ChatGPT: Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a new open protocol developed by Anthropic (announced in 2024) to let AI models—like Claude, ChatGPT, or others—connect safely to external tools, apps, and data sources. Here’s the idea in plain terms:
Problem it solves:
AI models don’t automatically know about your local files, databases, or business apps. Giving them unrestricted access can be risky.
What MCP does:
MCP is a standardized, secure interface that acts as a middle layer between the AI and external systems. Instead of giving the model direct access, you set up “MCP servers” that expose only the specific data or functions you want the model to use.
How it works:
- An AI model (the client) connects to one or more MCP servers.
- Each server can expose tools (e.g., “query this database,” “fetch this API [Application Programming Interface],” “search these files”).
- The model can request actions through the protocol, but you control what’s available.
- Communication uses a structured JSON-based [JavaScript Object Notation] format, designed to be auditable and transparent.
Why it matters:
- Creates portability: any MCP-compliant model can work with the same tools.
- Adds safety & security: you decide what functions the model can call.
- Makes AI integration easier: developers don’t have to reinvent the wheel for each chatbot—just expose tools over MCP.
Think of MCP as something like an “API for models to use APIs”, but standardized so that any compliant AI can plug into it.
For example, instead of hardcoding a model’s access to Google Drive, you’d set up an MCP server that exposes only the ability to list files or read certain docs. Any MCP-enabled AI (Claude, potentially ChatGPT in the future, etc.) can then use that safely.
Example: A Tiny MCP Server That Exposes a “Weather” Tool
Imagine you want your AI model to be able to check the weather. Instead of giving it direct internet access, you create an MCP server that only exposes a getWeather tool.
How It Works in Practice
- The AI model connects to this MCP server. It discovers what tools are available by reading this JSON manifest.
- The model calls the tool (example call, also JSON).
- The MCP server replies with a structured response.
- The model can then use that result in its conversation with you, without ever having direct internet access itself.
Key Takeaway
The MCP server acts like a menu of safe capabilities that you expose. The AI only sees what’s on the menu and has to request things explicitly. That’s why Anthropic and others are excited about it—it standardizes how models can safely interact with external systems.
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Educational Technology and Change Journal 
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