Innovating Education with ChatGPT: Strategies for Greater Engagement and Critical Thinking

This research documents the implementation of the artificial intelligence tool ChatGPT in higher education settings as a learning instrument rather than a content creator. The tool was utilized in two online courses targeting students aged 18–21 pursuing diverse disciplines in Social Sciences and Government: “Global Citizenship: Diversity and Tolerance” and “Mexican Politics: Evolution and Challenges”. The activities included dialogue sessions on migration and analysis of selected decisions of the Supreme Court of Mexico, presenting moral and legal dilemmas. ChatGPT was employed to gain further insights into these rulings and the background that prompted their outcomes. To assess the effectiveness of these initiatives, students participated in an online mixed (quantitative and qualitative) survey. Data related to participation, academic performance, critical reflection, and tool interaction were collected. The research findings offer suggestions and considerations for creating activities utilizing artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, while identifying areas needing improvement. This study underscores the importance of incorporating artificial intelligence tools in traditional educational settings to leverage their advantages and explore varied AI applications. The purpose of these applications was not knowledge production but rather the utilization of AI as a tool for the learning process.