The use of AI to create first drafts in writing is viewed as problematic as it undermines the essence of a first draft. The first draft is considered crucial for dumping ideas, clarifying thoughts, synthesizing information, and creating knowledge. By allowing AI to handle the initial draft, the focus shifts from writing as a creative act to assessment as the end point. Writing is seen as a means to solidify knowledge and create something new, not just to showcase acquired knowledge.
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