A recent discussion on Twitter has brought up the issue of using AI language tools for writing assignments. The debate was sparked when a correspondent drew a parallel between using ChatGPT for writing and using a calculator in math or applied math classes. Writer John Warner, a colleague at IHE, took to Twitter to express his frustration at this comparison. Social media users responded vigorously, arguing that writing involves thinking, synthesizing, and creating something new, unlike math, which requires precise calculations.
Most of the time, writing assignments are not meant to generate new knowledge but serve as practice putting thoughts together into a coherent whole. Many writers find it frustrating to submit outlines before starting paper assignments. They argue that they do not know where their papers are going until they start writing. The purpose of songwriting is similar, where songwriters have to refrain from forcing their ideas to fit into formulas, resulting in a formulaic product.
To address these issues, Warner suggests that writing assignments should be rethought to help students develop their skills in creation rather than absorption and recollection. It is essential to move students from these initial tasks and help them acquire different skills required in creation. Writing is one form of creation, but not the only one.
However, the rise of AI language tools like ChatGPT raises concerns about whether plagiarism checks and other tools can identify genuine student work. As AI continues to develop and improve, it may become challenging to distinguish between student work and automated production. While some students may not care, this challenge may be problematic for colleges as many students tend to take shortcuts.
Last week, in an article about ChatGPT forgetting some former vice presidents who became presidents, including Joe Biden, the article contained an embarrassing mistake. The writer failed to fact-check the names ChatGPT provided. For instance, one name, Franklin Pierce, was never a vice president, highlighting the imperfections of AI.
While AI language tools are handy, we must remain cautious about their limitations and potential consequences. Nonetheless, technology continues to advance, and AI will undoubtedly have a profound impact on writing assignments and education in general. In the meantime, it is essential to rethink the way we approach writing assignments to develop students’ creativity and skills in various forms of production.
