New Technologies

Tech to consider for writing classrooms (face-to-face and online courses)

Peer review softwares:
- Canvas’ peer review
- Eli Review
OER resources, such as Pressbooks
- Some have LMS integrations
(more to be added soon)

Generative AI

What is generative AI? AI stands for artificial intelligence–computer software that analyzes pre-existing data and human content. Generative AI has the ability to create content, such as videos, pictures, art, music, or text. The information that GenAI creates is not necessarily new, but a remix of already existing data and often stolen information.

How to Spot AI in Writing

There are AI detection tools, such as GPTZero or CopyLeaks, but they should not be the only tool in your toolbox. Human judgement is still necessary because these services are frequently incorrect. For example, a person’s writing style is similar to how AI writes (this is often true of academic writing).

Possible signs of GenAI use might be excess of symbolism, importance, promotional language, speculation, or conjunctions; superficial analysis, to place extra importance on a topic; links that don’t work and inaccurate citations; and vagueness. You can find more specifics on signs of AI writing from this resource by Wikipedia. A way for teachers to curb use of AI would be to require more citations and verify them, or to incorporate low-stakes draft scaffolding in the writing process.

How to Use AI Responsibly in a Classroom

AI tools like ChatGPT can be used to generate ideas, give feedback, show what not to do, adapt designs, and more. If you want to allow the use of AI in your classroom, a good way to start is by telling your students to be transparent about how they use it and vice versa. For example, have your students describe how they used AI in their work and why it was helpful to them. Learn more strategies here.

AI can be a helpful tool but it can also be harmful. Some teachers use AI to prepare parts of their teaching or give feedback to students. Consider how to be transparent with students about when you use GenAI–and consider where this may harm your relationship or credibility with those students.

Example GenAI policies

Require transparency in how, where, and why the student used AI
Only allow AI on rough drafts and to generate ideas
Require AI use is cited like a source
Have alternative ways to show knowledge other than writing (that is, projects where AI is less useful)
Ban use of GenAI editing/revision tools (such as Grammarly)

Marisa Yerace