ChatGPT Search, OpenAI’s AI-powered search engine, is now available to all ChatGPT users. ChatGPT Search allows you to access real-time information from the web right within your ChatGTP interface. Simply click on the search button in the prompt box and type in your query and ChatGPT search provides synthesized responses that include direct links to relevant sources.
ChatGPT Search works more or less the same way as Google AI Overviews. Instead of you doing the manual work of sifting through the various links and sources a search engine would spit out following your query (which is the traditional way of using a search engine), ChatGPT Search now does the heavy lifting for you. It quickly scours the web, retrieves information and synthesizes it in a coherent structure with referenced sources throughout.
ChatGPT Search results come with rich visual images and videos. You can even play videos within the ChatGPT conversation interface which is very practical and convenient. What is indeed unique about ChatGPT Search experience is its conversational nature. You will be able to engage with the bot in real-time conversations and get instant up-to-date responses from the web. The integration of audio mode which allows you to search as you talk to ChaGPT further enhances this interactive search experience.
Whether inquiring about hotels in a given area or asking for directions to get somewhere, ChatGPT Search makes searching the web way easier and, I would say, enjoyable. Think of it as your free AI research assistant that you can fall back on anytime you want!
You can also make ChatGPT Search your default search engine (RIP Google?). To do so, you need to install the ChatGPT Search Extension then simply enter your search queries directly into the browser’s address bar. ChatGPT will provide AI-generated responses, often accompanied by relevant links and sources. To “redirect a query to Google search, type “!g [your query]” (e.g. !g foobar) directly in your browser URL bar.”
When it was first released last October, ChatGPT Search was only available to premium ChatGPT users, however, starting today ChatGPT Search, as OpenAI announced, is rolling out to every ChatGPT logged-in user and for free. Together with this open accessibility, ChatGPT Search has also introduced some interesting new features that enhances the overall user experience.
Here is a YouTube video I created showing ChatGPT Search in action
Ways to Use ChatGPT Search in Teaching
As an EdTech blogger, I am more interested in the educational potential of this new search for teachers and educators. So after further investigation into dynamic of ChatGPT Search, here is a collection of some of the.
ChatGPT Search, I believe, can help improve your productivity, enhance learning, and engage students. Here are some of the ways you can use it in your teaching:
1. Faster and Efficient Lesson Planning
ChatGPT enables you to access up-to-date information from verified sources to enrich your lesson plans. Whether you are on the go or preparing last minute resources, ChatGPT Search provides you with quick synthesized responses with relevant links and visuals.
2. Creating Teaching Resources
Using ChatGPT Search will enable teachers to find inspiration and instructional materials such as worksheets, slides, activity ideas, teaching strategies, classroom management resources, and many more.
3. Enhancing Professional Development
ChatGPT Search can help teachers enhance their professional development by allowing them to quickly summarize articles, research papers, trends, and many more. They can access up-to-date resources and grow their knowledge base without the hassle of manual searching.
4. Creating Interactive Learning Experiences
The conversational nature of ChatGPT Search will enable teachers to create interactive learning experiences and classroom discussions. For example, during a class debate or discussion, ChatGPT Search can provide instant evidence, relevant statistics, or multimedia examples to support arguments. This keeps lessons dynamic, engaging, and grounded in current information.
5. ChaGPT Search as A Research Assistant
Teachers (and students) can use ChatGPT Search as a collaborative research assistant available anytime anywhere. Whether you’re gathering resources for writing literature reviews, exploring primary sources for a history project, or analyzing current events for class discussions, ChatGPT Search streamlines the process.
6. Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills
The conversational nature of ChatGPT Search enables students to ask follow-up questions or diving deeper into specific topics. This encourages critical thinking, allowing students to challenge the initial AI-generated responses and cross-check information.
7. Promoting Research Skills
You can use ChatGPT Search with your students to help them develop key research skills including crafting focused queries, cross-checking, source evaluation, critiquing AI responses, synthesizing information, proper citation and attribution, and more.
Related: 4 Key ChatGPT Prompting Strategies for Teachers
Final thoughts
ChatGPT Search is definitely a powerful AI tool with huge educational potential. It brings the full power of ChatGPT AI technology into web search making the process easier, simpler, and more efficient. For us teachers and educators, ChatGPT Search means a world of untapped learning and teaching opportunities waiting to be unravelled. I encourage you to experiment with ChatGPT Search and share with us your feedback in our social media profiles.
