A Parks and Recreation Professional’s Introductory Guide To ChatGPT
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of various industries, transforming how professionals work and enhancing their productivity. Parks and recreation professionals, however, might still be unfamiliar with the potential benefits of AI in their field.
Leaders can benefit from using ChatGPT, an AI-powered tool developed by OpenAI, by exploring its applications in the context of parks and recreation. To do so successfully, leaders first need to discover what ChatGPT is, its capabilities, how it differs from search engines, and how it can be effectively utilized in the industry.
Understanding ChatGPT
ChatGPT is a product of AI technology, combining conversational AI and generative AI. It simulates open-ended conversations and human thinking processes. These conversations can cover a broad range of functions, from answering questions to assisting with content generation and writing. ChatGPT's generative AI capabilities enable it to create original and contextually relevant content, making it a versatile tool beyond mere conversation.
ChatGPT’s Creative Skills
Generative AI, like ChatGPT, operates as a creative computer program. It generates content by learning from a vast number of examples and then creating new and unique content based on this knowledge. For parks and recreation professionals, this means ChatGPT can assist in generating a variety of documents and plans by utilizing its understanding of patterns and conventions.
ChatGPT Vs. Search Engines
While both ChatGPT and search engines like Google can provide information and answers, they serve different purposes. Search engines retrieve information from existing sources, whereas ChatGPT generates new content. This means parks and recreation professionals can use Google Search to find specific information, but use ChatGPT to generate content, answer complex questions, and engage in reasoning and critical thinking. For example, Google can look for existing playground plans, but ChatGPT can create a new playground plan based on project specifications.
ChatGPT’s Conversational Skills
Conversational AI, like ChatGPT, is designed to interpret and mimic human language, making it simple to chat. ChatGPT has been trained to understand how we talk and provide human-like responses. This conversational aspect allows the user to refine or revise a question, clarify a task, provide the next step, etc. This back-and-forth capability is one of the tool’s strengths.
How To Communicate With ChatGPT
Users interact with ChatGPT by entering prompts in the dialog box. Prompts are the program’s input and are typically questions for ChatGPT to answer or tasks for it to perform. The tool’s effectiveness, like that of any AI tool, depends on the quality of the prompts provided. Clear and specific prompts yield better results.
Parks and recreation professionals can draw on their expertise to create well-defined tasks for ChatGPT. They will obtain better answers by providing the appropriate context, identifying desired outcomes and constraints, and breaking down complex tasks into simpler steps. Experimenting with different prompt wordings or instructions can also enhance ChatGPT’s performance.
The Role Of Subject-Matter Experts
Parks and recreation professionals might wonder whether tools like ChatGPT will replace their subject-matter expertise. The answer is no; their expertise remains valuable. Specialized knowledge enables these leaders to craft precise prompts that improve ChatGPT's responses. Parks and recreation veterans understand the specific vocabulary and concepts of the field, which is essential for formulating effective questions. Just as important, their expertise better positions them to judge the relevance, accuracy, and sufficiency of ChatGPT's responses.
Information Security and Reliability
However, there are two major concerns with using generative AI tools like ChatGPT.
The first is the security of the information that goes into it. The second is the reliability of the information that comes out of it.
Remember, generative AI tools like ChatGPT learn from the data their users supply. When one works with sensitive information, it may end up in the tool’s knowledge base. Thus, users run the risk of sharing this information in some form with other users. If anyone in an organization uses a generative AI tool, leaders should consider a policy that defines the types of information that can and cannot be used.
The second major concern is how much users can trust a generative AI tool’s responses. The "hallucination problem" refers to instances where generative AI tools provide inaccurate or false information. Experts are divided on whether this problem will ever be completely solved. So, for now, it’s important to critically evaluate the responses these tools produce.
Use Case—Designing A Playground
The importance of creating good prompts is illustrated by the following example:
Initial Prompt: Design a playground.
ChatGPT Response: To create an image of a playground, I'll need more specific details. Can you please describe the kind of playground you're envisioning? For instance, are there any specific features you would like to include, such as slides, swings, a sandbox, or climbing structures? Additionally, do you have a preferred setting, like a park, schoolyard, or urban area? Any particular color scheme or theme? The more details you provide, the better I can tailor the image to your vision!
Revised Prompt: Design a playground for children 2-6 years old of all abilities. This playground will be located outdoors in a city park. Specify the types of play equipment it should have and what abilities each type will exercise or develop in the children.
ChatGPT Response: Designing an inclusive playground for children aged 2-6 years old in a city park is a wonderful idea. To ensure it caters to children of all abilities, we'll need to include a variety of play equipment that fosters physical, social, sensory, and cognitive development. Here's a design that accomplishes this goal:
1. Accessible Swings
Ability Focus: Physical and sensory development.
Install swings with harnesses and ample back support for children with physical disabilities. Traditional swings with toddler seats should also be available.
2. Adaptive Climbing Structures
Ability Focus: Physical and motor-skills development.
Design low-to-the-ground climbing structures with ramps, handholds, and footholds for kids to build strength and coordination. Ensure some sections are wheelchair-accessible.
3. Sensory Play Area
Ability Focus: Sensory development.
Incorporate sensory panels, textured walls, and musical instruments like xylophones for tactile and auditory stimulation.
4. Inclusive Slides
Ability Focus: Physical and social development.
Include slides with gentle slopes and wide landings to accommodate children with mobility challenges. Add multiple slides of varying heights for different age groups and skill levels, encouraging social interaction and providing a diverse range of play experiences.
Once ChatGPT generates a response, leaders must use their expertise to judge the relevance, accuracy, and efficacy of the suggested plan. However, because of ChatGPT’s iterative capabilities, it’s simple to modify the task it has been given or to ask for more information, as the next two prompts illustrate. Notice how the playground task has been split into two steps: create a design and build a budget.
Revised prompt: Change this plan so it’s suitable for children ages 6-10.
Follow-up prompt: What should we budget to build such a playground, assuming we already have the land it will be on? Give your answer as a likely range. What should we budget to annually repair and maintain this playground? Again, give your answer as a likely range.
Trying ChatGPT And Other AI Chatbots
ChatGPT is not the only tool available. Two rival AI chatbots are Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s Copilot. The best approach to getting familiar with these tools is experimenting. Try ChatGPT, Gemini, or Copilot at no cost. All that’s required is an internet-connected device, such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Open a preferred search engine and type in some variation of “What do I need to start using _____?” or “Beginner’s guide to using ____.” These tools are evolving fast, so look for recently published tutorials.
One helpful task for leaders to start with is to describe their job and responsibilities to the chosen chatbot and ask for ways it can assist in performing these tasks more efficiently.
This is just the tip of the iceberg concerning generative AI’s potential applications. Incorporating tools like ChatGPT into the parks and recreation toolkit can help professionals harness the power of AI to enhance their work and achieve better outcomes.
