ChatGPT as a Game-Changer for Embedding Emojis in Faculty Feedback

This study explores the potential of integrating emojis, and digital pictographs, into faculty feedback to augment student learning outcomes. This additional layer of expressiveness, encouragement, and involvement adds a personal touch to the often distant and virtual student-educator communications, fostering motivation. The study focuses on the impact of emojis on the learning process within the scrutinized Computer Science (CS) Department. Capitalizing on the capabilities of OpenAI's Large Language Model (LLM) ChatGPT-4, its Application Programming Interface (API), and associated tools and third-party plugins, a system that translates text into corresponding emojis and vice versa has been developed. The proposed application offers direct benefits to educators by simplifying the provision of detailed and extensive feedback to students. The primary research question is: Can the appropriate use of emojis, matched with the sentiment of the feedback text, contribute to enhanced student learning outcomes, higher retention rates, and boost the reputation of the educators providing it? Two surveys on the impact of emojis across selected course sections were conducted to answer the question: a pre-survey and a post-survey involving 175 active participants. The results were analyzed, and it was concluded that integrating emojis in faculty feedback, particularly when grading student work, could potentially enhance student learning outcomes and their overall course experience.