Since generative AI first became available, I’ve enthusiastically experimented with all the ways it can be wielded in the classroom. I’ve found several valuable uses for it, from role playing to data analysis, but one of my favorites is creating custom GPTs designed for a specific course.
A custom GPT is an instance of ChatGPT that behaves how you instruct it to—i.e., to do specific jobs or take on a particular role. For example, you can instruct a custom GPT meant for exam prep to not give direct answers but instead provide hints or guidance until students arrive at an answer themselves. You can also tell it to draw information from materials you upload (like your syllabus or lecture notes). The result is a customizable digital tutor your students can use to get study help or other forms of support.
The potential of this approach for learning is so well-recognized that AI companies like Claude are launching dedicated education tools designed to help students use AI to study. But for most applications, a custom GPT can afford similar effects without having to adopt a whole new tool.
When I talk to fellow educators about using gen AI in the classroom, the most common question I get is how they can create their own custom GPT. It requires some time and effort up front—and a ChatGPT Plus account, which many institutions now provide school wide—but I’ve found the result well worth it. And note: You don’t need to be a programmer to make one. OpenAI provides a GPT building tool that allows for simple setup.
This overview will explain how you can create your own custom GPTs and offer suggestions for using them in your own courses.