The Rise of ReAIding: "I did not read it, but I understand it"

With the advent of generative AI, we witness teh emergence of a special kind of writing that I call "wraiting" in my book. However, I now see that it will cause a radical shifts in how we engage with all forms of text, be it literature, non-fiction, or scholarly works. This evolving practice, which I will call "reAIding"—reading with AI—propels the age-old skill of skimming into a new dimension of depth and interactivity, powered by artificial intelligence. Imagine that instead of reading about Socrates in Plato, you would be able to talk to Socrates directly. 

Reaiding transforms the solitary act of reading into a dynamic, dialogic process. Just reading AI-generated cliffnotes is not at all what I mean. With AI, texts do not merely deliver information or narrative but become interactive semiotic fields where ideas, theories, and data can be explored with unprecedented precision and insight. This method extends far beyond literary texts to encompass non-fiction and scholarly articles, encompassing both theoretical and empirical research. Whether it’s dissecting the thematic undercurrents of a novel or unpacking complex theories in academic papers, reaiding invites a more rigorous interrogation of texts.

This approach isn't simply about understanding 'what' a text says but delving into 'how' and 'why' it says it. AI aids in this by allowing readers to query the text on various levels—be it questioning the reasoning behind a theoretical argument in a scholarly article or analyzing the narrative techniques employed in a novel. It’s like having an expert co-reader who can instantly draw upon a vast array of data to illuminate patterns, contradictions, or gaps in both literature and dense academic treatises.

Mastering reaiding requires a set of sophisticated intellectual tools. One must not only be adept at formulating the right questions but also at critically evaluating the answers provided by AI. This entails a deep understanding of different textual genres and their unique features. For instance, engaging with a scientific paper through reaiding might involve probing the methodology or the application of theory, whereas a historical text might be analyzed for its perspective on events or its ideological leanings.

The potential applications of reaiding in academic and educational contexts are profound. Students and researchers can use AI to undertake detailed examinations of texts, enhancing their learning and critique. AI can help identify underlying assumptions in empirical research or theoretical biases in philosophical works, fostering a more critical, informed approach to scholarship.

Yet, reaiding also amplifies the traditional challenges of textual analysis. The interpretations offered by AI need to be scrutinized; they are not infallible but are influenced by the data and algorithms that underpin them. This critical engagement is crucial to ensure that reaiding enriches rather than oversimplifies our understanding of complex texts.

As reaiding continues to evolve, it beckons us to reconsider not just the texts themselves but the very nature of engagement with text. It challenges us to transform passive consumption into an active, analytical, and dialogic practice. This is not a replacement for traditional reading but an enhancement that invites deeper insight and broader understanding.

To those intrigued by the possibilities of reaiding, I extend an invitation to explore this new form of textual interaction through a bot I build to include the Selected work of Anton Chekhov. Imagine what it can do if it becomes ten times better. And it will, soon. 

My Use of AI Is None of Your Business

Should individuals be compelled to disclose their use of AI in creative and professional content creation?  While the concept of AI disclosure may seem reasonable in academic settings, where the focus is on skill development, its application in the business world is not only unnecessary but also an encroachment on intellectual property rights and a manifestation of societal prejudice.

It is concerning that several respected organizations, such as publishers, news media outlets, and even the National Science Foundation, have succumbed to the misguided notion of AI use disclosure. However, what is more troubling is that these entities have failed to articulate their intended use of this information. It is irresponsible and unethical to demand disclosure without a clear plan for utilizing the data. If the information is to be used against the submitter, it is only fair that this intention be disclosed as well.

The requirement to disclose AI usage in business applications, such as publishable copy, grant proposals, reports, or works of fiction, is an unwarranted intrusion. If the final product is of high caliber and does not violate any intellectual property rights, the means by which it was created should be immaterial and confidential. Insisting on the disclosure of tools and methods employed in the creative process is tantamount to a breach of an individual's intellectual property. Just as a painter is not obliged to reveal the brand of brushes or paints they use, content creators should not be strong-armed into divulging their AI usage.

Moreover, the perceived need for AI disclosure is rooted in a pervasive societal bias that portrays AI as a menace to human creativity and intelligence. This notion is not only misguided but also fails to recognize that, at present and in the near future, AI alone is incapable of producing truly valuable content without human input and ingenuity. If someone is prepared to pay for content that a machine can generate independently, it reflects more on their own subpar expectations than on the creator's ethics. 

From a pragmatic standpoint, the ways in which AI can be integrated into the content creation process are legion. Demanding a comprehensive account of how AI was employed would likely result in a disclosure that dwarfs the original piece itself. Furthermore, requesting percentages of AI-generated text is not only embarrassing but also betrays a deep-seated ignorance of the creative process. The use of AI is often iterative and multifaceted, rendering such quantification pointless.

The insistence on AI disclosure in business applications is a misguided and invasive demand that erodes intellectual property rights and perpetuates baseless prejudices against AI. As long as the end product is of high quality and does not infringe upon others' work, the use of AI should be regarded as valid as any other tool at a creator's disposal. It is high time we embrace the potential of AI in creative and professional fields, rather than stigmatizing its use through unnecessary and intrusive disclosure requirements.

AI undermines linguistic privilege

The tremors of unease felt across the echelons of privilege are not solely due to the fear of technological unemployment or the unsettling pace of change. Rather, they stem from a deeper, more introspective anxiety: the threat AI poses to the use of language as a bastion of privilege. For centuries, mastery over the nuanced realms of oral and written speech has served as a subtle yet potent tool of social stratification, a way to gatekeep the corridors of power and influence. But as AI begins to democratize these linguistic capabilities, it inadvertently challenges the very foundations of societal hierarchies, provoking a backlash draped in ethical rhetoric that masks a more self-serving agenda.

Language, in its most refined forms, has long been a marker of education, sophistication, and belonging. To speak with the clipped accents of an upper-class Englishman, to wield the jargon of academia, or to navigate the complex conventions of professional communication has been to hold a key to doors otherwise closed. These linguistic markers function as tacit gatekeepers, delineating who belongs within the inner circles of influence and who remains outside, their voices deemed less worthy. The assertion that one must speak or write in a certain way to be considered intelligent or capable reinforces societal power structures and perpetuates inequities. It's a subtle form of oppression, one that privileges certain dialects, accents, and syntactical forms over others, equating linguistic conformity with intelligence and worthiness.

Enter the realm of artificial intelligence, with its natural language processing capabilities and machine learning algorithms. AI, with its inherent impartiality to the accents, dialects, and syntactical structures it mimics, does not discriminate based on the traditional markers of linguistic prestige. It can generate scholarly articles, craft professional emails, or compose poetic verses with equal ease, regardless of the socioeconomic or cultural background of the user. This leveling of the linguistic playing field poses a direct challenge to those who have historically leveraged their mastery of language as a means of maintaining status and privilege.

Critics of AI often cloak their apprehensions in the guise of ethical concerns, voicing fears about data privacy, algorithmic bias, or the dehumanization of communication. While these issues are undoubtedly important, they sometimes serve to obscure a more uncomfortable truth: the democratizing impact of AI on language threatens to undermine traditional power dynamics. The reluctance to embrace this technology fully may, in part, stem from a reluctance to relinquish the privilege that comes with linguistic mastery.

This resistance to change is not a new phenomenon. Throughout history, technological advancements have often been met with skepticism by those whose status quo they disrupt. The printing press, the telephone, and the internet all faced initial pushback from those who feared the loss of control over information dissemination. Similarly, AI's impact on language is merely the latest battleground in the ongoing struggle between progress and privilege.

Yet, the equalizing potential of AI should not be viewed with apprehension but embraced as an opportunity for societal advancement. By breaking down the barriers erected by linguistic elitism, AI can facilitate more inclusive, diverse forms of communication. It can empower individuals from all backgrounds to express themselves effectively, participate in scholarly discourse, and compete in professional arenas on equal footing. In doing so, AI can help to dismantle some of the systemic barriers that have perpetuated inequality and hindered social mobility.

The anxiety surrounding AI's impact on language reflects broader concerns about the erosion of traditional forms of privilege. As AI continues to advance, it challenges us to reconsider the values we ascribe to certain forms of linguistic expression and to question the fairness of societal structures built upon them. Embracing the democratizing influence of AI on language could lead to a more equitable and inclusive society, where intelligence and capability are recognized in all their diverse expressions, rather than gauged by adherence to arbitrary linguistic norms. In the end, the true measure of progress may not be in the sophistication of our technologies but in our willingness to let go of outdated markers of privilege.

Writing instructors, why are you surprised by AI?

Why do you look surprised?  Since the 1970s, there has been a shift in your field. This change was not about refining the minutiae of grammar or punctuation. Rather, it was a movement toward valuing the creative process in writing. Think of pioneers like Donald Graves, Lucy Calkins, and Peter Elbow. They were not merely toying with new ideas; they were fundamentally altering how writing is taught, influencing college-level instruction as well.

The advent of AI technology has accelerated a shift that was already underway. Historically, while there was vocal support for creative and critical thinking, the reality often leaned towards assessing grammar and spelling. It was simpler to grade based on these concrete elements. Judging originality and creativity posed greater challenges, especially when justifying grades during student appeals.

However, it is becoming clear that the reliance on traditional assessment is no longer sustainable. It is time to genuinely embrace what has been acknowledged for decades. The focus should shift more towards teaching originality, creativity, authenticity, discernment, and critical thinking. Ideas should be valued over mechanical accuracy.

A crucial aspect of this evolution is teaching students to write with AI assistance. This approach does not diminish writing standards. Instead, it raises the bar for the final product. Students should learn to use AI as a tool to enhance their writing, not as a substitute for critical thinking or creativity.

Dear writing instructors, the time has come to adapt. And you know how to do it better than anyone else. The gradual shift many of you have been working on, is now upon us. This is a moment for re-evaluating, rethinking, and embracing a new phase in education where AI complements and enhances the teaching of writing. The future is here, and it aligns with the trajectory you have been following.

What is the killer app for AI-powered chatbots?

In a recent interview, I was posed with a thought-provoking question about the most impressive application of AI that holds the greatest potential. This was basically the question about the "killer app." The term "killer app" was invented by pioneers of mass computing to mean a software so essential that it drives the success of a larger platform or system. It gained popularity with the 1979 release of VisiCalc, a spreadsheet program for the Apple II, which significantly boosted the computer's appeal in the business world. "Killer app" now broadly refers to any software or service that significantly drives the adoption of a technology.

My response named a broad spectrum of AI applications where the core task involves comparing or merging two documents. Consider the everyday tasks like grading student papers, which essentially is juxtaposing a grading rubric against student submissions. Or the process of job applications, where one's resume or cover letter is matched with the job description. Even more intricate tasks like reviewing contracts involve a comparative analysis between the contract's text and relevant laws and regulations. Similarly, writing a grant application is a fusion of the request for proposal (RFP) with one's own ideas or previously written articles.

This insight opens up a broader perspective on the nature of our intellectual activities in the workplace. Many of these tasks revolve around blending, merging, and oscillating between two or more texts. If we start viewing our tasks through the lens of 'feeding the AI beast' with relevant documents, we unlock a new way to leverage this astonishing technology for our benefit.

The implications of this AI capability are profound. It's not just about simplifying tasks; it's about enhancing our cognitive processes. Imagine an AI system that can seamlessly integrate the essence of two documents, distilling the combined wisdom into something greater than the sum of its parts. This isn't just about automation; it's about augmentation. It's the fusion of human intellect with machine precision that could redefine how we approach problem-solving.

Let's delve deeper into the examples. In the educational sector, the grading of papers becomes not just a task of assessment but an opportunity for tailored feedback. The AI, by comparing a student's work with the rubric, can identify nuances that might be overlooked in a manual review. It can offer insights into a student's thought process, learning style, and areas needing improvement. This isn't just grading; it's a gateway to personalized education.

In the corporate world, the process of job applications or contract reviews is transformed. The AI's ability to merge and compare documents means it can align a candidate's skills and experiences with a job's requirements more accurately, potentially revolutionizing recruitment processes. Similarly, in legal settings, reviewing contracts with AI can ensure compliance and mitigate risks more efficiently, saving countless hours and reducing human error.

In short, the real magic of AI lies in its ability to blend and compare documents, a seemingly mundane task that, upon closer examination, reveals itself as a key to unlocking new dimensions of efficiency, creativity, and understanding. 

Originality over convention

Writing has long been a tightrope walk between adherence to convention and the pursuit of originality. Historically, deviating from established norms could brand you as uneducated, while a lack of originality risked the label of being clichéd. This delicate balance has been fundamentally disrupted by the advent of AI in writing, or "wraiting" as I like to call it.

In the pre-AI era, convention held significant value. It was a measure of education and intelligence, a yardstick to judge the clarity and correctness of one's thoughts. However, AI's ability to effortlessly follow these conventions has suddenly diminished their value. Originality has emerged as the sole contender in the arena of writing excellence. 

This seismic shift has understandably ruffled feathers. Many derive a sense of pride and authority from mastering and teaching these conventions. Yet, they now find themselves in a world where these skills are increasingly automated. This change isn't subject to debate or democratic process - it's an unstoppable wave reshaping the landscape.

Ironically, while AI excels in adhering to conventions, it's not inherently original. It can replicate, recombine, and reformat existing ideas, but the spark of true originality still lies uniquely within the human mind. This realization should be a beacon for writers in the AI era. The challenge is no longer about mastering the rules of writing but about pushing the boundaries of creativity and originality.

The implications for education are profound. Traditionally, a significant portion of writing education focused on teaching the rules – grammar, structure, formats. Now, these aspects can be delegated to AI tools. This frees educators to focus more on cultivating creativity, critical thinking, and originality. It's a shift from teaching the mechanics of writing to exploring the depths of imagination and expression.

For those resistant to this change, the path ahead may seem daunting. It involves unlearning the supremacy of convention and embracing a world where originality reigns supreme. However, this change is not a loss but an evolution. It's an opportunity to rediscover the essence of writing as an art form, where the value lies not in the adherence to rules but in the ability to transcend them.

In conclusion, the advent of AI in writing presents an opportunity for a paradigm shift. It's a call to writers and educators alike to redefine what constitutes good writing. As we navigate this new landscape, our focus should shift from convention to creativity, from format to imagination, ensuring that the heart of writing remains a distinctly human endeavor.

Assessing writing with AI

Writing with AI is a complex skill that overlaps with traditional manual writing, but it is not the same. Many instructors struggle to grasp this new skill because it is unfamiliar to them. Teaching something you haven't mastered is challenging, leading to noticeable unease at all educational levels. Even those eager to incorporate AI in teaching, often open to new innovations, face this difficulty. The issue essentially lies in redefining the objectives of writing instruction. If the belief is that students should ultimately write independently, then traditional practice is paramount, leaving no role for AI tools. However, the more challenging conceptual shift is recognizing the need to teach students how to write with AI. This is like the transition from penmanship to typing. We lose something in this shift: the beauty, the discipline, and the rigorous exercises of handwriting. I recall diligently practicing letter formations in my first-grade penmanship class. Although I was never adept at it and gladly transitioned to typewriters when they became accessible, I understand the pain of losing the esteemed art of writing, cherished for centuries. This pain, particularly acute for those who have spent decades mastering and teaching writing, must be acknowledged. Yet, this shift seems inevitable. We are dealing with a technology that is being adopted faster than any in history, and it is not a passing fad. The benefits are too clear. We face a stark paradox: educators use AI to create lesson plans and assessment rubrics, yet often bar their students from using the same technology. This is unsustainable and awkward. 

As a profession, we are only taking the first steps in integrating AI into writing instruction. Here's another baby step: I revised Sacramento State University's Undergraduate Writing Portfolio Assessment criteria, considering the new skill of "wrating." 

Writing Placement for Juniors Portfolio (WPJ)

5 - Exceptional Wraiter: Demonstrates mastery in "wraiting," producing AI-assisted compositions at a publishable level in their respective discipline. Showcases exceptional skill in generating rich, engaging prompts and collaboratively refining AI outputs. Exhibits a deep understanding of AI's strengths and limitations, skillfully navigating these in producing original, high-quality work.

4 - Strong Wraiter: Effectively employs AI tools in "wraiting," producing texts of high quality that reflect a sophisticated understanding of AI's capabilities. Demonstrates the ability to create rich prompts and engage in the iterative process of refining AI-generated content. Shows a clear grasp of AI's strengths and limitations, using them to enhance original thinking and critical evaluation.

3 - Competent Wraiter: Demonstrates a solid understanding of "wraiting," using AI tools to assist in writing tasks. Capable of creating effective prompts and engaging in the process of refining AI outputs. Shows awareness of the strengths and limitations of AI in writing, but may require further guidance to fully exploit these in creating high-quality texts.

2 - Developing Wraiter: Beginning to understand the role of AI in "wraiting." Can generate basic AI-assisted texts but requires further instruction in creating effective prompts and refining outputs. Shows potential in understanding AI's strengths and limitations, but needs more practice to integrate these effectively in writing tasks.

1 - Emerging Wraiter: Early stages of grasping "wraiting." Struggles with effectively using AI tools, often producing clichéd, uninspired texts that lack human input and originality. Needs substantial guidance in understanding AI's capabilities, constructing prompts, and refining AI-generated content.

0 - Incomplete Portfolio: Portfolio does not demonstrate the basic competencies in "wraiting" or effective use of AI in writing tasks. Requires additional work to understand and skillfully employ AI tools in the writing process. What do you think?

If a robot can beat your writing assignment, it is time to rethink it

The rise of machines, with AI bots like OpenAI's ChatGPT replicating human-like text generation, compels us to question our education system's foundations. Is reflective or expository writing a valid assessment when AI can mimic average student work? The answer isn't straightforward. However, this crisis provides an opportunity to redefine our understanding of writing and its relation to thought.

The advent of AI challenges us to de-emphasize the mechanics of writing, such as grammar, style, and syntax, that a machine can master. Instead, we should focus on more complex aspects of writing that are inherently human: original thought, artful language, and narratives that resonate with the human experience. This shift, although jarring, is necessary. It signals not just a technological revolution, but a cultural, intellectual, and educational upheaval.

The AI revolution illuminates a harsh truth: traditional education and assessment methods are no longer sufficient. The challenge is to teach students not just to write well, but to think originally, create artfully, and understand deeply. In the face of the machine, we must thrive in domains that are distinctly human.

In this technological metamorphosis, we're compelled to redefine our work and our value. Perhaps we are not merely creators, analysts, or workers. Perhaps we are artists, thinkers, dreamers. And perhaps, in this transition, we will find our survival and our redemption.

We must revisit traditional teaching methodologies, challenging the efficacy of our current writing assignments. As educators, a simple test can provide clarity: input your exact writing assignment into ChatGPT. If the AI produces a B-grade paper, it's time to rethink.

One option is to replace the writing assignment with an alternative assessment, such as oral exams, multiple choice, or short answer tests. Another option is to transform the assignment to require students to engage with AI, like ChatGPT. This approach would involve designing assignments that test not just writing ability, but also the capacity to evaluate AI outputs critically, discern the nuances differentiating human intellect from AI, and incorporate these insights creatively. In response to ChatGPT, dramatically raise your expectations of student writing, for now they have a lot of help.

AI's advent should be viewed not as a threat, but as an opportunity to explore new pedagogical frontiers. Our learning community is leading this exploration into AI-integrated education, and we invite all to join this journey.

In essence, AI's rise can help us rethink education. We must focus not just on subject mastery, but also on developing original thinking, creativity, and nuanced intelligence. In the face of the machine, we can still shine in our distinctly human domains, thriving in this technological metamorphosis. The future of education, interwoven with AI, might look different, but it promises a realm of possibilities, allowing us to redefine our unique human value.

Wraiting vs. writing

Wraiting is the new writing, only it has AI in it. I bet that a few years down the road, we will all be doing more wraiting than old-fashioned writing. And some of us will be better at it than others because doing it well requires considerable skill. Don’t complain then that I did not warn you, and you fell behind.

Just to give a glimpse of the new world, consider these wraiting tips. It is the tip of the iceberg, for there are a lot more nuances to it than I know about, and even more that I do not. Here are four key roles that AI can play in wraiting:

Brainstorming: One of the main roles that AI can play in wraiting is in the brainstorming stage of the writing process. It can help writers generate new ideas, provide suggestions for topics to explore, and even conduct initial literature reviews (only for well-explored topics). These tools can also be used to create outlines and plan the structure of a piece of writing, making it easier to organize ideas and stay on track.

Critiquing your ideas: Another important role that AI can play in wraiting is as a critical partner to chat about ideas with. With chatbot-style interactions, the AI can engage in a conversation about the writer's ideas, ask questions, provide feedback, and offer suggestions. This can help writers refine their ideas, explore new directions, and gain valuable insights into their writing.

Turning dense chunks of ideas into full paragraphs and segments: By using natural language processing algorithms, wraiting tools can analyze the structure and meaning of sentences and suggest improvements that can help writers better articulate their ideas. This can be especially useful for writers who struggle with writer's block or who find it challenging to organize their thoughts into cohesive paragraphs. AI can look for additional arguments, examples, metaphors, and references to support or challenge your claims.

Editing: Finally, AI can play a key role in the editing process of wraiting. From grammar and spelling to structure, flow, style, genre, and audience analysis, wraiting tools can help writers identify areas for improvement and provide suggestions for making changes. AI-powered editing tools can also help writers save time and effort by automatically correcting common errors and suggesting alternative phrasing.

Wraiting is not easy. AI-powered chatbot has several limitations, some of which are very serious, while others are simply annoying. Learning them will save you from disappointment and frustration; it is a part of the skill. But that would be a topic for another blog. In the meanwhile, build your wraiting skills by trying. It is investment in your future. For educators, there is additional significance. We should start teaching students how to wrait soon.