Inviting AI Into the Composition Classroom
Elizabeth Melick, Susan Edele · 2024
In this chapter, two of this book’s authors (Elizabeth Melick and Sue Edele) offer examples of activities that can be used to invite AI into the Composition classroom. These are discrete activities that can be implemented as standalone introductions to using AI tools in the writing process or as a series of linked activities that help students explore multiple uses of AI for academic writing. Here, Edele offers an introductory activity that guides students through a first interaction with an LLM, along with commentary on how students have responded to this activity in her classes. Next, Melick offers a model for starting a conversation with students about AI, which is an important first step for any instructor who plans to have students interact with AI tools in class. Then Melick offers three additional activities that incorporate AI into different steps in the writing process, including choosing and refining a topic, analyzing articles for a research paper using an AI tool, and using AI for feedback on a rough draft. Throughout these examples, Melick uses two fictional students to represent the varying viewpoints and experiences students have had as they interact with AI in her courses, as well as to show what kinds of outputs students might receive from AI tools for certain activities.