In this episode, Christina Supe examines how AI is reshaping writing, literacy, and authorship. She opens by highlighting literacy’s longstanding link to power and social mobility, emphasizing that AI tools might disrupt this by enabling “cognitive outsourcing.” This trend could risk intellectual stagnation and perpetuate existing power imbalances by reducing opportunities for critical thinking.

The discussion challenges traditional definitions of a "writer," exploring AI as an agent that creates text and forces us to rethink what qualifies as writing and authorship. Supe raises ethical concerns, particularly about when AI assistance is appropriate. She emphasizes the need for clear distinctions between tasks requiring authentic human input and those that may reasonably involve AI. Copyright laws are evolving to address AI’s role in content creation, with recent changes from the US Copyright Office now allowing copyright for works with minimal AI input, signaling the need for defined policies.

Key quotes from Supe underline literacy as a means to access power, warning against the dangers of “outsourcing” cognitive skills to machines. She discusses the value of "reasonable reluctance" toward AI, as voiced by educators, who fear AI could undermine critical thinking and erode essential skills in close reading and analysis. AI, she argues, poses risks as a "shortcut" that may diminish learning and creativity if used inappropriately.

For educational institutions, the discussion underscores the need to:

Establish Clear AI Policies: Clearly outline when and how AI can be ethically used in student work to guard against plagiarism and intellectual shortcuts.
Foster Critical Thinking: Encourage original thought and close engagement with materials to help students retain control over their intellectual growth.
Educate on AI’s Role: Help students understand AI’s limitations and ethical considerations in writing.
Reevaluate Assessments: Develop assessments that prioritize originality and deeper engagement, ensuring AI use doesn’t overshadow learning objectives.

Through Supe’s insights, this episode encourages proactive strategies to balance AI’s potential with a commitment to authentic learning and intellectual development.

The Changing Landscape of Writing in the Age of AI with Christina Supe

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