{"id":27,"date":"2025-02-03T15:20:29","date_gmt":"2025-02-03T15:20:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.hccfl.edu\/aioerguide\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=27"},"modified":"2025-02-05T20:46:15","modified_gmt":"2025-02-05T20:46:15","slug":"section-3-creating-a-custom-gpt","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.hccfl.edu\/aioerguide\/chapter\/section-3-creating-a-custom-gpt\/","title":{"raw":"Section 3: Creating a Custom GPT","rendered":"Section 3: Creating a Custom GPT"},"content":{"raw":"Generative AI like ChatGPT is impressive on its own, but the real magic happens when you create a <strong>custom GPT<\/strong> tailored to your specific needs. For my International Relations (IR) textbook, I created a custom GPT called <em>International Relations Guide.<\/em> While its core expertise was IR theory and concepts, I also gave it a unique twist: expertise in film and cinema. Why? Because my course explored IR through pop culture, using movies and media as case studies to engage students. This customization allowed my GPT to seamlessly weave together academic insights and pop culture references, creating content that matched my course\u2019s exact focus.\r\n<h2><strong>Custom GPT vs. Default ChatGPT: A Quick Comparison<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHere\u2019s how creating a custom GPT can elevate your content. Let\u2019s say I wanted an explanation of realism in IR with a cinematic analogy:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Default ChatGPT Output<\/strong>:<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\"Realism in international relations is a theory that emphasizes power and national interest. It suggests that states act primarily to ensure their own security and power, often in competition with other states.\"\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Custom GPT (International Relations Guide) Output<\/strong>:<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\"Realism in international relations is all about power and survival in a competitive \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 world. Think of <em>The Hunger Games<\/em>: each district is like a state, focused on its own survival and forming alliances only when it\u2019s beneficial, like the ones Katniss makes \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 during the games. Meanwhile, the Capitol keeps control by dividing and weakening \u00a0\u00a0 the districts\u2014just like a dominant power maintaining its security.\"\r\n\r\nBy incorporating <em>The Hunger Games<\/em>\u2014a reference familiar to many students\u2014the explanation becomes more engaging, concrete, and relevant to their experiences. The analogy helps connect a complex theory like realism to a story they understand, making the concept easier to grasp. This is where a custom GPT shines: it \"knows\" your specific teaching style and course themes, so it generates content that\u2019s not only accurate but also uniquely suited to your students\u2019 needs.\r\n<h3><strong>Why Should You Create a Custom GPT First?<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nCustom GPTs aren\u2019t just nice-to-haves\u2014they\u2019re game-changers for specialized projects like textbooks. By creating a custom GPT, you:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong>Save time<\/strong> by reducing the back-and-forth refinement required with generic AI.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Ensure consistency<\/strong> in tone, style, and focus across all the content you generate.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Align the AI\u2019s expertise with your course\u2019s unique goals.<\/strong> Instead of re-explaining your needs in every prompt, the GPT \"knows\" your vision upfront.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h3><strong>Why Are Custom GPTs Better than Default ChatGPT?<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nThe default ChatGPT is like an encyclopedia\u2014it\u2019s broad, but it doesn\u2019t specialize in your niche. A custom GPT, however, is like a research assistant who already knows the specific needs of your course. It\u2019s particularly useful for:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Incorporating niche topics<\/strong> (e.g., blending IR with pop culture).<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Creating a consistent voice<\/strong> that matches your teaching style.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Avoiding generic responses<\/strong> by tailoring the GPT to the level and style of your students.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><strong>What Do You Need to Create a Custom GPT?<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nTo create a custom GPT, you\u2019ll need access to either:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>ChatGPT Plus<\/strong> ($20\/month), which unlocks GPT-4 and customization features.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>ChatGPT Enterprise<\/strong>, if your institution provides access (ideal for faculty collaborations).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><strong>How to Create a Custom GPT<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nCreating a custom GPT might sound intimidating, but it\u2019s actually a straightforward process once you know where to start. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you'll have your custom GPT up and running in no time!\r\n<h3>Step 1: Upgrade to ChatGPT Plus (if you haven\u2019t already)<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Log into your <a href=\"https:\/\/chat.openai.com\/.\">ChatGPT account<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>On the left-hand menu, click <strong>\u201cUpgrade to Plus\u201d<\/strong> (located just under your account name).<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Follow the instructions to sign up for <strong>ChatGPT Plus<\/strong> ($20\/month), which gives you access to GPT-4 and the custom GPT features.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Once your subscription is active, you\u2019ll be ready to create your custom GPT.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Step 2: Access the Custom GPT Tool<\/h3>\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>From the ChatGPT interface, click on <strong>\u201cExplore GPTs\u201d<\/strong> in the left-hand menu (near the bottom of the list).<\/li>\r\n \t<li>In the <strong>Explore GPTs<\/strong> menu, you\u2019ll see two sections: \u201cExplore\u201d (pre-made custom GPTs) and <strong>\u201cCreate your own\u201d<\/strong> (this is what you want).<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Click <strong>\u201cCreate your own GPT.\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone  wp-image-52\" src=\"http:\/\/pressbooks.hccfl.edu\/aioerguide\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/98\/2025\/02\/Custom-GPT-1-300x165.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"619\" height=\"286\" \/>\r\n<h3>Step 3: Set the Basics for Your GPT<\/h3>\r\nOnce you click \u201cCreate your own GPT,\u201d you\u2019ll be taken to a screen that walks you through the customization process. Start with the basics:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong>Name Your GPT:<\/strong> Think of a clear and descriptive name that reflects its purpose. Examples:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><em>International Relations Guide<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li><em>Biology Simplifier<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li><em>History Context Master<\/em><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Description:<\/strong> Write a short description of what your GPT will do. This is helpful for you and anyone else who might use it later. Examples:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>\u201cThis GPT explains international relations concepts with examples from pop culture and film.\u201d<\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u201cThis GPT breaks down complex biology concepts into simple, engaging explanations for beginners.\u201d<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h3>Step 4: Add Instructions for Your Custom GPT<\/h3>\r\nThis is the heart of your customization. Here, you\u2019ll provide detailed instructions on how your GPT should behave and what kind of content it should generate.\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Look for a text box labeled <strong>\u201cWhat would you like your custom GPT to do?\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Write a detailed set of instructions that clearly explain the following:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong>Tone:<\/strong> Specify how formal or casual the GPT should be.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Expertise:<\/strong> Define what areas the GPT should focus on.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Examples:<\/strong> Encourage the use of examples or analogies.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h4><strong>Example Instructions:<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>\u201cExplain concepts in international relations in simple, accessible language suitable for first-year college students. Use pop culture or film examples when appropriate, like <em>The Hunger Games<\/em> or <em>The Avengers<\/em>. Be conversational but maintain academic accuracy.\u201d<\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u201cFocus on explaining biology topics such as cell biology, genetics, and evolution in clear, beginner-friendly terms. Provide simple analogies or real-life examples to clarify complex topics.\u201d<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nMake the instructions as detailed as necessary to ensure the GPT stays focused on your goals.\r\n<h3>Step 5: Test Your GPT<\/h3>\r\nOnce you\u2019ve set the instructions, the interface will give you the option to <strong>\u201cTest your GPT.\u201d<\/strong> Click this button to try out prompts and see how your GPT performs.\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Type a test prompt related to your topic to see how well it generates responses. For example:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>\u201cExplain realism in international relations using a pop culture analogy.\u201d<\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u201cBreak down the concept of genetic mutation in simple terms.\u201d<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Review the response. If it\u2019s not quite right, go back and refine the instructions. Adjust the tone, ask for more specific examples, or clarify what kind of content you want.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h3>Step 6: Save and Finalize Your GPT<\/h3>\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Once you\u2019re satisfied with your custom GPT\u2019s performance, click <strong>\u201cSave\u201d<\/strong> to finalize it.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Your custom GPT will now appear in the <strong>Explore GPTs<\/strong> menu under your account, so you can easily access it anytime.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h3>Step 7: Share or Collaborate (Optional)<\/h3>\r\nIf you want to share your custom GPT with colleagues or collaborators:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Go to the <strong>Explore GPTs<\/strong> menu.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Click on your custom GPT, then look for the option to <strong>\u201cShare GPT\u201d<\/strong> (you\u2019ll receive a link you can send to others).<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h3>Helpful Tips for Prompts and Refinement<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>When testing your GPT, use specific prompts that align with your textbook goals. Examples:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>o \u201cDescribe liberalism in international relations in simple language for college freshmen.\u201d<\/li>\r\n \t<li>o \u201cCreate a multiple-choice quiz question about the difference between realism and constructivism.\u201d<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>If your GPT generates content that feels off-topic, revisit the instructions and make them more precise. For example, if it\u2019s not using analogies, add a specific directive like: \u201cAlways include one analogy to explain complex concepts.\u201d<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><strong>Tips on Creating Your Own Custom GPT<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nCreating a custom GPT is surprisingly straightforward! OpenAI\u2019s platform allows you to \"train\" a GPT by filling out a customization form where you can define its expertise, tone, and instructions. Here\u2019s how to get started:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong>Define the Purpose of Your GPT<\/strong>: What will it specialize in? For example, mine was an expert on IR and pop culture, but yours might focus on historical analysis, environmental science, or educational psychology.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Choose the Right Tone<\/strong>: Decide whether your GPT should be formal, conversational, or even humorous, depending on your audience. For an OER textbook, I went with a clear, accessible, and slightly light-hearted tone to keep things engaging.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Include Clear Instructions<\/strong>: Write prompts that guide how the GPT should respond. For instance:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>\u201cExplain international relations concepts in clear, simple language.\u201d<\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u201cUse analogies or examples from film, TV, or pop culture whenever possible.\u201d<\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u201cFocus on lower-level, general knowledge suitable for first-year college students.\u201d<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Add Special Skills<\/strong>: Do you need the GPT to be an expert in specific topics or interdisciplinary fields? Add these instructions into the customization form.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Test and Refine<\/strong>: After setting up your custom GPT, test it out with prompts similar to the ones you\u2019ll use during textbook creation. If the responses aren\u2019t quite right, tweak the instructions and test again.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h3><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nCreating a custom GPT takes some upfront effort, but the payoff is enormous. It helps you generate content that\u2019s perfectly aligned with your teaching needs, engages students in ways a default GPT cannot, and saves time in the long run. Think of it as tailoring a suit instead of grabbing one off the rack\u2014customization ensures a perfect fit for your course and your goals. Once you see your custom GPT in action, you\u2019ll wonder how you ever created content without it!","rendered":"<p>Generative AI like ChatGPT is impressive on its own, but the real magic happens when you create a <strong>custom GPT<\/strong> tailored to your specific needs. For my International Relations (IR) textbook, I created a custom GPT called <em>International Relations Guide.<\/em> While its core expertise was IR theory and concepts, I also gave it a unique twist: expertise in film and cinema. Why? Because my course explored IR through pop culture, using movies and media as case studies to engage students. This customization allowed my GPT to seamlessly weave together academic insights and pop culture references, creating content that matched my course\u2019s exact focus.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Custom GPT vs. Default ChatGPT: A Quick Comparison<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Here\u2019s how creating a custom GPT can elevate your content. Let\u2019s say I wanted an explanation of realism in IR with a cinematic analogy:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Default ChatGPT Output<\/strong>:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&#8220;Realism in international relations is a theory that emphasizes power and national interest. It suggests that states act primarily to ensure their own security and power, often in competition with other states.&#8221;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Custom GPT (International Relations Guide) Output<\/strong>:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&#8220;Realism in international relations is all about power and survival in a competitive \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 world. Think of <em>The Hunger Games<\/em>: each district is like a state, focused on its own survival and forming alliances only when it\u2019s beneficial, like the ones Katniss makes \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 during the games. Meanwhile, the Capitol keeps control by dividing and weakening \u00a0\u00a0 the districts\u2014just like a dominant power maintaining its security.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>By incorporating <em>The Hunger Games<\/em>\u2014a reference familiar to many students\u2014the explanation becomes more engaging, concrete, and relevant to their experiences. The analogy helps connect a complex theory like realism to a story they understand, making the concept easier to grasp. This is where a custom GPT shines: it &#8220;knows&#8221; your specific teaching style and course themes, so it generates content that\u2019s not only accurate but also uniquely suited to your students\u2019 needs.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why Should You Create a Custom GPT First?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Custom GPTs aren\u2019t just nice-to-haves\u2014they\u2019re game-changers for specialized projects like textbooks. By creating a custom GPT, you:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Save time<\/strong> by reducing the back-and-forth refinement required with generic AI.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ensure consistency<\/strong> in tone, style, and focus across all the content you generate.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Align the AI\u2019s expertise with your course\u2019s unique goals.<\/strong> Instead of re-explaining your needs in every prompt, the GPT &#8220;knows&#8221; your vision upfront.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><strong>Why Are Custom GPTs Better than Default ChatGPT?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The default ChatGPT is like an encyclopedia\u2014it\u2019s broad, but it doesn\u2019t specialize in your niche. A custom GPT, however, is like a research assistant who already knows the specific needs of your course. It\u2019s particularly useful for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Incorporating niche topics<\/strong> (e.g., blending IR with pop culture).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Creating a consistent voice<\/strong> that matches your teaching style.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Avoiding generic responses<\/strong> by tailoring the GPT to the level and style of your students.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>What Do You Need to Create a Custom GPT?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>To create a custom GPT, you\u2019ll need access to either:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>ChatGPT Plus<\/strong> ($20\/month), which unlocks GPT-4 and customization features.<\/li>\n<li><strong>ChatGPT Enterprise<\/strong>, if your institution provides access (ideal for faculty collaborations).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>How to Create a Custom GPT<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Creating a custom GPT might sound intimidating, but it\u2019s actually a straightforward process once you know where to start. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you&#8217;ll have your custom GPT up and running in no time!<\/p>\n<h3>Step 1: Upgrade to ChatGPT Plus (if you haven\u2019t already)<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Log into your <a href=\"https:\/\/chat.openai.com\/.\">ChatGPT account<\/a><\/li>\n<li>On the left-hand menu, click <strong>\u201cUpgrade to Plus\u201d<\/strong> (located just under your account name).<\/li>\n<li>Follow the instructions to sign up for <strong>ChatGPT Plus<\/strong> ($20\/month), which gives you access to GPT-4 and the custom GPT features.<\/li>\n<li>Once your subscription is active, you\u2019ll be ready to create your custom GPT.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Step 2: Access the Custom GPT Tool<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>From the ChatGPT interface, click on <strong>\u201cExplore GPTs\u201d<\/strong> in the left-hand menu (near the bottom of the list).<\/li>\n<li>In the <strong>Explore GPTs<\/strong> menu, you\u2019ll see two sections: \u201cExplore\u201d (pre-made custom GPTs) and <strong>\u201cCreate your own\u201d<\/strong> (this is what you want).<\/li>\n<li>Click <strong>\u201cCreate your own GPT.\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone  wp-image-52\" src=\"http:\/\/pressbooks.hccfl.edu\/aioerguide\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/98\/2025\/02\/Custom-GPT-1-300x165.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"619\" height=\"286\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>Step 3: Set the Basics for Your GPT<\/h3>\n<p>Once you click \u201cCreate your own GPT,\u201d you\u2019ll be taken to a screen that walks you through the customization process. Start with the basics:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Name Your GPT:<\/strong> Think of a clear and descriptive name that reflects its purpose. Examples:\n<ol>\n<li><em>International Relations Guide<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Biology Simplifier<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>History Context Master<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Description:<\/strong> Write a short description of what your GPT will do. This is helpful for you and anyone else who might use it later. Examples:\n<ol>\n<li>\u201cThis GPT explains international relations concepts with examples from pop culture and film.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cThis GPT breaks down complex biology concepts into simple, engaging explanations for beginners.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>Step 4: Add Instructions for Your Custom GPT<\/h3>\n<p>This is the heart of your customization. Here, you\u2019ll provide detailed instructions on how your GPT should behave and what kind of content it should generate.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Look for a text box labeled <strong>\u201cWhat would you like your custom GPT to do?\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Write a detailed set of instructions that clearly explain the following:\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Tone:<\/strong> Specify how formal or casual the GPT should be.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Expertise:<\/strong> Define what areas the GPT should focus on.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Examples:<\/strong> Encourage the use of examples or analogies.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h4><strong>Example Instructions:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201cExplain concepts in international relations in simple, accessible language suitable for first-year college students. Use pop culture or film examples when appropriate, like <em>The Hunger Games<\/em> or <em>The Avengers<\/em>. Be conversational but maintain academic accuracy.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cFocus on explaining biology topics such as cell biology, genetics, and evolution in clear, beginner-friendly terms. Provide simple analogies or real-life examples to clarify complex topics.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Make the instructions as detailed as necessary to ensure the GPT stays focused on your goals.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 5: Test Your GPT<\/h3>\n<p>Once you\u2019ve set the instructions, the interface will give you the option to <strong>\u201cTest your GPT.\u201d<\/strong> Click this button to try out prompts and see how your GPT performs.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Type a test prompt related to your topic to see how well it generates responses. For example:\n<ol>\n<li>\u201cExplain realism in international relations using a pop culture analogy.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cBreak down the concept of genetic mutation in simple terms.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li>Review the response. If it\u2019s not quite right, go back and refine the instructions. Adjust the tone, ask for more specific examples, or clarify what kind of content you want.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>Step 6: Save and Finalize Your GPT<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>Once you\u2019re satisfied with your custom GPT\u2019s performance, click <strong>\u201cSave\u201d<\/strong> to finalize it.<\/li>\n<li>Your custom GPT will now appear in the <strong>Explore GPTs<\/strong> menu under your account, so you can easily access it anytime.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>Step 7: Share or Collaborate (Optional)<\/h3>\n<p>If you want to share your custom GPT with colleagues or collaborators:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Go to the <strong>Explore GPTs<\/strong> menu.<\/li>\n<li>Click on your custom GPT, then look for the option to <strong>\u201cShare GPT\u201d<\/strong> (you\u2019ll receive a link you can send to others).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>Helpful Tips for Prompts and Refinement<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>When testing your GPT, use specific prompts that align with your textbook goals. Examples:\n<ul>\n<li>o \u201cDescribe liberalism in international relations in simple language for college freshmen.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>o \u201cCreate a multiple-choice quiz question about the difference between realism and constructivism.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>If your GPT generates content that feels off-topic, revisit the instructions and make them more precise. For example, if it\u2019s not using analogies, add a specific directive like: \u201cAlways include one analogy to explain complex concepts.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Tips on Creating Your Own Custom GPT<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Creating a custom GPT is surprisingly straightforward! OpenAI\u2019s platform allows you to &#8220;train&#8221; a GPT by filling out a customization form where you can define its expertise, tone, and instructions. Here\u2019s how to get started:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Define the Purpose of Your GPT<\/strong>: What will it specialize in? For example, mine was an expert on IR and pop culture, but yours might focus on historical analysis, environmental science, or educational psychology.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Choose the Right Tone<\/strong>: Decide whether your GPT should be formal, conversational, or even humorous, depending on your audience. For an OER textbook, I went with a clear, accessible, and slightly light-hearted tone to keep things engaging.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Include Clear Instructions<\/strong>: Write prompts that guide how the GPT should respond. For instance:\n<ol>\n<li>\u201cExplain international relations concepts in clear, simple language.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cUse analogies or examples from film, TV, or pop culture whenever possible.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cFocus on lower-level, general knowledge suitable for first-year college students.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Add Special Skills<\/strong>: Do you need the GPT to be an expert in specific topics or interdisciplinary fields? Add these instructions into the customization form.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Test and Refine<\/strong>: After setting up your custom GPT, test it out with prompts similar to the ones you\u2019ll use during textbook creation. If the responses aren\u2019t quite right, tweak the instructions and test again.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Creating a custom GPT takes some upfront effort, but the payoff is enormous. It helps you generate content that\u2019s perfectly aligned with your teaching needs, engages students in ways a default GPT cannot, and saves time in the long run. Think of it as tailoring a suit instead of grabbing one off the rack\u2014customization ensures a perfect fit for your course and your goals. Once you see your custom GPT in action, you\u2019ll wonder how you ever created content without it!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"menu_order":3,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-27","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":3,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.hccfl.edu\/aioerguide\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/27","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.hccfl.edu\/aioerguide\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.hccfl.edu\/aioerguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.hccfl.edu\/aioerguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.hccfl.edu\/aioerguide\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/27\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":54,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.hccfl.edu\/aioerguide\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/27\/revisions\/54"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.hccfl.edu\/aioerguide\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/3"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.hccfl.edu\/aioerguide\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/27\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.hccfl.edu\/aioerguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.hccfl.edu\/aioerguide\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=27"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.hccfl.edu\/aioerguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=27"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.hccfl.edu\/aioerguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=27"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}