Revolution or Evolution? Artificial Intelligence (AI) and The Mechanics of Writing
Authors: Allen, S., Bickle, E. and Holley, D.
Conference: Fusion Conference, Bournemouth University
Abstract:“AI-powered computation tools for written content, image generation and coding are here to stay; the most important thing right now is to make sure that institutions – and the sector as a whole – have a clear understanding of what the technology can really do” (JISC news 2023)
A hotly contested debate in Higher Education remains: where does the responsibility lie for the development of student writing? Wherever our students are learning, be it formatively, creatively, or summatively, they have to write - often with pain, pressure, and little support, but seldom for pleasure. Enabling writing across the disciplines may just have been transformed through Generative Artificial Intelligence, and much of the sector has responded with an initial knee-jerk reaction to ban these revolutionary tools. But – could there be a different way? The Office for Students, in their new B3 directive is seeking for institutions to explore student attainment differentials and to redress the intersectionality of marginalisation. Could generative AI tools be a way to level the playing field? Instead of the “assessment arms race” (HEPI 2023), could we be exploring ways in which to alleviate the pain of writing and reproducing knowledge in those dry academic offerings across disciplines, and instead, through ethically and knowledgeable guidance, use these tools to emancipate student writing to be diverse, joyous, and creative? An evolutionary approach through well designed, innovative, and negotiated assessment practices could be the answer.
Source: Manual