AI-Assisted Writing Workshop

English Language Arts 9-12 60-90 minutes AI-Assisted

This lesson plan introduces students to AI writing tools as assistants in the writing process. Students will learn how to use AI tools effectively to enhance their writing while maintaining their unique voice and perspective.

Learning Objectives

- Understand the capabilities and limitations of AI writing assistants - Use AI tools to brainstorm, draft, and revise written work - Critically evaluate AI-generated content - Develop strategies for maintaining authorship while leveraging AI tools

Materials

- Computers or tablets with internet access - Access to an AI writing assistant (e.g., Claude, ChatGPT) - Writing notebooks or digital documents - Sample writing prompts - Handout: "Guidelines for Ethical AI Use in Writing"

Procedure

Introduction (10 minutes)

  1. Begin with a discussion about AI writing tools:

    • What are they?
    • How are they currently being used?
    • What are potential benefits and concerns?

  2. Share examples of AI-generated writing alongside human writing, and discuss differences and similarities.

Exploration (15 minutes)

  1. Demonstrate an AI writing assistant, showing:

    • How to write effective prompts
    • How to generate ideas
    • How to request revisions or improvements
    • How to fact-check AI-generated content

  2. Discuss the concept of "AI as a writing partner" rather than a replacement for human creativity.

Practice Activity (30 minutes)

  1. Provide students with a writing prompt and ask them to:

    • First, brainstorm ideas independently (5 minutes)
    • Then, use an AI tool to generate additional ideas (5 minutes)
    • Compare their ideas with AI-generated suggestions
    • Begin drafting their response, using AI as needed for:
      • Overcoming writer's block
      • Suggesting alternative wording
      • Checking grammar and structure

  2. As students work, circulate to provide guidance on effective AI prompting and maintaining authorship.

Reflection and Discussion (15 minutes)

  1. Have students share their experiences:

    • How did the AI tool help their writing process?
    • What challenges did they encounter?
    • How did they ensure their voice remained in the writing?

  2. Discuss ethical considerations:

    • When is AI assistance appropriate vs. inappropriate?
    • How should AI-assisted work be cited or acknowledged?
    • How might AI tools impact the development of writing skills?

Extension Activity (10 minutes)

  1. Have students write a brief reflection on how they might use AI writing tools in future assignments, setting personal guidelines for their use.

Additional Resources

Adaptations

  • For younger students: Simplify the writing prompt and focus more on using AI for brainstorming rather than drafting.
  • For advanced students: Explore more complex prompting techniques and have students experiment with using AI for different genres of writing.

Assessment

- Participation in discussions - Completed writing sample that demonstrates thoughtful integration of AI assistance - Written reflection on personal guidelines for AI use

Curriculum Standards

- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.5: Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach. - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.6: Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products. - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.10: Write routinely over extended time frames and shorter time frames for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences.

Extensions

- Students can experiment with using AI for different genres of writing - Advanced students can explore more complex prompting techniques - Cross-curricular connections with digital citizenship or media literacy

Teacher Notes

- Review school policies on AI use before implementing this lesson - Consider discussing the lesson with parents/guardians in advance - Be prepared to address concerns about academic honesty