Learning with ChatGPT

Leverage generative AI as learning assistant

Xin Cheng
9 min readMar 21, 2023

I believe Generative AI will impact the ways we used to learn things. In order to systematically learn new things, we used to use books (someone already compiled things for our step-by-step learning, but you need to wait someone to do that first before learning), or search Internet to find articles that can help us learn (we may have to compile information from different sources and it is time-consuming before we even start to learn). With Generative AI, there is some digital assistant that compile those information for us and we could be more efficient in learning.

As software developer, we need to constantly learn new technologies as they are evolving constantly. For learning new things, there are some structural learning techniques we need to master in order to learn things more efficiently. Here I would like to share my learning techniques:

Structural learning framework

Feel

Here are you want to figure out if you want to even spend time on a particular subject and the high-level applications for the subject. Here are some questions you can focus.

  • Why you want to learn it?
  • What problem/pain points it solves
  • What if you don’t use it
  • Difference between existing tech
  • Use cases and applications

Learn/Do

The actual learning steps
Basics

  • Identity prerequisites and learn
  • Find proper resources to learn (this could take time, especially for very new technology which information may be spread everywhere)
  • High level understanding of Architecture, components/building blocks
  • Learn sub-components (topics/subtopics)

Integration

  • Connect components end to end to complete certain tasks
  • Hands-on exercise and build

Advanced

  • Security
  • Performance
  • Best practice
  • Integration into real-world application

Teach

  • Share your knowledge with others and learn from others

Feynman Technique

This is the technique from Richard Feynman, a Nobel prize-winning physicist. It helps you develop a deep understanding. There is good information online, so I would just include them.

1. Figure out what you actually know
2. Explain to a friend / family members / a open room
3. Start realizing where the gaps in your knowledge are
4. Study them to fill the gaps, rinse and repeat
5 , Start right now and keep it up
6. Don’t move onto next topic until you are confident you mastered current topics (how about spaced repetition?)

  1. Pick a topic, play with it. Understand the topic before using Feynman Technique
  2. Long-term retention: Explain in different ways, different audience, 5y old, 10y, 20y. Simplify as much as possible
  3. Use Feynman Technique for big, complex topics, use picture/visual technique where applicable

1. Take a piece of paper and write the concept’s name at the Top.
2. Explain the concept using Simple Language.
3. Identify problem areas, then go back to the sources to review.
4. Pinpoint any complicated terms and challenge yourself to simplify them.

- Retaining information is more important than just consuming it
- Your goal should be to retain information so you can use it at right time and the right place.
- When you put in more effort you retain information better.
Ex. Take notes on paper instead of your laptop or mobile.
- Repetition is key
- Reread information you wanna remember, Talk about it with your friends, Create a summary and share it with friends who have similar interests.
Make a summary of what you learned from the video like I did and chances are you will remember it for longer

Appendix

In computer science, fundamental knowledge can transfer to new technology (e.g. variables, functions, loops, statements, dependencies, packaging, deployment for programming languages)

Real-world examples to use Generative AI to learn

Use ChatGPT to summarize book for key points

Learning language

The author asked ChatGPT to create demos for GitOps in 3 steps (The author already knows the building blocks, which can also be learnt from ChatGPT):

  1. Create sample application
  2. Create Kubernetes deployment manifest
  3. Create ArgoCD Application YAML to deploy in GitOps Way

Mind map

General Education 1, 2

Other GenAI use cases: improving professional profile

1. Use CHATGPT to generate a personalized LinkedIn profile summary that highlights your skills and experience.
2. Input your current job title and let CHATGPT suggest alternative titles that may be more attractive to potential employers.
3. Let CHATGPT help you identify the top skills and keywords to include in your LinkedIn profile, based on your industry and job goals.
4. Use CHATGPT to write a targeted cover letter for a specific job opportunity, taking into account the company’s culture and values.
5. Input your job duties and responsibilities into CHATGPT, and receive suggestions for quantifiable achievements to include in your LinkedIn profile.
6. Have CHATGPT generate a list of personalized questions to ask in a job interview, based on the company and position you’re applying for.
7. Use CHATGPT to brainstorm ideas for LinkedIn articles or posts that showcase your expertise and thought leadership in your field.
8. Let CHATGPT help you come up with creative ways to use LinkedIn to network and connect with potential employers and recruiters.
9. Input a job posting into CHATGPT, and receive personalized suggestions for how to tailor your resume and application materials to match the employer’s requirements.
10. Use CHATGPT to generate a list of targeted companies to apply to, based on your industry and job goals.
11. Input your current job and let CHATGPT suggest related job titles and industries that you may be interested in exploring.
12. Have CHATGPT write personalized LinkedIn messages to send to potential employers and recruiters, introducing yourself and expressing your interest in their company.
13. Use CHATGPT to come up with new and innovative ideas for your LinkedIn profile, such as adding multimedia elements or creating a personalized URL.
14. Let CHATGPT help you identify your unique value proposition and use it to stand out in a crowded job market.
15. Input your job goals into CHATGPT, and receive personalized career development suggestions, including courses and certifications to pursue.
16. Use CHATGPT to generate a list of industry events and conferences to attend in order to meet potential employers and expand your professional network.
17. Input your work experience and let CHATGPT suggest ways to highlight your transferable skills and qualifications on your LinkedIn profile.
18. Have CHATGPT write personalized recommendations for your LinkedIn profile, based on your job goals and industry.
19. Use CHATGPT to brainstorm ideas for LinkedIn groups to join, based on your industry and job goals.
20. Let CHATGPT help you identify and connect with potential mentors on LinkedIn who can offer guidance and support in your career development.
21. Use CHATGPT to write a customized LinkedIn message requesting informational interviews with professionals in your industry.
22. Input your skills and experience into CHATGPT, and receive personalized job search strategies, including networking and job search websites to utilize.
23. Have CHATGPT generate a list of personalized LinkedIn hashtags to use in your posts and profile, based on your industry and job goals.
24. Use CHATGPT to come up with ideas for LinkedIn polls or surveys to conduct in order to gather insights and connect with your network.
25. Let CHATGPT help you identify and apply for job opportunities on LinkedIn that align with your skills and experience.
26. Use CHATGPT to come up with ideas for LinkedIn polls or surveys to conduct in order to gather insights and connect with your network.
27. Let CHATGPT help you identify and apply for job opportunities on LinkedIn that align with your skills and experience.
28. Use CHATGPT to write personalized LinkedIn invitations to connect with potential employers and recruiters, explaining why you would like to connect and how you could potentially benefit from the connection.
29. Input your job goals into CHATGPT, and receive personalized suggestions for LinkedIn groups and communities to join in order to connect with professionals in your desired industry.
30. Have CHATGPT generate a list of personalized LinkedIn keywords and phrases to use in your profile, in order to increase your visibility to potential employers.
31. Use CHATGPT to write personalized LinkedIn messages to recruiters, inquiring about job opportunities and expressing your interest in working for their company.
32. Input your work experience and let CHATGPT suggest personalized ways to highlight your achievements and accomplishments on your LinkedIn profile.
33. Have CHATGPT write personalized LinkedIn endorsements for your skills, based on your job goals and industry.
34. Use CHATGPT to come up with ideas for LinkedIn challenges or competitions to participate in, in order to showcase your skills and expertise.
35. Let CHATGPT help you identify and connect with alumni from your college or university on LinkedIn, who may be able to offer job leads or career advice.
36. Use CHATGPT to write personalized LinkedIn messages to colleagues, asking for recommendations or introductions to potential employers.
37. Input your job goals into CHATGPT, and receive personalized suggestions for LinkedIn influencers or thought leaders to follow and engage with.
38. Have CHATGPT generate a list of personalized LinkedIn discussion topics or questions to post in relevant groups or communities.
39. Use CHATGPT to come up with ideas for LinkedIn webinars or workshops to host, in order to establish yourself as an expert in your field.
40. Let CHATGPT help you identify and apply for LinkedIn learning courses or certifications that can enhance your skills and qualifications.
41. Use CHATGPT to write personalized LinkedIn messages to hiring managers, expressing your interest in open positions at their company.
42. Input your work experience and let CHATGPT suggest personalized ways to showcase your professional brand on your LinkedIn profile.
43. Have CHATGPT generate a list of personalized LinkedIn events or meetups to attend, in order to connect with potential employers and expand your professional network.
44. Use CHATGPT to come up with ideas for LinkedIn polls or surveys to conduct in order to gather insights and connect with your network.
45. Let CHATGPT help you identify and apply for job opportunities on LinkedIn that align with your skills and experience.
46. Use CHATGPT to write personalized LinkedIn invitations to connect with potential employers and recruiters, explaining why you would like to connect and how you could potentially benefit from the connection.
47. Input your job goals into CHATGPT, and receive personalized suggestions for LinkedIn groups and communities to join in order to connect with professionals in your desired industry.
48. Have CHATGPT generate a list of personalized LinkedIn keywords and phrases to use in your profile, in order to increase your visibility to potential employers.
49. Input your work experience and let CHATGPT suggest personalized ways to highlight your achievements and accomplishments on your LinkedIn profile.
50. Have CHATGPT write personalized LinkedIn endorsements for your skills, based on your job goals and industry. This can help to increase the credibility and visibility of your LinkedIn profile, and make you more attractive to potential employers.

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Xin Cheng
Xin Cheng

Written by Xin Cheng

Multi/Hybrid-cloud, Kubernetes, cloud-native, big data, machine learning, IoT developer/architect, 3x Azure-certified, 3x AWS-certified, 2x GCP-certified

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