How to Write with AI for Learning (without losing quality) - Talk AI and Writing with Matt Thomas

Can you use ChatGPT to help design courses without losing clarity or quality?

In this episode, Joseph talks with Matt Thomas, technical writer, content creator, and author of Writing for Robots, to talk about how learning professionals can use AI tools like ChatGPT to amplify their writing without outsourcing their brain. From synthesizing SME content to structuring outlines, Matt shares how he uses AI in real instructional workflows and how you can too.

Whether you’re drafting course materials, writing learning objectives, or collaborating with subject matter experts, this episode will give you practical ways to integrate AI while keeping the quality high and your voice intact.

🧠 In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why you shouldn't let AI take the first pass at your writing
• How Matt uses ChatGPT to distill SME inputs into clear, structured content
• The biggest mistakes IDs and writers make with AI
• How to prompt more effectively (and think like a writer before you type)
• Why critical thinking is more essential because of AI—not despite it

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Welcome and Matt’s origin story with AI

01:55 – The magic fades—but the usefulness grows

03:43 – Technical writing background and cross-industry lessons

05:23 – Using ChatGPT for synthesis, not just writing

07:21 – You can’t outsource your brain

09:37 – What AI can’t replace in good writing

10:43 – From prompting guide to Writing for Robots

13:32 – Why AI isn’t Photoshop: models behave differently

15:02 – Designing content that fits multiple learner styles

17:08 – Biggest mistakes new AI users make

18:30 – Instructional design meets AI: where to start

20:02 – SME communication and AI as an editing partner

21:39 – Don’t lose your voice or judgment

23:42 – Matt’s take on different AI models

25:25 – Final thoughts + where to find Matt’s work

🔗 Connect with Matt

✍️ Prompting Guide: writing4robots.ai

💼 LinkedIn: Matt Thomas

🥁 YouTube Drum Covers: @MGT81Music

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Thanks for tuning in—and we’ll talk soon.