This paper addresses the challenges faced in writing instruction and propose a solution using generative AI technology.
The main takeaways from the paper are as follows:
- Disconnect between writing research and student performance: The paper highlights the lack of scalable solutions to help college graduates meet the standards of written proficiency despite extensive research on writing instruction.
- Threat to writing “thoughtfully” in the age of AI: The emergence of generative AI poses a challenge to writing that involves critical thinking and thoughtful expression.
- Four principles central to addressing the writing problem: The paper introduces four principles to tackle the writing problem effectively, including reducing the writer’s cognitive load, supporting extended prewriting activity, directing writing activities through genre knowledge, and supporting review/revision processes.
- Introduction of myScribe: The paper presents myScribe as an AI-enhanced online writing environment that incorporates generative and assessment tools. It aims to support writers throughout the writing process, from initial-phase writing to the completion of the final draft.
- Vision for the future of writing: The authors envision a future where AI technology, when properly harnessed, enhances the writing process by freeing up writers’ time for critical thinking skills, planning, and communicating substantive ideas. They emphasize that AI can make writing more fluid, democratic, and inclusive.
- Features of myScribe: The paper highlights specific features of myScribe, such as the Notes-to-Prose tool that translates a writer’s notes into prose, aiding in reducing the cognitive load of sentence crafting. Additionally, myScribe offers AI-based assessment tools for evaluating drafts from various perspectives, including reader expectations, logical flow, content coverage, and sentence clarity.
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