Can Chat GPT Cite In-Class Sources? A Real Life Example

What does a bored teacher do on summer break? Debate other teachers online of-course!

The two hottest topics on Teacher Twitter (I'm never going to call it X, sorry Elon) have been:

1. What should teachers do when a kid doesn't have a pen in class?
2. Can teachers prevent AI use by making students cite in-class material?

I bit on #2, and people seemed to doubt that ChatGPT could cite a packet or offline source in a writing assignment. When challenged by random strangers on the internet, I did the reasonable thing of course: I made a video to document the real answer.

I used Chat GPT 4.0 but Claude 3.5 or Microsoft CoPilot could both do this just as well, if not better. What teachers don't seem to understand is that students can just copy & paste the sources into the prompts, asking it to cite specific passages or set up citations/works cited page for them.

"But I use paper handouts to combat AI!" -some Luddite teacher

Please, don't go back to Ancient Egyptian tech just to TRY to prevent students from using modern tools. Many of my students have shown me their strategies for getting around this. I'm not here to out them to LinkedIn, but this task is easy for anyone with moderate experience on these Gen AI tools. If copy and pasting in a browser isn't an option, students know they can take a picture with their iPhone, then scan in the text with OCR by just pressing on the screen. They can then paste all the sources into the LLM of their choice. Even if it's an image like a map or a diagram, many of these apps now allow image uploading.

 My intent was not to have it "write like an AP History student" but rather to demonstrate it can easily cite all nine sources from the packet I was given. So teachers..... are we ready to rethink how we assess students yet? 

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Here is the output from Chat GPT below to document the output

African Actions and Reactions to the European Scramble for Africa

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the European Scramble for Africa, a period marked by aggressive colonization following the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885. African actions and reactions to this invasion were varied and complex, encompassing diplomatic resistance, military confrontation, and reluctant collaboration. These responses, reflected in historical documents, highlight the diverse strategies African leaders and communities employed to maintain their sovereignty and cultural integrity.

Diplomatic Resistance and Negotiation

Many African leaders attempted to resist European colonization through diplomatic means. For instance, the Royal Niger Company’s treaty (Document 1) reflects the efforts of African rulers to negotiate terms with European powers. The treaty states, “We, the undersigned Chiefs…cede to the Royal Niger Company, forever, the whole of our territory,” while emphasizing the Company’s promise “not to interfere with any of the native laws or customs.” This document suggests that African leaders sought to safeguard their traditions and autonomy within the constraints of European control.

Similarly, Prempeh I of Ashanti (Document 2) explicitly rejected British protectorate status, stating, “Ashanti will never commit itself to any such policy. Ashanti must remain as of old and at the same time remain friendly with all White men.” This response highlights a firm stance against European domination while expressing a desire for peaceful relations.

Menelik II of Ethiopia (Document 3) also employed diplomatic resistance, asserting Ethiopia’s sovereignty in a letter to European powers: “I have no intention at all of being an indifferent spectator…I do not think for a moment that He will divide Ethiopia among the distant Powers.” Menelik’s appeal to Christian solidarity and historical independence underscores his determination to resist colonization through diplomatic channels.

 Military Resistance and Rebellion

In contrast, other African leaders and communities chose military resistance. Ndansi Kumalo’s account of the Ndebele Rebellion (Document 4) reveals the violent struggle against British advances: “We were treated like slaves…we made many charges but each time we were defeated.” Kumalo’s narrative illustrates the brutal suppression of African resistance and the significant loss of life.

The Ethiopian victory at the Battle of Adowa (Document 5) is another powerful example of military resistance. The painting depicts the Ethiopians triumphing over Italian forces, symbolizing successful defiance against European colonization and inspiring other African nations to resist. 

Yaa Asantewa, the Ashanti queen mother (Document 6), also called for armed resistance: “If you the men of Ashanti will not go forward, then we will. We the women will. We will fight the White men.” Her speech emphasizes the readiness of even women to take up arms, challenging the perceived invincibility of European colonizers.

Samuel Maherero’s letter (Document 7) further illustrates collective military resistance: “Let us die fighting rather than die as a result of maltreatment, imprisonment, or some other calamity.” This plea for unity against German colonizers underscores the desperation and determination of African leaders to resist subjugation.

Descriptive Accounts of Colonial Conflicts 

Descriptive accounts provide additional perspectives on the conflicts. Mojimba’s recollection (Document 9) of a battle on the Congo River vividly describes the devastation: “Our village plundered and burned, and the river full of dead bodies.” This account highlights the destructive impact of European military technology and the severe consequences for African communities.

The German officer’s report on the Maji Maji Rebellion (Document 8) offers insight into the cultural responses to colonization. The belief in a magic medicine that would make warriors invulnerable reflects the integration of traditional practices into resistance efforts. The officer notes, “The medicine would also give invulnerability…the medicine consisted of water, maize, and sorghum grains.” This account illustrates how African communities combined spiritual beliefs with physical resistance to oppose colonial rule.

Additional Document Needed

To fully assess African actions and reactions, additional types of documents are necessary. Oral histories or testimonies from common African people would provide valuable insight into the everyday experiences and perspectives of the broader population. These accounts could reveal how ordinary Africans perceived colonial rule, resisted in various subtle or overt ways, and adapted to the new socio-political realities imposed by European powers.

Conclusion

African responses to the European Scramble for Africa were multifaceted, encompassing diplomatic negotiations, military resistance, and cultural resilience. While some leaders sought to negotiate terms to preserve their autonomy, others took up arms to defend their sovereignty. The inclusion of additional perspectives, particularly those of common Africans, would enrich our understanding of the complex and varied reactions to European colonization. The diverse strategies employed by African leaders and communities underscore their resilience and determination to resist subjugation and maintain their cultural integrity.