The CDX Blog

If you haven’t heard of ChatGPT by now it’s only a matter of time. This chatbot has taken the world by storm and touched many industries already, particularly education.

The platform, developed by Microsoft-backed OpenAI, an artificial intelligence research lab, and launched in November 2022, is known for its ability to mimic (and even, dare we say, exceed) human capabilities depending on what prompts are entered into it. For now, the tool is public and free to use.

Though the bot is making waves in education for some of the wrong reasons, it did get us at CDX Learning Systems thinking: Can ChatGPT provide sound guidance for people who are actively teaching in the automotive sector right now?

We plugged in a few queries, and the results were interesting but incomplete. Read on to find out what we learned, or rather, what ChatGPT told us you should learn about teaching in the automotive industry.

(Questions were asked by CDX Learning Systems Editor Bret Silverberg, hence the initials "BS" in the queries.)

Thinking we would give it an easy one off the top, we asked:

Here's what ChatGPT said:

The most important topics in automotive education today vary depending on the level and type of education being offered. However, some of the key areas that are generally considered important include:

1. Vehicle Technology and Design: Understanding the design and engineering principles of modern vehicles, including topics such as aerodynamics, powertrains, suspension systems, and more.

2. Automotive Systems and Components: Studying the various systems and components that make up a modern vehicle, such as electrical systems, fuel systems, brakes, and steering.

3. Vehicle Maintenance and Repair: Learning about the maintenance and repair of vehicles, including topics such as diagnostics, engine repair, transmission repair, and more.

4. Safety and Environmental Regulations: Understanding the safety and environmental regulations that govern the automotive industry, including crash safety standards, emissions regulations, and more.

5. Alternative Fuels and Advanced Propulsion Systems: Studying alternative fuels and advanced propulsion systems, such as electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and fuel cell vehicles.

6. Business and Management: Learning about the business side of the automotive industry, including topics such as dealership operations, sales and marketing, and supply chain management.

7. Emerging Technologies: Keeping up with the latest developments in the automotive industry, including topics such as autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles, and the Internet of Things.

These topics reflect the increasingly complex and diverse nature of the automotive industry, and the importance of staying current with the latest developments and technologies in the field.

Next we wanted to get ChatGPT to dive a bit deeper. We asked:


Here's what we got:

There are several ways that people who teach in the automotive industry can improve:

1. Stay Current: The automotive industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and advancements being made all the time. It is important for teachers to stay informed about the latest developments in the field, so they can pass that knowledge on to their students.

2. Collaborate with Industry Professionals: Collaborating with professionals who work in the automotive industry can provide teachers with valuable insights into the latest industry trends and best practices.

3. Use Interactive and Engaging Techniques: By using interactive and engaging teaching methods, such as hands-on activities, case studies, and real-world examples, teachers can make the learning experience more meaningful and memorable for their students.

4. Emphasize Safety and Compliance: Safety is a critical aspect of the automotive industry, and it is important for teachers to emphasize the importance of following proper safety procedures and complying with industry regulations.

5. Utilize Technology: Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the automotive industry, and teachers can use technology to enhance their teaching, for example, by incorporating digital simulations, interactive software, and virtual labs into their curriculum.

6. Encourage Hands-on Experience: Hands-on experience is a key component of automotive education, and teachers can encourage their students to work on real vehicles, perform maintenance and repair tasks, and participate in workshops and other practical activities.

7. Continuously Evaluate and Refine: Regularly evaluating the effectiveness of their teaching methods, seeking feedback from students and colleagues, and refining their approaches can help teachers to continually improve their skills and better meet the needs of their students.

By implementing these strategies, teachers in the automotive industry can help their students to gain a deep understanding of the field, prepare them for successful careers, and stay current with the latest developments in the industry.

Finally, we asked what resources people who teach in the automotive industry could use (we are an ed-tech company, after all, so we were naturally curious on this one).

Here's what we got:

People who teach in the automotive industry have a variety of resources at their disposal to help improve their teaching, including:

1. Industry Organizations: Joining professional organizations such as the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) or the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) can provide teachers with access to a wealth of resources and training opportunities.

2. Automotive Manufacturers and Suppliers: Many automotive manufacturers and suppliers offer training programs and resources for teachers, including hands-on workshops, technical manuals, and online courses.

3. Online Learning Platforms: Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and EdX offer a variety of courses and certifications in automotive technology, allowing teachers to expand their knowledge and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.

4. Professional Development Conferences: Attending conferences and workshops specifically designed for automotive educators can provide teachers with valuable opportunities to network with their peers, learn about new teaching methods and technologies, and participate in hands-on training sessions.

5. Technical Journals and Magazines: Reading technical journals and magazines, such as Automotive Engineering International and Motor Age, can help teachers stay informed about the latest developments in the automotive industry and identify best practices for teaching.

6. Automotive Supplies and Tools: Utilizing the latest automotive supplies and tools in the classroom can help teachers to provide students with hands-on experience and help them to better understand the real-world applications of what they are learning.

7. Student Feedback: Regularly seeking feedback from students can help teachers to understand what is working well and where they can make improvements. By using this feedback to inform their teaching practices, teachers can better meet the needs of their students and enhance their overall teaching effectiveness.

By taking advantage of these resources, teachers in the automotive industry can continue to develop their skills and improve their teaching, ensuring that their students receive the best possible education and preparation for careers in the field.

Our final assessment: ChatGPT is certainly impressive, but the bottom line is there is still no replacement for human experience, excellent books, educational materials and learning modules and, of course, great teachers.

What did you think about ChatGPT's results? Were they on the mark or way off? Let us know in the comments.