Is Outdoor Education Ready for ChatGPT?
There is no doubt that AI is going to be a disruptive technology for many industries. The good news for us is that taking people into the outdoors is not something that AI can do, so the outdoor industry is currently safe from AI taking away people’s jobs. There are also ethical and safety concerns about a technology that is so new and expanding so fast. It is an open question about whether the technology has sufficient safeguards and if we are wise enough to be able to use this technology safely. AI is a tool and history shows us that any tool that can be used for good, can also be used for evil. I am going to save the ethical and philosophical discussion for another time and for this article explore the benefits of using AI for outdoor education, in this case Open AI ChatGPT.
One thing I know as the director of an outdoor education program is that research and writing can take up a huge amount of time. For example, rebuilding our program as we came out of the pandemic required a complete overhaul of our trips program and we had to move from a multi-day backcountry format to a basecamp day hike approach. That required hours and hours of web searching to find new areas to go to. Unfortunately, ChatGPT wasn’t available at that time. Tools like ChatGPT could have pulled this information together in minutes and saved me hours. It’s important to know that AI won’t do all the work for you. Data pulled in by AI still needs to be reviewed and new hiking areas would still have required additional follow-up on other web sites, guidebooks, and trail maps but there is no doubt that it would have considerably narrowed the basic web searching and saved me considerable time. For outdoor educators, time is one of the things we have the least of.
Here is what ChatGPT says about itself.
“As an AI language model, I can perform a wide range of tasks, such as:
- Answering questions: I can answer factual questions, provide definitions, or help with general knowledge inquiries.
- Generating text: I can write short stories, articles, essays, and other forms of written content.
- Language translation: I can translate text from one language to another.
- Summarizing text: I can condense long articles, reports, or other written content into shorter summaries.
- Creating poetry: I can generate poetry in different styles and forms.
- Generating chat responses: I can carry on conversations with users and provide responses to their messages.
- Offering advice: I can provide suggestions or advice on a variety of topics, from relationships to career choices.
- Making recommendations: I can suggest books, movies, TV shows, or other forms of media based on a user’s preferences.
- Providing feedback: I can offer feedback on written content or suggest improvements to a user’s writing.
- Personalizing responses: I can learn from previous interactions with users and personalize my responses to better suit their needs.”
ChatGPT has two current main versions 3.5 and 4.0. ChatGPT 3.5 is available in Beta for free (sign-up at https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt). ChatGPT 4.0 requires a monthly subscription of $20 US. ChatGPT 3.5 has a maximum token limit of 4,000 tokens (equivalent to 3,125 words) while ChatGPT 4.0 allows 32,000 (equivalent to 25,000 words). This means that you can feed much more information into ChatGPT 4.0 to get responses back. ChatGPT 4 also has a better understanding of language and while it responds more slowly that ChatGPT 3.5, it provides more accurate information. Currently 3.5 does not have a response limit although the free version is sometimes not accessible particularly during business hours when a lot of people are using it. ChatGPT 4.0 currently has a limit of 25 responses/3 hours so you can reach a point where 4.0 will timeout. Your use case will determine whether the cost of ChatGPT 4.0 is worth it.
ChatGPT is a super search tool. That means that what it returns is based on the quality of data/questions fed into it. That means whenever using any AI tool you can’t turn your brain off and just rely on what AI tells you. Here’s why:
- As of the writing of this article, ChatGPT is only trained with data available through 2021. If what you are looking for has a time dimension, the data returned could be out of date or even wrong. As an example, if you asked it to plan a hiking route on the Appalachian Trail, it would not be able to include any trail changes or reroutes that have occurred since 2021. It also wouldn’t include any current trail closures, fire danger, etc.
- Sometimes it is just plain wrong. Even ChatGPT warns you about this: “ChatGPT may produce inaccurate information about people, places, or facts.”
In this series of articles, we’ll take a look at a few experiments I’ve done with ChatGPT. You can pull out my question sequence and run your own tests.
Curriculum Development
ChatGPT can be useful for helping to create curriculum. Let’s take a basic skill like belaying and see what ChatGPT can do for us. In this example, I’ll show you how ChatGPT 3.5 results compared to ChatGPT 4.0. You can follow my flow by looking at my questions in bold italics and ChatGPT’s response. Here is the initial question.
Belaying is used to protect a climber while rock climbing. Develop a class to teach belaying at an indoor climbing wall.
This is what the actual ‘conversation’ looks like in ChatGPT.
ChatGPT 3.5 Response (1 minute)
Sure, I can help you develop a class to teach belaying at an indoor climbing wall! Here’s an outline you can use as a guide:
- Introduction
- Briefly explain what belaying is and why it’s important for climbers.
- Discuss the different types of belaying equipment and their purposes (e.g. belay device, carabiner, rope).
- Safety
- Emphasize the importance of safety when belaying.
- Discuss the different types of accidents that can happen while belaying and how to prevent them.
- Explain the use of helmets, harnesses, and other protective gear.
- Knots
- Teach climbers how to tie the basic knots necessary for belaying, such as the figure-eight knot and the bowline knot.
- Demonstrate how to properly tie and check each knot.
- Belaying techniques
- Explain the different types of belaying techniques, such as top-rope belaying and lead belaying.
- Discuss how to properly set up and manage a belay anchor.
- Demonstrate how to belay a climber, including how to give and take slack and how to lock off the rope.
- Practice
- Allow climbers to practice belaying techniques under the guidance of an instructor.
- Provide feedback and corrections as necessary.
- Encourage climbers to ask questions and address any concerns they may have.
- Conclusion
- Recap the key points of the class.
- Emphasize the importance of continued practice and education for safe climbing.
- Encourage climbers to continue exploring the world of rock climbing and to always prioritize safety.
With this outline, you can develop a class that covers all the necessary aspects of belaying at an indoor climbing wall. Good luck!
Follow-up question: What should a practical belay test for this class look like and what would be the criteria for passing the test?
A practical belay test for this class could include the following steps:
- The climber puts on their harness and helmet.
- The climber ties in with a figure-eight knot and a backup knot (such as a stopper knot).
- The belayer properly attaches the belay device to their harness and to the rope.
- The belayer checks the climber’s knot, harness, and helmet for proper fit and security.
- The belayer performs a safety check, including making sure the rope is threaded through the belay device properly and that the climber’s rope end is properly secured to the belayer’s belay device.
- The belayer gives clear commands to the climber to start climbing.
- The belayer properly manages the rope, keeping a hand on the brake side of the rope at all times.
- The belayer catches the climber’s fall, applying appropriate tension to the rope and locking off the belay device.
- The belayer lowers the climber safely to the ground or to a resting position.
Criteria for passing the belay test may include:
- Demonstrating a proper understanding of belaying techniques, including how to properly set up and manage a belay anchor and how to give and take slack.
- Demonstrating proper use of belay equipment, including how to properly attach the belay device to the harness and rope, how to check the climber’s knot and equipment for proper fit and security, and how to apply appropriate tension to the rope and lock off the belay device.
- Following proper safety protocols, including wearing a helmet, using appropriate knots, and performing safety checks.
- Demonstrating good communication skills, including clear and concise commands to the climber.
- Exhibiting confidence and control while belaying.
Passing the belay test is an important step in ensuring the safety of climbers and belayers. It is recommended that the criteria for passing the test be clearly outlined and communicated to participants before the test is administered.
Now I’ll try the same question using ChatGPT 4.0.
Belaying is used to protect a climber while rock climbing. Develop a class to teach belaying at an indoor climbing wall.
ChatGPT 4.0 Response (less than 2 minutes)
Title: Belaying Basics: Indoor Climbing Wall Safety
Course Description: This Belaying Basics class is designed to introduce participants to the essential skills and techniques required for safe and effective belaying at an indoor climbing wall. By the end of this class, students will be able to confidently set up, manage, and execute proper belaying techniques, ensuring a safe climbing experience for both themselves and their climbing partners.
Class Objectives:
- Understand the importance of proper belaying techniques for climber safety
- Learn to properly set up and use belay devices
- Develop effective communication skills between climber and belayer
- Practice safe and efficient belaying techniques
Class Duration: 3 hours
Class Outline:
I. Introduction (15 minutes) A. Welcome and instructor introduction B. Overview of class objectives and structure C. Importance of belaying and climber safety
II. Belaying Equipment (30 minutes)
A. Harnesses
1. Types of harnesses
2. Proper fit and adjustment
B. Belay Devices
1. Types of belay devices (ATC, GriGri, etc.)
2. Pros and cons of different devices
C. Carabiners
1. Types of carabiners (locking, non-locking)
2. Proper use and maintenance
D. Ropes
1. Dynamic vs. static ropes
2. Proper rope care and maintenance
III. Belaying Techniques (60 minutes)
A. Setting up the belay system
1. Rope threading and device attachment
2. Locking carabiner attachment and safety checks
B. Proper belay stance and hand positioning
C. Belaying a climber on top rope
1. Taking in slack
2. Feeding out slack
3. Catching a fall
D. Belaying a lead climber (optional, based on experience level)
1. Clipping techniques
2. Feeding out slack during a clip
3. Catching a lead fall
IV. Climber-Belayer Communication (15 minutes)
A. Standard climbing commands
B. Importance of clear communication
C. Non-verbal communication techniques
V. Hands-on Practice (45 minutes)
A. Partner up with another participant
B. Practice belaying under the supervision of the instructor
C. Instructor feedback and corrections
VI. Conclusion (15 minutes)
A. Review of key concepts and techniques
B. Q&A session
C. Resources for further learning
D. Class evaluation and feedback
Materials Required:
- Climbing harness
- Belay device (ATC, GriGri, etc.)
- Locking carabiner
- Climbing rope
- Climbing shoes (optional)
- Chalk bag (optional)
Prerequisites: Participants must be at least 14 years old and have a basic understanding of rock climbing. Prior indoor climbing experience is recommended but not required.
Follow-up question: What should a practical belay test for this class look like and what would be the criteria for passing the test?
A practical belay test for this class should assess the participant’s ability to safely and effectively set up, manage, and execute proper belaying techniques. The test should include a demonstration of skills learned during the class and an evaluation by the instructor to ensure participants can confidently and safely belay a climber at an indoor climbing wall.
Practical Belay Test Outline:
- Equipment Setup (5 minutes)
A. Properly fit and adjust the harness
B. Set up the belay device with the appropriate rope and locking carabiner
C. Perform safety checks on the equipment - Belay Technique Demonstration (10 minutes)
A. Assume the correct belay stance and hand positioning
B. Show proper technique for taking in and feeding out slack
C. Demonstrate catching a mock fall
D. (Optional, based on experience level) Demonstrate lead belaying techniques, including clipping and feeding out slack during a clip - Climber-Belayer Communication (5 minutes)
A. Demonstrate the use of standard climbing commands and clear communication with a mock climber - Instructor Evaluation (10 minutes)
A. Belay a mock climber (either another participant or the instructor) while being observed by the instructor
B. Receive feedback and corrections from the instructor as needed
Criteria for Passing the Test:
- Properly set up and check all belay equipment
- Demonstrate correct belay stance, hand positioning, and techniques for taking in and feeding out slack
- Successfully catch a mock fall without excessive slack in the system
- (Optional, based on experience level) Demonstrate appropriate lead belaying techniques, including clipping and feeding out slack during a clip
- Use clear and effective climber-belayer communication throughout the test
- Receive a satisfactory evaluation from the instructor during the live belay demonstration
Participants must meet all the criteria listed above to pass the practical belay test. Upon successful completion of the test, they should be considered competent to belay at an indoor climbing wall, with the understanding that continued practice and learning are essential for maintaining and improving belay skills.
Comparison
You can see that the ChatGPT 4.0 response is much more detailed. Is either example exactly what you would write if you were developing the curriculum? Not necessarily, but look at what was generated in under two minutes. What a great starting point for you to add to. Think how much time that saved!
Menu Planning
This is a good test for using ChatGPT because there really isn’t going to be a lot of new information after 2021 that would change the response. This entire exchange took less than 8 minutes and some of that was me thinking of what question to ask and typing it in. Notice how I built on the original question to build out the menu. ChatGPT ‘remembers’ the flow of the conversation allowing you to drill in.
Think how much time this would have taken you if you were just sitting at your desk or browsing through dozens of web sites for pieces of the answer and then trying to combine it all yourself.
What is the daily caloric intake needed for a 6-day backpacking trip in New Jersey in May. Assume that the person is carrying 50 pounds of equipment, hiking 10 miles per day with an elevation change of 1200 feet per day
Calculating the daily caloric intake for a backpacking trip can be complex, as it depends on various factors such as age, weight, gender, and physical activity level. The elevation change and added weight from equipment can also impact caloric needs.
In general, backpackers can burn anywhere from 2,500 to 6,000 calories per day, depending on the above-mentioned factors. Considering the information provided, let’s make a rough estimation.
For an average adult (assume 155 lbs or 70 kg), the basal metabolic rate (BMR) is around 1,500 to 2,000 calories per day. BMR is the number of calories needed to maintain basic physiological functions at rest. We will assume a BMR of 1,750 calories in this case.
When carrying a 50-pound backpack and hiking 10 miles per day with an elevation change of 1,200 feet, the caloric expenditure will be significantly higher. The American College of Sports Medicine estimates that hiking burns roughly 400-600 calories per hour, depending on the intensity and terrain. For this example, we’ll assume an average burn of 500 calories per hour.
If it takes the hiker 4 hours to cover 10 miles each day, they would burn approximately 2,000 calories from hiking (500 calories/hour x 4 hours). This brings the total daily caloric expenditure to 3,750 calories (1,750 BMR + 2,000 from hiking).
Over a 6-day backpacking trip, the hiker would need to consume approximately 22,500 calories (3,750 calories/day x 6 days) to maintain their energy levels and weight.
Please note that this is only a rough estimate and that individual factors such as age, weight, and gender can significantly impact caloric needs. To obtain a more accurate estimation, consult a registered dietitian or use a more personalized calorie calculator.
Plan a menu for each day of this backpacking trip that will meet this caloric intake for one person. The menu should include breakfast, lunch and dinner and be food that can be easily carried on a backpacking trip, require no refrigeration, have minimal packaging including no canned goods.
Here is a sample menu plan for a 6-day backpacking trip, meeting the estimated caloric intake of 3,750 calories per day. This menu is designed with non-perishable, easy-to-carry, and lightweight food items in mind. Make sure to adjust portion sizes and ingredients according to personal preferences and dietary restrictions.
Day 1:
Breakfast: Instant oatmeal with dried fruits, nuts, and a drizzle of honey
Lunch: Tuna pouch with whole wheat crackers, and trail mix
Dinner: Dehydrated beef and vegetable stew with instant mashed potatoes
Day 2:
Breakfast: Granola with powdered milk and dried berries
Lunch: Peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole wheat bread, mixed nuts, and dried fruit
Dinner: Dehydrated chicken and rice with a side of dehydrated vegetables
Day 3:
Breakfast: Instant oatmeal with powdered milk, nuts, and chocolate chips
Lunch: Bagel with cream cheese and beef jerky, a handful of almonds
Dinner: Dehydrated chili and instant rice
Day 4:
Breakfast: Granola bars, dried fruit, and a protein shake made with powdered milk
Lunch: Tortilla wraps with chicken pouch, avocado, and dehydrated refried beans
Dinner: Dehydrated spaghetti with meat sauce
Day 5:
Breakfast: Instant oatmeal with powdered milk, chia seeds, and dried fruit
Lunch: Crackers with cheese and summer sausage, and a protein bar
Dinner: Dehydrated vegetable curry and instant rice
Day 6:
Breakfast: Granola with powdered milk, dried bananas, and a spoonful of peanut butter
Lunch: Tuna pouch with whole wheat crackers, and a handful of nuts
Dinner: Dehydrated lentil and vegetable stew with instant couscous
Don’t forget to carry snacks such as trail mix, energy bars, and beef jerky to provide additional calories and energy throughout the day. Make sure to pack enough water and a water filter or purifier to stay hydrated during the trip.
Remove the avocado, replace dehydrated meats with pouched meat, scale the entire menu up to a 10 person group and print out a shopping list showing quantities needed for each item and reference what meal that item is used for
Here’s the revised menu for a 10-person group for the 6-day backpacking trip, with avocados removed, dehydrated meats replaced by pouched meats, and a shopping list that includes quantities for each item and reference to the meal it is used for:
Day 1:
Breakfast: Instant oatmeal with dried fruits, nuts, and a drizzle of honey
Lunch: Tuna pouch with whole wheat crackers, and trail mix
Dinner: Pouched beef and vegetable stew with instant mashed potatoes
Day 2:
Breakfast: Granola with powdered milk and dried berries
Lunch: Peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole wheat bread, mixed nuts, and dried fruit
Dinner: Pouched chicken and rice with a side of dehydrated vegetables
Day 3:
Breakfast: Instant oatmeal with powdered milk, nuts, and chocolate chips
Lunch: Bagel with cream cheese and beef jerky, a handful of almonds
Dinner: Pouched chili and instant rice
Day 4:
Breakfast: Granola bars, dried fruit, and a protein shake made with powdered milk
Lunch: Tortilla wraps with chicken pouch, and dehydrated refried beans
Dinner: Pouched spaghetti with meat sauce
Day 5:
Breakfast: Instant oatmeal with powdered milk, chia seeds, and dried fruit
Lunch: Crackers with cheese and summer sausage, and a protein bar
Dinner: Pouched vegetable curry and instant rice
Day 6:
Breakfast: Granola with powdered milk, dried bananas, and a spoonful of peanut butter
Lunch: Tuna pouch with whole wheat crackers, and a handful of nuts
Dinner: Pouched lentil and vegetable stew with instant couscous
Shopping List:
- Instant oatmeal – 60 packets (Breakfast Days 1, 3, 5)
- Dried fruits (e.g., raisins, apricots, cranberries) – 6 lbs (Breakfast Days 1, 3, 5; Lunch Day 2)
- Mixed nuts – 8 lbs (Breakfast Days 1, 3; Lunch Days 2, 6)
- Honey – 1 large bottle (Breakfast Day 1)
- Tuna pouches – 20 pouches (Lunch Days 1, 6)
- Whole wheat crackers – 10 boxes (Lunch Days 1, 6)
- Trail mix – 6 lbs (Lunch Day 1)
- Pouched beef and vegetable stew – 10 pouches (Dinner Day 1)
- Instant mashed potatoes – 10 pouches (Dinner Day 1)
- Granola – 10 lbs (Breakfast Days 2, 6)
- Powdered milk – 6 lbs (Breakfast Days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
- Dried berries – 4 lbs (Breakfast Day 2)
- Peanut butter – 2 large jars (Lunch Day 2)
- Jelly – 2 large jars (Lunch Day 2)
- Whole wheat bread – 20 loaves (Lunch Day 2)
- Pouched chicken and rice – 10 pouches (Dinner Day 2)
- Dehydrated vegetables – 10 pouches (Dinner Day 2)
- Chocolate chips – 2 bags (Breakfast Day 3)
- Bagels – 20 bagels (Lunch Day 3)
- Cream cheese – 10 containers (Lunch Day 3)
- Beef jerky – 5 lbs
Replace the whole wheat bread and the bagels with tortillas
Here’s the revised menu for a 10-person group for the 6-day backpacking trip with whole wheat bread and bagels replaced by tortillas:
Day 1:
Breakfast: Instant oatmeal with dried fruits, nuts, and a drizzle of honey Lunch:
Tuna pouch with tortillas, and trail mix
Dinner: Pouched beef and vegetable stew with instant mashed potatoes
Day 2:
Breakfast: Granola with powdered milk and dried berries
Lunch: Peanut butter and jelly on tortillas, mixed nuts, and dried fruit Dinner: Pouched chicken and rice with a side of dehydrated vegetables
Day 3:
Breakfast: Instant oatmeal with powdered milk, nuts, and chocolate chips Lunch: Tortilla wraps with cream cheese and beef jerky, a handful of almonds Dinner: Pouched chili and instant rice
Day 4:
Breakfast: Granola bars, dried fruit, and a protein shake made with powdered milk Lunch: Tortilla wraps with chicken pouch, and dehydrated refried beans Dinner: Pouched spaghetti with meat sauce
Day 5:
Breakfast: Instant oatmeal with powdered milk, chia seeds, and dried fruit Lunch: Tortilla wraps with cheese and summer sausage, and a protein bar Dinner: Pouched vegetable curry and instant rice
Day 6:
Breakfast: Granola with powdered milk, dried bananas, and a spoonful of peanut butter Lunch: Tuna pouch with tortillas, and a handful of nuts Dinner: Pouched lentil and vegetable stew with instant couscous
Shopping List:
- Instant oatmeal – 60 packets (Breakfast Days 1, 3, 5)
- Dried fruits (e.g., raisins, apricots, cranberries) – 6 lbs (Breakfast Days 1, 3, 5; Lunch Day 2)
- Mixed nuts – 8 lbs (Breakfast Days 1, 3; Lunch Days 2, 6)
- Honey – 1 large bottle (Breakfast Day 1)
- Tuna pouches – 20 pouches (Lunch Days 1, 6)
- Tortillas – 70 tortillas (Lunch Days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
- Trail mix – 6 lbs (Lunch Day 1)
- Pouched beef and vegetable stew – 10 pouches (Dinner Day 1)
- Instant mashed potatoes – 10 pouches (Dinner Day 1)
- Granola – 10 lbs (Breakfast Days 2, 6)
- Powdered milk – 6 lbs (Breakfast Days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
- Dried berries – 4 lbs (Breakfast Day 2)
- Peanut butter – 2 large jars (Lunch Day 2)
- Jelly – 2 large jars (Lunch Day 2)
- Pouched chicken and rice – 10 pouches (Dinner Day 2)
- Dehydrated vegetables – 10 pouches (Dinner Day 2)
- Chocolate chips – 2 bags (Breakfast Day 3)
- Cream cheese – 10 containers (Lunch Day 3)
- Beef jerky – 5 lbs (Lunch Day 3)
- Pouched chili – 10 pouches (Dinner Day 3)
- Instant rice – 10 pouches (Dinner Days 3, 5)
- Granola bars
Now you still need to have a basic sense of menu planning for a backpacking trip to determine if the caloric rate is reasonable, the hiking time for 10 miles is accurate, etc. Personally, I thought the estimate of 4 hours with a 50-pound pack over 10 miles with elevation change was a bit low. I could have pushed back on ChatGPT’s initial estimate and told it to assume 5 to 5 1/2 hours for the hiking. Also, I don’t like the fact that the dinners were a lot of dehydrated meals. I would opt for more fast-cooking grains and pasta. While I specified that no items that needed refrigeration, hard cheeses do fine over the course of a trip like this and there should be some veggies and fruit. I could have either added some of these requirements in at the beginning or added them as new parameters and regenerated the solution. This shows that the person using the AI tool needs some experience in the subject matter to get what would be a good response. Like any software – Garbage In, Garbage Out.
Here are some other parameters I could have added:
- Make this a vegetarian menu
- Make this a vegan menu
- Make this a peanut-free and/or nut-free menu
- Make this a kosher or halal menu
Imagine the possibilities!
Currently ChatGPT can only connect to its own data store, but Open AI recently demonstrated how they are bringing plugins to their platform, one of which is a web browser allowing ChatGPT to gather up to date information from the internet. They even showed a connection with Instacart where the shopping list was turned into an Instacart order and placed for delivery.
As you start your own testing, go with things that you have decent knowledge of. That way you will be better able to determine what’s a good response and what’s not. For example, I asked ChatGPT to plan a multi-day backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail in New Jersey, a place I know extremely well. It responded with some things that were incorrect including proposing an illegal campsite, something I only knew because I’ve planned so many routes there.
Next time I’ll take a look at some of the other ways ChatGPT can be used in outdoor education. If you’ve had some interesting experiences with ChatGPT, send it over to me on our Contact form and we can share it or submit an Article as a Contributor.
