As an educator deeply passionate about the potent synergy of AI and teaching, I am always on the lookout for innovative technologies that could revolutionize our classrooms and learning environments.

Recently, Google launched its new AI language model, Bard. And let me tell you, it has quickly climbed to the top of my list of exciting AI developments. Ever since its launch, I’ve been experimenting with Bard, exploring its potential and the ways it could be leveraged in the realms of education and professional development. And the journey, so far, has been nothing short of impressive.

However, as I venture deeper into the AI world, I’m reminded of a critical tenet we must always bear in mind. While these sophisticated AI models, like Bard or ChatGPT, can generate rich and nuanced content, they are not infallible.

Particularly when it comes to factual content, statistics, and specialized knowledge areas, it is crucial that we fact-check the information. After all, the goal is to make AI a reliable ally in our pursuit of knowledge and professional growth, not a source of misinformation.

In this blog post, I’ll be drawing a comparison between Google Bard and ChatGPT, two giants in the realm of AI language models. I’ll be sharing my hands-on experiences, insights, and the key differences.

So, whether you’re a fellow educator, a curious learner, or a tech enthusiast, I invite you to join me on this exciting exploration. Let’s delve into the world where AI meets education.

Few things to know about Bard

Here are some important things to know about Bard which I pulled from its FAQ section:

What is Bard?

Bard is an advanced conversational AI developed by Google, based on the technology behind LaMDA (Language Model for Dialogue Applications). LaMDA is a Transformer-based model, a machine learning methodology pioneered by Google in 2017. It learns from “reading” trillions of words, picking up patterns that constitute human language and thereby becoming adept at predicting reasonable responses. 

Bard interface

In fact, Bard is not just a language model; it’s designed to act as a creative collaborator. It’s purpose as stated by Google is to stimulate your imagination, enhance your productivity, and assist you in realizing your ideas.

Importantly, Bard is built on generative AI technology, meaning, it can produce unique outputs based on the input it receives. This makes Bard a potentially powerful tool for a variety of creative and practical uses.

However, as I stated earlier and as is the case with all AI technology, Bard’s output should be examined critically, especially when used for information involving specific facts or statistics.

Please note that Bard is an experimental tool, and its launch is viewed as an opportunity for Google to learn, iterate, and improve the experience based on feedback from users, publishers, creators, and other stakeholders.

Does Bard cite sources and references in responses?

Most often it does. As you can see in the screenshot below, Bard included a reference to a Wikipedia entry when I asked it what qualitative research is. As Google stated, Bard’s primary design is to generate original content rather than replicate existing content extensively.

 It further added that it (Google) has implemented systems to limit the chances of Bard directly quoting at length from a webpage and that when it does, it cites the page.

Always according to Google, when the same information is found across multiple webpages, Bard attempts to cite a popular source. For code citations, Bard may also reference an applicable open source license.

Will Bard replace Google Search?

From a personal perspective, Bard isn’t poised to replace Google Search, especially in the short term. When it comes to in-depth academic research or professional inquiries, I, like many of you, would lean towards Google Search over Bard.

The reason is straightforward: the value of meticulously combing through authoritative and trustworthy sources cannot be underestimated, and it often surpasses the convenience of a quickly generated text.

This becomes even more evident when we venture into specialized fields like medicine and law. Bard has been designed with certain restrictions, and it refrains from providing advice in these sensitive areas. I’ve personally tested this, asking Bard for medical and legal advice, and the AI consistently responded by declining to give such counsel.

So, while Bard is indeed a powerful tool for generating creative content and assisting with a variety of tasks, it complements rather than competes with Google Search. Each has its strengths and roles, and both can coexist to cater to the diverse information needs of users.

Nevertheless, Bard is fundamentally a tool for creative collaboration, working well in tasks like writing an email or brainstorming ideas. It’s a complement to Google Search, with a “Google It” button added to facilitate the transition from Bard to exploring information on the wider web.

How many language Does Bard support?

Aso of right now, Bard is “available in US English, Japanese and Korean, and we are teaching Bard to speak as many languages as possible.”

Bard Vs ChatGPT

The competition between AI language models has seen an exciting new entrant with the launch of Google’s Bard. While OpenAI’s ChatGPT, particularly its recent iterations like ChatGPT-4 or ChatGPT Plus, have made significant strides in performance and accuracy over their predecessor versions, Bard brings to the table a set of unique and powerful features that truly make it shine.

To better understand the two, let’s delve into a comparison of Bard and ChatGPT. Here are some key differences between these two innovative AI models:

1. Real-Time Internet Access

Unlike ChatGPT, Bard utilizes real-time internet access to provide quick, accurate, and timely responses. It’s a free service that rapidly gathers and synthesizes up-to-date information to answer your queries. It’s like having an assistant that surfs the web for you, keeping you informed and updated.

2. Powerful Plugins

Bard allows you to supercharge your prompts with convenient plugins. This means you can accomplish more without leaving the interface. Whether you’re ordering groceries through Instacart, making a reservation via OpenTable, planning a trip with Kayak, or other tasks, Bard’s plugins streamline these processes.

3. Coding Assistance

Bard has the ability to assist with coding. It can write and interpret code in simple terms, making it a handy coding co-pilot. Whether you’re an experienced programmer or a novice, Bard is designed to make coding more accessible and understandable.

4. Image Responses

A unique feature of Bard is its capability to produce image responses directly in prompt results. This feature offers a visual perspective that enhances understanding and engagement. 

5. Image Search

In addition to text prompts, Bard can process image prompts. It analyses the input image and generates a contextually relevant response, opening up new possibilities for interaction.

6. Export and Collaboration Features

Bard outshines ChatGPT with its easy export features. You can conveniently export your work into Google Docs or Gmail or copy and paste it anywhere. Furthermore, Bard allows you to extend your prompts with a “Google it” search, fostering more extensive research and collaboration.

7. Website/Article Summary

Bard is also capable of providing concise summaries and answering questions about any website. It’s a tool for speed reading, rapid learning, and simplifying complex topics. As a bonus, it can format the key points in a bulleted format upon request.

8. Multiple Drafts Selection

Bard offers the flexibility of generating multiple drafts, letting you pick your favorite or regenerate new ones until you’re satisfied. It’s like having multiple attempts at crafting the perfect response.

9. Voice Prompting

Bard features a unique voice prompting option, which is especially useful when you’re on the move. Available on mobile, this feature minimizes effort and maximizes convenience, letting you interact with Bard effortlessly, wherever you are.