The effect of secondary school students' use of ChatGPT in self-learning on their academic success

Artificial Intelligence is developing rapidly today and has attracted attention with the widespread use of its areas. This study aims to examine the effect of using ChatGPT in the self-directed HTML learning process of 6th grade secondary school students on their academic success. The groups of the research consists of students from two classes of the 6th grade of a secondary school in Bursa Osmangazi. A semi-experimental design with a pre-test / post-test control group was used in the research. ChatGPT was introduced to the students in the experimental group and its use was demonstrated. Examples from YouTube channels, forums and sites explaining HTML were introduced to the control group, and their preferences were not interfered with. "HTML Achievement Test" was applied to the students in the experimental and control groups as a pre-test / post-test. "Technology Self-Learning Scale for Children" was applied as a pre-test to the students in the experimental and control groups. In addition, a semi-structured interview form consisting of 3 open-ended questions was applied to the students in the experimental group about their experiences of using ChatGPT. In the findings obtained as a result of the research, it has been observed that using ChatGPT has a positive effect on the self-learning experience and . It has been observed that the students in the experimental group found the use of ChatGPT suitable for working in different fields. This study can be said to contribute to future research and the literature as it is one of the first studies conducted on the topic.