CHATGPT VS ACADEMIC SOURCES IN INDONESIAN CHURCH HISTORY LEARNING FOR CRITICAL THINKING
Della Gita Van Gobel

IAKN Palangka Raya

Abstract

This study explores the use of ChatGPT as part of AI-based learning to enhance students critical thinking skills in Indonesian Church History Learning. It employs an exploratory qualitative approach combined with a literature review to provide a comprehensive understanding of AI use in learning contexts. Empirical data were derived from classroom observations conducted in 2024, where students used ChatGPT and compared its outputs with academic sources such as scholarly articles and journals. The findings reveal that while ChatGPT offers quick access to information, it often produces inaccuracies, oversimplifications, and unverified historical claims. In contrast, academic sources lead to deeper and more accurate understanding. The comparison activity encourages students to critically evaluate information sources. This study proposes the AI-Manual Comparison Strategy as a pedagogical approach to integrating AI reflectively in learning. Although based on early observations from 2024, the findings remain relevant amid the rapid expansion of AI in education, particularly in history learning that requires accuracy and critical interpretation.

Keywords: Academic Sources- AI-Based Learning- ChatGPT- Critical Thinking- Indonesian Church History

Topic: AI for Learning