Description
Book SynopsisAI and Writing is an introduction to Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and its emergent role as a tool for academic, professional, civic, and personal writing. Sid Dobrin examines GenAI from two perspectives: the conceptual and the applied. The conceptual approach asks readers to consider the function of GenAI in their writing and to consider the ramifications of its use as a writing tool especially the ethical, social, and material issues it raises. The applied approach offers guidance to assist readers in using GenAI responsibly and authentically. In consideration of the rapid evolution of GenAI and the many unsettled questions about its utility, this book leaves room for readers to adapt to shifting technological and institutional contexts.
This book is intended for composition and writing-intensive courses, and for any readers with a general or professional interest in the role of GenAI in writing. While it's primarily designed for first-year writing courses, it's also applicable to courses in advanced writing, professional writing, technical writing, business writing, and writing across the curriculum, as well as writing-intensive courses in other disciplines. In other words, it can be used in any course in which students are required to produce texts.
Trade Review“AI and Writing is a practical, just-in-time guide for students—and teachers—on the uses and limitations of Generative AI in writing. Just as importantly, it will prompt critical reflection about AI's role in the future of writing and writing education. An invaluable read for anyone who wants to better understand GenAI and its impact on education.” — Naomi Mardock Uman, Metropolitan Community College
“Sid Dobrin’s AI and Writing offers engaging insights that cut through contemporary anxiety surrounding generative AI in education. This book adeptly navigates both the speculative and the practical landscape of digital technologies, demystifying the complexities of generative AI and presenting actionable insights. Dobrin’s writing is framed by a philosophical and ethical lens that makes this book relevant, accessible, and essential reading for educators and learners alike.” — Clare Dyson, RMIT University Adobe Creative Campus
“Sid Dobrin has spent his career pushing us to see what comes next for writing, and AI and Writing offers yet another exciting glimpse around the corner.… Dobrin’s book offers educators and students alike a vantage point from which to engage writing’s future.” — Jason Crider, Texas A&M University
“Whether you are preparing students and colleagues for the new world of writing with AI or just trying to help them catch up to what has happened since the release of ChatGPT, Sid Dobrin offers an essential resource. The speed of change in AI and writing can be intimidating, but Dobrin deftly captures the enduring questions, illuminates a longer history than some might realize for these technologies, and sets an agenda for thoughtful engagement with AI rather than a reactionary response.” — William Hart-Davidson, Michigan State University
Table of Contents- I. Introduction: ChatGPT and the Generative Artificial Intelligence Surge
- Automated Writing: It's not Really New
- History of Writing Technologies and Cultural Panic
II. What is Generative AI? (And for that matter, what is AI?)
- The Myths of Artificial Intelligence
- Artificial Intelligence Briefly Defined
- Generative Artificial Intelligence Briefly Defined
- How Does Generative Artificial Intelligence Work?
- What are our Assumptions and Expectations about GenAI?
III. Generative AI and Academic Integrity (as well as professional, civic, and personal integrity)
- Generative AI and Integrity
- The Plagiarism Problem
- Spaces of Judgement
IV. What is an Author?
- Generative AI and the Idea of Authorship
- Where is My Writing?
- Writing with Algorithms
- Does generative AI 'Write'?
V. The Places of Generative AI Writing
- Academic
- Professional
- Civic
- Personal
VI. Generative AI and Writing Processes
- Generative AI and Invention
- Generative AI and Drafting
- Generative AI and Revision
VII. Generative AI and Creativity
- What is Art?
- What is original?
- Visual Rhetoric and GenAI
- Generative AI and Multimodal Writing
VIII. Generative AI Best Practices
