‘Integrating generative AI into the CPGE*’, that was the theme of the talks and workshops organised by APHEC and NEOMA Business School at the end of March. The aim was to demystify AI, present the latest progress and offer workshops in taking ownership of the tools. Around one hundred members of the preparatory classes teaching staff came to the Paris campus. Here are the main outcomes from the day. 

 1/ Tools that are increasingly used: 79% of preparatory class students are already using AI tools such as ChatGPT, according to a study by Major Prépa. This percentage means that staff are obliged to re-examine their teaching, and have an opportunity to reinforce their expectations, rethink assessment and personalise learning. 

2/ Tools that are increasingly powerful. General and specialised models (the processing of images, videos, sound, etc.) are developing. The cost of using these technologies has substantially decreased, and their performance is improving apace. For example, some models went from 27% to 46% correct answers within a few months, and in the scientific preparatory class exercises they reached 60% accuracy.

3/ Tools that enhance teaching methods. AI can generate teaching content such as dissertations or Multiple Choice Questions. Teachers then assess students on their critical ability when faced with these creations. AI facilitates the creation of teaching aids (flashcards, summaries) and helps save time when preparing lessons.

4/ Tools that do not replace our human intelligence. AI often produces approximate, superficial responses, which are sometimes incoherent, or even wrong. It does not replace biological human intelligence, nor collective, critical, creative and contextual intelligence.

5/Tools that require new skills. Debates have come to the conclusion that carefully thought-out use of these tools should be encouraged, and that AI should supplement and enhance teaching and learning without replacing human reflection. Students must learn to ask AI the right questions and interpret its responses in a discerning, intelligent way. And they must also develop cross-cutting skills: creativity, critical thinking, and inter-disciplinary collaboration.

Thanks to coaching from the Learning Lab team at NEOMA, the teaching staff of the preparatory classes were able to train in using the prompt and creating their own lessons on a platform powered by AI. The day was led by Alain Goudey, Assistant General Director of Digital and AI specialist at NEOMA.

*CPGE = Classe Préparatoire aux Grandes Ecoles