Writing and Artificial Intelligence
Generative AI tools, including platforms such as Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT, are transforming what writing instruction looks like in higher education. As this emerging technology continues to reshape what it means to practice writing, there’s no real consensus on how these tools should be used—or whether they should be used at all. Some students and faculty actively avoid generative AI in the classroom. Others are not yet familiar with the wide range of tools and capabilities available to students and instructors. And some are embracing these new tools and actively experimenting with them.
I’m part of that last group. I have been writing and teaching with generative AI tools since Spring 2023, and I have seen firsthand both the positive and negative ways they can impact our writing process. Knowing when an AI tool is appropriate is an important skill that requires critical thinking. I choose to teach with AI because I think that it’s important for students to know how to use them to prepare for the workplace. In this class, we will use generative AI for a variety of assignments.
Most colleges including the College of Western Idaho are developing guidance or policies around AI use in the classroom. Students should become familiar with their institution’s and instructor’s AI policies as they navigate the AI landscape.
For example, at the College of Western Idaho, your school syllabus now includes three options (instructors are required to choose one):
Example of the Most Restrictive Language
Aligned with my commitment to academic integrity and my teaching and assessment style, the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including but not limited to ChatGPT, DALL-E, and similar platforms, is strictly prohibited in this course. Using AI for assignments constitutes academic dishonesty, equitable to cheating and plagiarism, and will be met with sanctions consistent with any other Academic Integrity violation.
Example of Moderately Restrictive Language
Aligned with my commitment to academic integrity and the ethical use of technology, this course allows AI tools like ChatGPT, DALL-E, and similar platforms for specific tasks such as brainstorming, idea refinement, and grammar checks. Using AI to write drafts or complete assignments is not permitted, and any use of AI must be cited, including the tool used, access date, and query. It is the expectation that in all uses of AI, students critically evaluate the information for accuracy and bias while respecting privacy and copyright laws.
The use of AI outside the allowed criteria constitutes academic dishonesty, is equitable to cheating and plagiarism, and will be met with sanctions consistent with any other academic integrity violation.
Example of Least Restrictive Language (this is what we use in our course)
Aligned with my commitment to academic integrity, creativity, and ethical use of technology, AI tools like ChatGPT, DALL-E, and similar platforms to enhance learning are encouraged as a supplementary resource use and not a replacement for personal insight or analysis. Any use of AI must be cited, including the tool used, access date, and query. I expect that in all uses of AI, students critically evaluate the information for accuracy and bias while respecting privacy and copyright laws.
Misuse of AI, such as failing to cite or using AI to misrepresent your work, constitutes academic dishonesty, equitable to cheating and plagiarism, and will be met with sanctions consistent with any other Academic Integrity violation.
In this class, we will use a formative assessment tool called My Essay Feedback to provide feedback on your writing tasks. We will also incorporate generative AI tools into our writing process in a variety of ways. In all cases, we will learn to cite and acknowledge these tools.
What this guide aims to do
The purpose of this guide is to offer an accessible introduction to writing with AI for dual enrollment and first-year college students. In the following chapters, students will:
- understand how large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT are trained to generate text;
- understand the limitations, risks, and ethical considerations associated LLMs;
- become acquainted with the range of AI platforms and applications that can assist writing;
- better understand how to prompt LLM chatbots such as ChatGPT;
- become familiar with how to cite and acknowledge the use of generative AI in the classroom.
