A Closer Look

Picture students in the vast, open frontier of the Wild West, where every tool and companion count in their journey. In the rugged expanse of academic writing, AI has emerged as a trusty sidekick, a kind of digital 'pardner' in the art of essay planning and peer review. Just as a seasoned cowboy relies on his loyal horse to navigate the uncharted territories, students can team up with AI to brainstorm innovative ideas for their essays, ensuring they are not venturing into their writing as lone rangers. This AI buddy is not just about spit balling ideas; it is also there to give a tip of the hat and some friendly advice on their drafts before they submit it for grading. By partnering with AI in these ethical ways, students saddle up for success, ensuring their essays are as sharp as a newly forged spur!

AI can be a student’s “scribe on the side” as they wander through the daunting desert landscape that can represent academic essay writing. Rather than concentrate on telling students what they should not do, focus on what they can do with AI to improve their language skills. There are AI-driven opportunities in every stage of the writing process!

AI can be a student’s “brainstorming buddy” in the very early stages of essay conception and planning. Student writers may bounce ideas off generative AI and see what strikes their fancy. They can chat with an AI bot as they would a friend. Or they can type prompts into Chat GPT and access a seemingly endless list of ideas based on the assignment’s requirements.

If AI had a day job, it would be outlining, indexing, and organizing information, both on a large and small scale. This is good news for our language learners who may benefit from help organizing their thoughts in the pre-writing stage. By using AI-powered writing assistants, students can efficiently organize their thoughts and structure their research. These tools can suggest relevant topics and subtopics based on the main thesis, helping to ensure that all necessary aspects are covered systematically. AI can also provide examples of effective outlines, demonstrating how to link ideas logically and maintain coherence throughout the essay.

Perhaps the most exciting way for student writers and language learners to utilize AI is to submit their own papers, and in some instances their assignment’s rubric, to see how their papers stand up against each individual category on the rubric, or at least against a universal rubric. There are AI-driven apps like essaygrader.com that are specifically designed to review academic essays and provide feedback, but in many cases even the free version of Chat GPT will produce comparable feedback and suggestions (Please refer to the video). This can be a game changer when it comes to self-review and the peer review process. It increases the efficacy of student writers in the language classroom.

Applications for Teaching and Learning

AI tools are becoming trusted companions for English students and other language learners who are navigating the complex landscape of language and writing. These AI “steeds” are not just bearers of burdens, but smart, adaptive guides that adjust to the learner’s pace. This AI partner acts like a trusted trail guide, leading students through the dense underbrush of grammar rules and winding paths of vocabulary development and sentence construction. Whether it is using smart apps that fine-tune speaking abilities with real-time feedback or through sophisticated platforms that design immersive reading and writing adventures, these AI tools help learners saddle up their potential and ride confidently towards proficiency. In this modern educational rodeo, AI ensures that every learner has a trusty sidekick to help them lasso their learning goals in the expansive ranch of the English language.

Another accessory writing activity that instructors may use to supplement their classroom activities is made available through Curipod (curipod.com). Additional writing activities such as AI-generated or customized discussion question slides may be generated and once a student submits a response, they will receive personalized AI-generated feedback. Using these in the classroom can supplement discussions and CATS and offer students a variety of types of feedback and points of view on their writing, in addition to immediate feedback.

Best Practices for Customizing Content with AI

Customizing content with AI in English and language-learning classrooms, both online and in traditional classrooms, can enhance the learning experience significantly, but it requires thoughtful implementation to ensure that it aligns with educational goals and addresses the specific needs of students. Here are some best practices for effectively incorporating AI into curriculum and instruction:

First, it is essential to choose AI tools that can adapt to the varying skill levels and interests of students. For instance, AI-driven platforms can analyze students’ writing styles and levels of proficiency, allowing instructors to tailor assignments and feedback accordingly. This personalization helps to challenge advanced students while providing more guided practice for those who need it. Additionally, AI can generate diverse reading materials that cater to students’ interests and academic needs, thus increasing engagement and fostering a more inclusive learning environment.

Furthermore, incorporating AI into curriculum should involve a blend of technology and traditional teaching methods. AI tools should be used to complement and enhance traditional instructional techniques, not replace them. For example, while AI can provide initial grammar and style feedback on student essays, it should be combined with peer reviews and instructor feedback to provide a richer learning experience. This ensures that students not only learn from the AI but also develop critical thinking and analytical skills by engaging with human feedback.

Finally, transparency is crucial when integrating AI into the classroom. Educators should openly discuss how AI tools work and their potential limitations with students. This includes addressing possible biases in AI outputs and the importance of critical engagement with technology (see the AI prompt checklist below in "Tools & Tutorials"). By understanding the workings and limitations of AI, students can better utilize these tools in a way that enhances their learning without becoming overly reliant on them. By adhering to these best practices, educators can effectively customize content in their language and writing classrooms using AI, creating a dynamic, supportive, and enriching educational environment that prepares students for both academic and professional success.

 Ethics, Bias, and Mitigation Strategies

Teaching an English class without addressing the use of AI in the classroom may be compared to ignoring the proverbial “elephant in the room.” According to Foltynek et al, if students do not have the opportunity to learn about the ethical use of AI, they will be more susceptible to engaging in the inappropriate use of AI, which may constitute academic misconduct (2023). Likewise, educators should be comfortable with GCU policy on the use of AI in the classroom and develop a course-level understanding of acceptable AI use in the classroom. All AI users should be aware of the potential for biases, inaccuracies, and incorrect content output when using generative AI.

Key Takeaways & Resources

1. Educational Potential of AI: AI in education is likened to finding gold in the "Wild West" of emerging technologies. It presents significant opportunities for increasing productivity, driving innovation, and enhancing learning outcomes.
2. Role of AI in Writing: AI serves as a valuable assistant in various stages of essay writing, from brainstorming and outlining to drafting and reviewing. It helps students organize their thoughts, develop ideas, and refine their drafts.
3. Ethical Use and Transparency: The ethical use of AI is emphasized, requiring transparency and proper training for both educators and students. This ensures that AI is used responsibly and effectively.
4. Feedback and Assessment Tools: AI-driven tools like essay graders can assess students’ work against specific rubrics, providing feedback that enhances self-review and peer review processes.
5. Supplementary Educational Tools: AI also supports additional classroom activities, such as generating discussion questions and providing personalized feedback, enriching the learning experience.
6. Customization and Bias Awareness: Educators are encouraged to customize AI content while being aware of potential biases and inaccuracies in AI outputs. Understanding and addressing these concerns are crucial for maintaining academic integrity.
7. Institutional and Course-Level Policies: It's important for educators to be familiar with GCU policies regarding AI use in classrooms and to develop a clear understanding of acceptable AI practices at the course level.
8. Learning About AI Ethics: Students should be educated about the ethical considerations of using AI to prevent misuse and ensure they are prepared to use AI tools appropriately in their academic and professional lives.

Integrating artificial intelligence into the classroom can be likened to navigating a relationship with in-laws. Establishing a successful relationship with AI involves mutual understanding, respect, and clear boundaries. When we introduce AI into our educational environments, it is crucial to approach it with n open mind, recognizing its potential to enrich learning while being cautious of its limitations and potential pitfalls.

To make the most of this relationship, it is essential to communicate effectively – educating ourselves and our students about how to use these tools responsibly and to their full potential. We must be vigilant about setting the right expectations, such as understanding that AI is a supplement to traditional teaching methods, not a replacement. Much like with in-laws, the goal is to find a harmonious balance that enhances our lives and fulfills our needs without overshadowing our own values and practices.

As we foster this “family relationship” with AI in our classrooms, lets strive for a partnership that respects the contributions of all parties, leverages strengths, and compensates for weaknesses. By doing so, we can create a supportive, dynamic educational experience that prepares our students not just to meet the future but to shape it. Remember, in the vast desert of educational technology, AI is not an outlaw to be wary of, but more like an in-law – it is in our best interest to get along for a more innovative and effective classroom!

Developed by Stephanie Palenque, Grand Canyon University

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