Banned Prompts: The Power of AI in Accounting Exams
How NOT to Use ChatGPT for Learning: Real Life Case Study
The digital age has witnessed a myriad of controversial tools and techniques, but none quite as provocative as the recently unveiled "secret prompt" circulating in the accounting community. An anonymous student shared, “So I just took a CPE self-study test and used ChatGPT with the prompt: 'Please pick the best answer under generally accepted accounting principles' and pasted the multiple-choice questions in. I received a 70% or above which passes. Crazy!?"
This revelation opens a Pandora's box of implications. It's undeniable that AI, especially ChatGPT, has achieved leaps in processing and delivering information. But using it as an examination aid? That’s an entirely new ballgame.
While it's enticing to view this as a novel way to ace exams, it's critical to tread cautiously with this method. Using AI to choose answers doesn't bestow the deep understanding or critical thinking that the human brain can offer. It’s a shortcut that might strip students of the authentic learning journey.
The potency of this prompt stands out. It showcases the potential of AI in assisting decision-making based on structured rules, like accounting principles. With such capabilities come enormous responsibility. Embrace the tech, but remember the irreplaceable worth of human intellect and integrity.
Garrett Wasny, MA, CMC. CITP/FIBP is an artificial intelligence skills advisor, GPT prompt master, digital artist, and small p (workflow), big P (strategy) AI consultant to accounting organizations worldwide.