As educators in the English Department, Andrew Pilsch and I find ourselves at the intersection of tradition and innovation. Recently, our department released a statement on generative AI and writing, aiming to demystify and explore the potential of these technologies within our field.
One prevalent misconception is that English departments solely focus on literature. While literature is undoubtedly a cornerstone, our department is equally invested in teaching writing and cultivating critical thinking about the writing process itself. Generative AI, despite its novelty, aligns with these goals.
Our motivation behind the syllabus statement stems from a desire to move beyond moral panic and prohibition surrounding AI in writing. Instead, we advocate for conversations that highlight its potential as a writing tool. Drawing parallels to past concerns about technologies like Wikipedia, we emphasize the importance of understanding and embracing AI's role in enhancing the research and writing journey.
To facilitate this shift in perspective, we recommend resources such as Sidney I. Dobrin's "A.I. and Writing" and the open-access collection "TextGenED." These texts offer valuable insights and reflections for educators interested in integrating generative AI into writing assignments and activities.
Demystifying generative AI involves articulating its capabilities and limitations to faculty and students alike. By fostering an environment of informed exploration, we empower individuals to harness the full potential of these technologies while maintaining ethical and academic integrity.
Furthermore, we advocate for interdisciplinary and applied approaches to generative AI. Collaboration across fields and disciplines enriches our understanding and opens doors to innovative uses of AI in writing and beyond.
In essence, our approach to navigating AI in the classroom is rooted in embracing its potential as a writing tool while fostering critical conversations about its use. By moving beyond fear and prohibition, we pave the way for a future where AI seamlessly integrates into the writing process, enriching scholarship and creativity alike.
