Friend or Foe: Navigating the AI Revolution in Writing Classrooms - Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

The integration of AI in writing classrooms presents both significant challenges and promising opportunities. There are concerns about academic integrity, as AI tools can facilitate plagiarism and raise questions about the authenticity of student work. As Ethan Mollick notes, educators face a choice: either treat AI as a form of cheating or integrate it thoughtfully into the learning process. Additionally, the digital divide poses a challenge, as unequal access to AI tools can exacerbate educational inequalities. However, AI offers substantial benefits, such as personalized feedback and support for diverse learning styles, acting as a force multiplier for instructors. AI can also inspire creativity by generating new ideas and perspectives, with researchers highlighting that AI often out-innovates humans in idea generation. Practical strategies for educators will be shared in this session and include incorporating AI tools for drafting and editing, providing personalized feedback, teaching critical evaluation of AI-generated content, using AI for creative writing prompts, implementing collaborative projects, offering professional development, and developing ethical use policies. By embracing AI thoughtfully, we can enhance the teaching and learning experience in writing classrooms while addressing potential pitfalls.

Presenters

Alison Reynolds
Program Director/Instructional Professor, University Writing Program, University of Florida, United States