For a Student Who Used AI to Write a Paper

Writing Workshop

Workshop Title: AI

Step 1

Ask your students, “What are your thoughts on students who use AI to write their papers for them? Or just the act of using AI to write things in general?”

Step 2

Read “For a Student Who Used AI to Write a Paper” by Joseph Fasano.
When you’re done, briefly discuss the poem. What is the author’s attitude not just toward the student, but students in general who seemingly need to use AI to generate their papers?

Step 3

Say, “Take a few minutes to think of all that is lost and gained when a student uses AI to create a piece of art, whether that be an essay, a poem, an illustration, etc. Jot down as much as you can.” Then give your students a few minutes to brainstorm.

Step 4

Have your students compose a poem similar in sentiment to “For a Student Who Used AI to Write a Paper” in which they offer their opinions on AI and how it’s being utilized today.

Step 5

When the students are done, have them share their responses with one another.

The full presentation may be found HERE.

Analytical Lesson

Area of Focus: Various

Step 1

This lesson allows students to analyze various concepts and skills, so it is recommended that you have covered several of the “standalone” lessons before assigning this one.

Step 2

Ask your students to share their opinions about students using AI bots to generate their essays. Why do students use AI programs to create their essays? What is lost when students have to resort to that? What ethical and practical concerns arise?

Step 3

Read “For a Student Who Used AI to Write a Paper” by Joseph Fasano. As you’re reading, ask your students to pay close attention to the poet’s attitude toward “the student who used AI to write a paper” and the use of AI in general. When you’re done, briefly discuss.

Step 4

Have your students open the following document and go over the directions with them. In this assignment, your students are going to emulate the writing style of the poet by composing a letter (in prose) to the student who was caught using AI to write a paper. Then give your students time to work.

Step 5

When your students are done, have a few of them share their letters with the rest of the class. Then have them briefly discuss the “literary moves” that they borrowed from the original piece that they incorporated in their own work.