This monograph explores AI applications in education, arguing that ChatGPT-- rooted in language models and machine learning-- must be understood within the practical contexts of AI use. To do so, this analysis draws on social and humanistic theories of language and communication. The opening chapters introduce tools to analyze the chatbot’s text and its human-like language. The discussion then follows the political debate around AI/chatbots—both banned and embraced—moving from policy to practice. Through ethnographic case studies, the book contrasts official narratives with how chatbots function in real-world settings. This book is suited for researchers, faculty, students, and professionals in social sciences, psychology, education, communication, teacher training, IT, and learning technologies.

This monograph explores AI applications in education, arguing that ChatGPT-- rooted in language models and machine learning-- must be understood within the practical contexts of AI use. To do so, this analysis draws on social and humanistic theories of language and communication. The opening chapters introduce tools to analyze the chatbot’s text and its human-like language. The discussion then follows the political debate around AI/chatbots—both banned and embraced—moving from policy to practice. Through ethnographic case studies, the book contrasts official narratives with how chatbots function in real-world settings. This book is suited for researchers, faculty, students, and professionals in social sciences, psychology, education, communication, teacher training, IT, and learning technologies.

This monograph explores AI applications in education, arguing that ChatGPT-- rooted in language models and machine learning-- must be understood within the practical contexts of AI use. To do so, this analysis draws on social and humanistic theories of language and communication. The opening chapters introduce tools to analyze the chatbot’s text and its human-like language. The discussion then follows the political debate around AI/chatbots—both banned and embraced—moving from policy to practice. Through ethnographic case studies, the book contrasts official narratives with how chatbots function in real-world settings. This book is suited for researchers, faculty, students, and professionals in social sciences, psychology, education, communication, teacher training, IT, and learning technologies.