What you will learn
Whether they’re writing for work, study, social media, or creative writing, the modern writer has an abundance of tools at their disposal. Spell-checkers, grammar editors, translation tools, word reference websites, online templates, and many more. And now, they have Artificial Intelligence too. Since the release of ChatGPT, the education industry has been scrambling to keep up. The conversation has often focused on how we can use AI to create lessons, identifying writing created by AI or on policing the use of AI. However, like all tools, the focus should be on how to use them effectively.
In this session, I will explore the skills that are necessary to create an effective piece of writing using AI tools, and I will make the case for incorporating these skills into our writing lessons and courses. Participants will get practical ideas they can immediately put into action in their writing lessons or weave into future writing courses. We will also attempt to answer the question: can the use of AI tools to create a piece of writing be considered cheating?
About the trainer
David Byrne – Author, Teacher Trainer, Curriculum Manager / Regional Academic Director @EC English
David Byrne has worked in EFL for over a decade and in that time has taught all the ages, levels and exams he could find. He’s worked in Ireland, England, Spain and South Korea, but the majority of his career has been spent in the UK where he currently works for EC English.
Workshop Summary
Incorporating AI into Writing Lessons: A New Approach
As educators navigate the rapidly evolving educational landscape, the integration of AI tools into writing instruction presents both opportunities and challenges. While ethical concerns surrounding AI in writing are valid, there is a strong case to be made for leveraging these tools to enhance students’ writing skills. By strategically employing AI, teachers can create a supportive learning environment that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication while maintaining the integrity of students’ voices and ideas.
Understanding AI’s Role in Writing
AI tools are becoming increasingly prevalent in classrooms, but they are often met with apprehension. One of the main concerns is the potential for AI to do the work for students, leading to questions about academic honesty. However, when used correctly, AI can be a powerful tool for teaching and improving writing skills.
The first step is to recognise that AI can offer significant support in the writing process, but it should not replace the student’s voice. The key is to use AI as a tool to enhance writing, not as a substitute for the writer’s creativity and personal input.
Writing Effective Prompts
A crucial skill in using AI tools effectively is writing clear and precise prompts. The quality of the AI’s output is directly related to the clarity of the input. Teaching students how to craft effective prompts is essential. For example, instead of merely asking AI to write an essay, students can be taught to provide detailed instructions that leave no room for ambiguity.
One effective technique is to have the AI “interview” the student. By asking the AI to pose questions about the topic, students are prompted to think more deeply about what they want to convey. This process not only clarifies their thoughts but also ensures that the final text reflects their ideas and intentions.
Interactive Process and Redrafting
Writing with AI should be seen as an interactive process. Students might not achieve the desired result with their first prompt, but the beauty of AI is that it allows for rapid redrafting. Encouraging students to refine their prompts and responses until they achieve the desired outcome is an important part of the learning process.
This approach teaches students resilience and persistence in writing. They learn that good writing often involves multiple drafts and revisions, and they develop a more critical eye towards their own work.
Analysing AI Responses
Another valuable skill is the ability to critically analyse AI-generated text. Traditionally, writing lessons involve analysing model texts, but with AI, students have access to virtually unlimited models. This opens up new possibilities for learning.
Students can compare AI-generated texts, examining how different prompts produce different results. They can analyse the organisation, language, and tone of these texts, identifying common features and differences. This process helps them understand genre conventions and appropriate language use, which they can apply to their own writing.
Moreover, students can work in groups to analyse the similarities and differences in AI-generated responses to the same prompt. This collaborative approach not only reinforces learning but also fosters critical thinking and discussion about what makes effective writing.
Maintaining Authenticity and Voice
One of the most important aspects of using AI in writing is ensuring that the student’s voice remains central. The speaker shares an anecdote about how their wife used AI to draft a cover letter. While the AI-generated section was well-written, it was noticeably different from her writing style, creating a jarring effect. This highlights the importance of consistency in writing and the need for students to maintain their own voice, even when using AI.
In practical terms, this means that students should be encouraged to critically assess AI-generated content, asking themselves whether it truly reflects their ideas and voice. They should be trained to seamlessly integrate AI-generated text with their own writing, ensuring that the final product is cohesive and authentically theirs.
Ethical Considerations and Critical Thinking
As AI tools become more integrated into writing instruction, it’s crucial to address the ethical implications. Students must be taught to question the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated content. This involves verifying the sources of information, checking facts, and not taking AI-generated content at face value.
Critical thinking is an essential skill in the modern world, and using AI in writing lessons offers an excellent opportunity to develop this skill. Students should be encouraged to ask questions about the content AI produces, such as the source of a statistic or the accuracy of a quote. This practice not only improves their writing but also prepares them for the complexities of the real world, where information must be critically evaluated.
Practical Applications in the Classroom
To effectively integrate AI into writing lessons, it’s important to start with simple steps. For example, teachers can begin by incorporating AI as a feedback tool. Students can use AI to receive feedback on their drafts, which can help them improve their writing before submitting it for grading. This stage not only familiarises students with AI but also encourages them to engage in the drafting and revision process more thoroughly.
Feedback from students who have participated in AI-enhanced writing lessons has been positive. Many students focus on the improvement in their writing skills rather than on the AI itself, indicating that the integration of AI can be seamless when done correctly. Teachers, too, have found that using AI tools can enhance their teaching and provide new ways to engage students in the writing process.
Conclusion
Integrating AI into writing lessons offers a unique opportunity to enhance students’ writing skills while preparing them for the future. By focusing on effective prompt writing, interactive drafting, critical analysis, and maintaining authenticity, educators can ensure that AI tools are used to support learning rather than undermine it. Moreover, addressing ethical considerations and fostering critical thinking are essential components of this approach. With careful implementation, AI can become a valuable ally in the classroom, helping students to become more skilled, thoughtful, and confident writers.
Reflective Questions
Have a quick think about the reflective questions below in order to get the most out of the workshop:
- Should we be using AI in other skills lessons?
- Why is it important to bring AI into the classroom?
- What is the first step for a teacher bringing AI into the classroom?
- Should AI be in every writing lesson?
- Why is the conversation so focused on what teachers can create with AI and not what students can create with AI?
Recommended Further Reading
- Weller, D. (n.d.). ChatGPT for language teachers: The ultimate prompt handbook for AI productivity.
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