โž•


A: Yes, ChatGPT can help clarify algebraic concepts and provide explanations to math problems. It can even solve real actual problems for adults! Such as assisting to calculate emission compliance ratios on household appliances:

Video (5 min): "How to Use ChatGPT for Algebra and Math" by Anson Alexander, March 2023.


Q: How effective is ChatGPT in solving math problems? ๐Ÿงฎ


A: Depends. (Mostly on the user.) Although ChatGPT is a powerful tool for solving math problems, it's recommended that students use it as a supplementary tool rather than relying solely on it for their problem solving. ๐Ÿšซ๐Ÿ“. However, from a teacher's perspective ChatGPT can be very useful for creating math problems and activities:

Video (7 min): "Can A.I. With ChatGPT Solve My Math Problems?" by Brian McLogan, January 2023.


Q: How can ChatGPT be integrated into the math classroom? ๐Ÿซ


A: ChatGPT can be a valuable tool for students who need clarification or a different perspective on math concepts. It can help explain complex topics. In the following video, Dr. John Spencer gives us his recommendations on using ChatGPT in a highschool math classroom to teach about p-values: ๐Ÿ“‰

Video (10 min): "How to Use #chatgpt in a High School Math Class" by John Spencer, December 2022.


๐Ÿ“Œ References:

Yuan, Z., Yuan, H., Tan, C., Wang, W., & Huang, S. (2023). How well do Large Language Models perform in Arithmetic tasks? Link (https://arxiv.org/abs/2304.02015)

Zhang, S. et al (2023). Exploring the MIT Mathematics and EECS Curriculum Using Large Language Models. Link (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/371606190_Exploring_the_MIT_Mathematics_and_EECS_Curriculum_Using_Large_Language_Models)

Prepare for truly useful large language models, (2023). Nature Biomedical Engineering. Link (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41551-023-01012-6)

Edwards, B. (2023, September 19). Telling AI model to "take a deep breath" causes math scores to soar in study. Ars Technica. Link (https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2023/09/telling-ai-model-to-take-a-deep-breath-causes-math-scores-to-soar-in-study/)

Saturday, September 23, 2023

Data Visualization Meets ChatGPT ๐Ÿ“Š๐Ÿค–

Let's dive into the world of data analysis with the AI tool ChatGPT and discover how it can revolutionize the way we visualize and understand data in the classroom ๐Ÿซ.

Ever thought a bot ๐Ÿค– could help you visualize complex data sets or assist in breaking down complex math problems? Welcome to the 21st century ๐ŸŒ, where ChatGPT is not just a chatbot but a game-changer in the realm of data visualization and analysis.

ChatGPT: Not Just Another AI ๐Ÿš€

For those still catching up, ChatGPT is OpenAI's brainchild ๐Ÿง , a broadly trained conversational AI that's been making waves ๐ŸŒŠ in various sectors, including education. But what's the big deal, you ask? Well, imagine having a virtual assistant ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ that doesn't just answer questions but can deep dive into your data, offering insights as well as explanations.

Teaching Statistics with ChatGPT Plus ๐ŸŒŒ

  • Interactive Learning: Who wants to stare at static graphs ๐Ÿ“‰ in moldy textbooks? With ChatGPT Plus, data comes alive ๐ŸŒŸ, allowing students to interact with information, ask questions, and understand data in a completely new way. For example formatting and editing data visualizations becomes simple by just having a chat with GPT!
  • Personalization: Every student is different ๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐ŸŽ“. ChatGPT tailors its responses based on the user's queries, which can be leveraged to create a personalized learning experience ๐Ÿ“š. For example, if your students are interested in sports, then you could have ChatGPT ideate questions, create example data sets, or even suggest sources to locate real-world data on their favorite sports. Or better yet, have your students use GPT to develop their own personalized statistics projects.

Advanced Data Analysis ๐Ÿ“ˆ

As if that wasn't enough, ChatGPT Plus's Advanced Data Analysis feature is the cherry on top ๐Ÿ’. It allows us to upload data files and perform calculations within the integrated Python coding platform -- all without having to write any code --  just using regular old plain English, or whatever language you prefer! Here's a quick demonstration:

Video (5 min) ๐Ÿ“ฝ๏ธ


In this video I demonstrate ChatGPT's basic data visualization in action -- a tool which can be leveraged to create accessible and engaging learning activities involving data of all types ๐ŸŽจ.

Critical Thinking ๐Ÿค”

We should be particularly mindful when using non-deterministic computing such as generative AI like ChatGPT. The work it does and the outputs it generates should be critiqued by the users. As teachers, this offers us opportunities to have our students think critically and problem solve in a highly engaging and accessible way.

Conclusion:

The landscape of 21st-century math teaching is evolving ๐Ÿ”„, and with tools like ChatGPT, the future looks promising ๐ŸŒŸ. So, are you ready to jump on the ChatGPT bandwagon yet ๐ŸšŒ? Either way, you might want to check out more:

๐Ÿ“˜ More Info: Data Visualizations with ChatGPT ๐Ÿ“˜

1. [How to Harness the Power of ChatGPT for Data Visualization and Analysis](https://www.stork.ai/blog/how-to-harness-the-power-of-chatgpt-for-data-visualization-and-analysis)

   -  Some basic information on using ChatGPT for data visualization and analysis.

2. [How I Created a Data Visualization with Zero Coding Skills Thanks to ChatGPT - Nightingale](https://nightingaledvs.com/data-visualization-using-chatgpt-to-code/)

   - Leveraging ChatGPT to create data visualizations: a step-by-step guide, from sourcing data to visualization, highlighting the use of ChatGPT for those without coding skills.

3. [How To Create Data Visualisation Using ChatGPT - Medium](https://medium.com/@mr.tarik098/how-to-create-data-visualisation-using-chatgpt-aeae14b28308)

   - Generating data visualizations using ChatGPT as a coding assistant for R.

4. [How to make Charts and Graphs in ChatGPT - Data visualization | Zubair](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVDKNBci-Ec)

   - Video guide showing the creation of charts and graphs using ChatGPT and Quickchart.io.

Saturday, September 16, 2023

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating Memes with Generative AI ๐ŸŒŸ


Introduction

In the digital era, memes have become a universal language, portraying humor, satire, and commentary on daily occurrences through visuals and text. Now, thanks to AI technology, creating memes has become an easy task. In this blog post, we will walk you through the process of making memes using AI image generators and ChatGPT Plus's advanced data analytics feature. ๐Ÿค–


Step-by-Step Guide


Step 1: Ideation with ChatGPT ๐Ÿ’ญ

Begin your meme creation journey by brainstorming. One approach is to describe your envisioned image to ChatGPT and ask for caption suggestions to start forming your meme concept. For our demo, I teamed up with ChatGPT to conceptualize a meme about "AI waiting for human input." My original prompt was

"Ideate a meme that's a picture of an old typewriter. The caption should highlight that AI does nothing without human prompting"

ChatGPT suggested the image caption "AI waiting for human input like...any day now", which we decided to go with.


Step 2: Crafting the Perfect Image with Bing Image Generator ๐ŸŽจ

With a concept at hand, proceed to create or find the perfect image to resonate with your meme idea. We utilized the Bing Image Creator to craft an image of an old typewriter awaiting use, a representation of AI's readiness for human input.


Step 3: Preparing Your Tools in ChatGPT Plus ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ

Ensure you have the necessary tools at your disposal. ChatGPT Plus's advanced data analysis option integrates a Python environment with the Python Imaging Library (PIL) for image manipulation and text analytics, offering a one-stop solution for meme creation.


Step 4: Loading the Image into the AI Tool ๐Ÿ“ค

Next, upload your selected image into the ChatGPT environment through the attach files upload feature โž•, setting the stage for your meme's creation.


Step 5: Adding the Captions ๐Ÿ–Š๏ธ

Now, breathe life into your meme by adding fitting captions. In our demo, we went with the GPT created captions:

Above the image: "AI waiting for human input like..."

Below the image: "...any day now."


Step 6: Font Selection and Sizing ๐Ÿ“

Pick a font that complements your meme and adjust the size to fit well within the image. ChatGPT chose the LiberationSerif-Regular.ttf font, but the font size was way too small to start and we had to tweak it over the course of a few prompts.


Step 7: Caption Placement ๐ŸŽฏ

Identify the ideal spots for your captions to ensure a visually pleasing meme. In our case, we opted for central positions at the top and bottom of the image, which ChatGPT got right from our initial prompt.


Step 8: Preview and Adjust ๐Ÿ”

Preview your meme and fine-tune any elements as necessary. During our demo, we adjusted the font size a few times to get it just right. But other than that, ChatGPT was on task pretty much first time out of the gate on everything else.





Step 9: Finalizing the Meme โœ…

With a satisfactory preview, itโ€™s time to finalize your meme. We opted for a lowercase 'w' in "waiting" and saved it in PNG file format.


Step 10: Sharing Your Meme ๐ŸŒŽ

Your meme is now ready to see the world! Share it across your favorite platforms and celebrate a job well done! 


Conclusion

Creating memes using AI image generators and ChatGPT Plus's advanced data analysis plugin is both fun and uncomplicated. With this guide, you are on your way to becoming a meme maestro, creating content through collaboration with AI tools while still ensuring adherence to copyright norms. ๐ŸŽ“


Resources

OpenAI's ChatGPT ๐ŸŒ

ChatGPT's Code Interpreter is Now Advanced Data Analytics ๐Ÿ“Š

Python Image Processing Library Documentation ๐Ÿ“š



Emoji Highlighting with AI: Enhancing Communication and Accessibility


About Emoji's...

๐Ÿ“š Background

In recent years, the ubiquitous use of emojis in digital communication ๐Ÿ“ฑ has spurred a significant body of research ๐Ÿ“– exploring their potential applications and implications in various fields, including accessibility. Emojis, as visual symbols, have the potential to enhance communication, especially in computer-mediated environments ๐Ÿ’ป. 

๐Ÿ“Œ Emoji Highlighting Using Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT

๐Ÿ“š Introduction

Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT have revolutionized the way we interact with technology, offering unprecedented capabilities in natural language understanding and generation. One application of LLMs is for emoji highlighting, where these language models can be used to enhance textual content with appropriate emojis, thereby improving readability and engagement. Also, it's worth mentioning: emojis are fun ๐ŸŽ‰!

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ LLM Methodology

LLMs analyze text and when asked to emoji highlight a given text, the LLM will likely accomplish some mix of:

  • Sentiment Analysis ๐Ÿง : LLMs analyze the sentiment of a text and highlights positive and negative sentiments with corresponding emojis, such as ๐Ÿ™‚ for positive sentiments and โ˜น๏ธ for negative ones.
  • Keyword Identification ๐Ÿ”: LLMs identify keywords in a text and associate them with relevant emojis to emphasize those words.
  • Context Understanding ๐ŸŒŽ: Understanding the context is crucial in selecting the appropriate emojis. LLMs analyze the context to choose emojis that align with the theme or mood of the content.
I have found ChatGPT to be pretty effective when asked to "emoji highlight" a selection of text:

๐ŸŽฅ Video (1 min) - Emoji Highlight with ChatGPT 


In this video I give a basic demonstration of emoji highlighting using ChatGPT3.5 ๐Ÿ“ฃ๐Ÿ™‰โ˜บ๏ธโค๏ธ. You can do it too! ๐Ÿ‘โœจ

๐Ÿ“Š Applications

Emoji highlighting through LLMs finds applications in various domains:

  • Content Marketing ๐Ÿ“ˆ: Enhancing content with emojis can make it more engaging and visually appealing, potentially increasing user engagement and content reach.
  • Education ๐ŸŽ“: In educational materials, emojis can be used to highlight important points, making learning more interactive and fun for students.
  • Accessibility ๐ŸŒ: For individuals with visual impairments or learning challenges, emoji highlighting can facilitate better understanding and interpretation of textual content.

๐Ÿ“Š Research says...

Based on the available research, particularly the systematic review (Qiyu Bai et al, 2019), here are some key take-aways around the study of emojis:

  • Diversification and Application ๐ŸŒ: Emojis have evolved to become a versatile tool in communication, finding applications in diverse fields such as education ๐ŸŽ“, marketing ๐Ÿ“ˆ, healthcare ๐Ÿ’Š, and law โš–๏ธ.
  • Emotional Expression and Communication Quality ๐Ÿ’ฌ: Emojis can facilitate the expression of emotions and semantics, thereby enhancing the quality of communication and emotional expression in digital platforms.
  • Research Trajectory ๐Ÿ“ˆ: Since 2017 there has been a significant increase in emoji research, encompassing various fields including computing ๐Ÿ’ป, communication ๐Ÿ“ก, and behavioral science ๐Ÿง .
  • Future Directions ๐Ÿงญ: Future research avenues include exploring the diverse uses of emojis across different platforms and cultures, and understanding individual preferences in emoji usage.

๐ŸŒ Accessibility Focus

There is a substantial body of recent research focused on enhancing accessibility for visually impaired individuals ๐Ÿ‘“ through emojis. The use of emojis in relation to the visually impaired is an emerging practice, and research in this area aims to overcome barriers in communication and foster inclusivity by finding best practices surrounding the use of emojis. (Tigwell et al, 2020)

๐Ÿš€ Future Prospects

As LLMs continue to evolve and become automated into more enterprise applications, according to (Qiyu Bai et al, 2019) we may see more sophisticated emoji highlighting techniques, perhaps including:

  • Automation๐Ÿค–: As LLMs integrate into more enterprise applications, we can expect automated emoji highlighting in email responses, content creation for marketing or education, and even translating long texts into concise emoticon language.
  • Personalization ๐Ÿคต: Future LLMs might offer personalized emoji highlighting based on individual user preferences and styles.
  • Dynamic Emoji Highlighting ๐Ÿ”„: LLMs could potentially offer dynamic emoji highlighting that changes based on real-time feedback and interactions.

๐Ÿ“ Conclusion

Emojis hold a promising potential in enhancing accessibility in digital communication. They not only aid in expressing emotions more vividly ๐Ÿ˜Š but also may play an important role in bridging communication gaps. Moving forward, research should focus on exploring the diverse applications of emojis, with a keen direction towards practices that promote accessibility and inclusivity.

๐Ÿ“š References

    Bai, Q., Dan, Q., Mu, Z., & Yang, M. (2019). A Systematic Review of Emoji: Current Research and Future Perspectives. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 2221. Retrieved from Frontiers in Psychology. (Accessed: 16 September 2023)


    Tigwell, G. W., Gorman, B., & Menzies, R. (2020). Emoji Accessibility for Visually Impaired People. ACM Digital Library. Retrieved from ACM Digital Library. (Accessed: 16 September 2023)


๐Ÿง ๐Ÿ’กFrom AI Eyeballs to Toy Bears: Two Big Wins in Math Education

If youโ€™ve ever wished you could clone yourself to give each student more one-on-one attention in math class, youโ€™re not alone โ€” and technolo...