When AI Speaks for Students: The Challenge of Authentic Writing
The Double-Edged Sword of AI Assistance
As an English teacher, I have seen students rely on tools like ChatGPT when they struggle to start or find the right words. It can be tempting to see blank pages fill with organized text almost instantly. Yet, I have observed that this approach often results in writing that lacks personal voice and reflection. The text can feel impersonal and disconnected, missing the unique insights and experiences that usually characterize a student's work. Even for advanced students, ChatGPT-generated text can sound generic and lack the nuanced perspective that thoughtful writing requires.
ChatGPT's ability to generate text changes how writing assignments are approached. Authentic writing involves organizing thoughts, synthesizing ideas, and presenting arguments. When a tool generates the text, students have fewer opportunities to practice these skills.
I have particularly noticed this issue with my gifted students. Even when they use ChatGPT, their writing often lacks the critical thinking and personal insight that usually distinguish their work. The text can feel overly uniform and detached, which is concerning given their typical level of engagement and originality.
A Learning Environment or a Performance Support System?
According to a recent article in TechTrends (2024), ChatGPT functions more as an Electronic Performance Support System (EPSS) than a learning tool. It can provide rapid answers but may not support knowledge construction. Writing, from a constructivist perspective, involves building ideas, making connections, and expressing understanding. ChatGPT may bypass this process by generating responses without requiring mental effort from the user.
The Risk of Undermining 21st-Century Skills
In the digital age, students need critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities—not just information retrieval. One challenge I have seen is that when ChatGPT generates text without revealing its sources, it bypasses essential information evaluation practices. Students may struggle to distinguish between credible and unreliable content, affecting their digital literacy.
While ChatGPT encourages crafting specific prompts, this skill differs from traditional research or academic inquiry. Educators may need to reconsider how to integrate AI tools without reducing the depth of learning tasks.
Rethinking Writing Assessment
One of the primary challenges is assessment. If a student submits a ChatGPT-generated text, it may not accurately reflect their understanding. High-quality outputs do not necessarily indicate personal insight or mastery. To maintain academic integrity, educators could incorporate oral defenses or reflective components alongside written work. This approach would encourage students to demonstrate not only what they know but how they developed their understanding.
Moving Forward
The use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT requires thoughtful integration in education. Educators can guide students to use these tools to enhance not replace their cognitive efforts. Instead of relying on ChatGPT as a shortcut, it can be framed as a tool for brainstorming or drafting, while the final product should reflect personal reflection and critical analysis.
By focusing on the writing process, students can retain ownership of their learning. The goal is to integrate technology responsibly while preserving the integrity of writing as a thoughtful and reflective practice.
