Virtual AWP Pedagogy: Using AI in Creative Writing Practice
Nonprofits & Activism
Introduction
Hello and welcome to the AWP virtual pedagogy talk focused on using AI in creative writing pedagogy and practice. Moderated by Michelle Morano, an accomplished author and professor, the session included a panel of experts: Rebecca Dunham, AE Osworth, Jen Sammons, and Alyssa Wasuta. Each brought a unique perspective on the implications of AI in creative writing education and practice.
The Complexity of AI in Writing
From the onset of AI tools like ChatGPT, the challenge faced by writing instructors has been how to incorporate AI's potential into creative writing courses while managing ethical concerns and students' use of technology. These discussions are timely as instructors grapple with policies regarding generative AI, especially since many students use these tools in their jobs but face restrictions in educational settings.
AE Osworth shared their journey with AI, describing how they originally engaged with generative AI through storytelling in a novel where AI takes on a villainous role. They outlined their ethical considerations and the potential dangers of AI misuse in creative contexts. Similarly, Alyssa Wasuta reflected on their engagement with generative AI, particularly in the realm of research, emphasizing the importance of using AI as a collaborative tool rather than a replacement for genuine creative practice.
Creative Exercises and Student Engagement
Jen Sammons highlighted the value of interactive exercises that involve AI in the classroom. One such exercise involved students generating a list of statements beginning with "I am from" and developing creative writing from those prompts. By comparing their original pieces with AI-generated responses, students were prompted to engage critically with both their identity and the limits of AI in capturing human experiences.
Furthering this discussion, Rebecca Dunham expressed that while she hadn't used AI extensively in her writing, she believed in emphasizing creative writing processes over final product-based learning. She encouraged students to explore AI as a means of feedback but cautioned them against relying solely on it. This aligns with the broader pedagogical aim of fostering agency and individuality in student writers.
Ethical Considerations in AI Usage
Addressing the ethical dimensions of AI, Osworth articulated that the use of AI raises serious issues regarding authorship and intellectual property, stemming from the compilation of vast amounts of existing work without consent. However, they argued that while there might be no ethical use of certain AI tools like OpenAI, it’s vital to approach AI use in creative writing from a place of curiosity and learning.
The consensus among the panelists suggested that integrating AI into the writing process should enhance a writer's voice and process, not diminish it. By treating AI like a collaborative entity or even a response mechanism (like tarot cards), writers can navigate challenges in embracing their creativity in conjunction with AI's capabilities.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the discussion presented by these experts reflected a dynamic interplay between creativity, technology, and ethics. The potential of AI in creative writing is not just as a tool but as a provocateur that encourages reflection on voice, process, and innovation. The panel concluded that while AI poses considerable challenges in education and creativity, it also sparks rich conversations about identity and artistic integrity.
Keyword
AI, creative writing, pedagogy, generative AI, ethical considerations, student agency, identity, writing process, feedback, collaboration.
FAQ
Q1: How is AI impacting creative writing classes?
A1: AI challenges instructors to integrate technology while maintaining ethical standards and fostering student agency in their writing.
Q2: What exercises can be used to engage students with AI?
A2: One effective exercise involves students generating personal statements and comparing their writing with AI-generated responses, prompting critical analysis of their own voices.
Q3: Is there an ethical way to use AI in writing?
A3: While serious ethical concerns exist, using AI as a collaborative tool and a means of feedback can be approached from a place of curiosity and intention.
Q4: Can AI generate poetry effectively?
A4: Most panelists agree that AI struggles with poetry, often producing clichéd or nonsensical results, demonstrating the uniqueness of human creativity.
Q5: How can educators help students navigate AI's complexities?
A5: Educators can guide students in understanding the strengths and limitations of AI, encouraging them to use these tools thoughtfully and to enhance their own creative processes.