AI and Education: An Investigation into the Use of ChatGPT for Systems Thinking

This exploratory study invesBgates the potenBal of the arBficial intelligence tool, ChatGPT, to support systems thinking (ST) in various subjects. Using both general and subject-specific prompts, the study assesses the accuracy, helpfulness, and reliability of ChatGPT's responses across different versions of the tool. The results indicate that ChatGPT can provide largely correct and very helpful responses in various subjects, demonstraBng its potenBal as a tool for enhancing ST skills. However, occasional inaccuracies highlight the need for users to remain criBcal of ChatGPT's responses. Despite some limitaBons, this study suggests that with careful use and aRenBon to its idiosyncrasies, ChatGPT can be a valuable tool for teaching and learning ST. In today's increasingly complex world, systems thinking (ST) emerges as an invaluable skill to equip our students with. It fosters a broader perspecBve, encouraging individuals to recognize the interconnectedness and complexity of various phenomena, thereby enhancing their understanding of the world and enabling more effecBve acBons (Binkley et al., 2012; Yoon et al., 2017). Complex situaBons, ranging from ecological problems to economic issues, social relaBonships, and health concerns, o]en confront even children. Successfully navigaBng these situaBons requires managing various aspects: percepBon, evaluaBon, understanding, consideraBon of alternaBves, decision-making, taking acBon, and reflecBon. Children o]en develop their own explanaBons and build knowledge from real-life experiences, even in the absence of formal educaBon (Arndt & Kopp, 2017).