Investigating Media Selection through ChatGPT: An Exploratory Study on Generative Artificial Intelligence in the Aid of Instructional Design

In instructional design (ID), the selection of appropriate media (in the facilitation of learning) is crucial yet complex. This study proposes that artificial intelligence (AI), particularly ChatGPT, an advanced large language model, holds the potential to streamline the media selection process. Aimed at assisting instructional designers and educators, this investigation explores the efficacy of ChatGPT in recommending suitable instructional delivery systems. A media selection tool built with ChatGPT was used to review a series of instructional tasks, mirroring the work of the authors who did the same using traditional methods. The results from both approaches were then compared and studied, revealing similarities and differences in their media decisions, showing that the AI and authors went "off script" from their training and guidance, respectively. The findings demonstrate ChatGPT's capacity to expedite analyses and offer varied insights, thereby enriching the instructional process while also raising concerns regarding the need to evaluate its outputs, inputs (i.e., prompts), and potential biases in training data carefully. Overall, this research concludes that generative AI presents novel approaches and opportunities within ID, offering significant benefits. It underscores the transformative impact of AI tools like ChatGPT and advocates for continued exploration into their integration and influence within the field of ID.