2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Leveraging ChatGPT 4.0’s Image Processing Feature for Enhanced Problem-Solving Support in Mechanical Engineering Courses

The introduction of ChatGPT 4.0 has brought about an intriguing new feature—image processing—which allows users to copy and paste screenshots of problems for solutions. This capability offers a significant advantage for students struggling with how to begin solving mechanical engineering problems. In many cases, ChatGPT’s problem solving methodology is correct; however, minor calculation errors prevent the generation of the correct final answer. Nevertheless, the tool proves to be valuable for students who need guidance in starting a problem or determining the correct procedure to follow. To assess the effectiveness of ChatGPT in helping students, in-class quizzes were conducted, asking students to compare their confidence in their own work with ChatGPT’s solutions in Statics, Dynamics, and Dynamics of Machinery courses. Additionally, student surveys were administered to gather feedback on the tool’s utility. Preliminary results indicate that while students find ChatGPT helpful for double-checking their approach and method, some are reluctant to rely solely on the tool for final numerical answers, preferring to use it as a supplementary aid rather than a primary solution source.

Authors
  1. Prof. Milad REZVANI RAD University of Southern Indiana [biography]
Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 22, 2025, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 25, 2025