Leon Furze debunks the myth of the AI first draft, emphasizing the importance of the writing process over the final product. He discusses the impact of AI on education, encourages interdisciplinary learning and creativity, and explores AI resources for educators.
Emphasize individual creativity in writing over standardized assessment outcomes.
Encourage students to face writing challenges, persevere, and find unique creative paths.
Deep dives
Implications of Generative Artificial Intelligence on Writing Instruction
Leon Furs, an international consultant with experience in education and leadership, discusses the impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI) on writing instruction and education. Furs highlights the rapid evolution of AI technologies like chat GPT impacting writing instruction in a matter of months rather than years. The episode delves into AI's challenges to traditional writing paradigms, suggesting a need to reconsider assessment practices and the purpose of teaching writing beyond mere assessment outcomes.
The Myth of the AI First Draft
Leon Furs introduces the concept of the 'Myth of the AI First Draft,' critiquing the trend of using AI to generate initial drafts for students. Furs argues that devaluing the traditional first draft process by relying on AI undermines the essence of creating ideas, synthesizing thoughts, and establishing knowledge. He emphasizes the importance of reserving creative processes, idea generation, and synthesis for individuals to maintain the integrity of the writing process.
Shifting Writing Perspectives
Furs challenges the conventional perception of writing as a standardized assessment outcome, advocating for a more creative and individualistic approach. He emphasizes that writing should be viewed as a creative act rather than a standardized performance, promoting the idea that writing is inherently difficult and should not be undermined by quick technological shortcuts. Furs encourages embracing the challenges of writing and fostering creativity in diverse forms of self-expression.
Embracing Difficulties in Writing and Learning
Furs discusses the importance of embracing writing challenges and difficulties, highlighting the value of perseverance and experimentation in the learning process. He advocates for creating opportunities for students to engage in experimentation and find their unique creative paths, emphasizing that not everyone needs to excel in traditional writing formats. Furs underscores the significance of allowing individuals to express themselves in varied ways while acknowledging the inherent difficulties of the creative process.
Leon Furze shares the myth of the AI first draft on episode 521 of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast.
Quotes from the episode
We need to provide opportunities for people to find things hard, to persevere, and to see if they come out the other side.
-Leon Furze
For me, brainstorming, idea generation, drafting, all of that is far more important than the finished product itself.
-Leon Furze
If we’re going to accuse students of cheating and then allow professors or or educators to use the technology for assessments, that’s hypocritical, and probably quite condescending.
-Leon Furze