AI language model ChatGPT has started a new job as a lecturer at the University of Malta.
The popular writing and research tool began its tenure at UM’s Faculty of Economics at the start of the new academic year earlier this week, and will be teaching undergraduate B.Com students.
The AI will be delivering lectures via a laptop hooked up to a projector.
UM rector Alfred J. Vella said the decision to hire ChatGPT was an easy one.
“Given that most students are now using ChatGPT to write their essays, it makes sense to have it lecture them too. But the main reason is we’re saving thousands on the previous lecturer’s salary. We haven’t even subscribed to ChatGPT 4,” he said.
Despite their new AI lecturer only being on the job for less than a week, B. Com students were already full of praise.
“The previous lecturer of this credit used to just read off a PowerPoint presentation in a droning voice, while occasionally going off on tangents about his private life,” so this is much better,” said second-year student Isabelle Farrugia.
“It’s true that it isn’t always accurate, but last year I had a lecturer who couldn’t find Spain on a map,” added her friend Karen Spiteri.
“I hope all lecturers will be replaced by ChatGPT so it’s easier to find parking. That’s my number one priority while attending University,” first-year Darren Deguara said.
Indeed, Prof. Vella said that if ChatGPT continued to be a success, it would be rolled out across other faculties.
“Not everyone needs to be replaced by something as advanced as ChatGPT, of course. We’re planning to swap Simon Mercieca for a floppy disk.”
