How can Generative AI support narrative writing in English class?

Originally published on October 14, 2024 | Last modified on November 20, 2024

Overview

In this lesson, students will explore how AI tools like ChatGPT can assist with narrative writing. They will assess the strengths and limitations of using AI for creative writing and learn how to balance AI capabilities with their own creativity.

AI & Writing
60 minutes

Created by Tim Morris, Chelsea Dixon & Liz Harris, CRAFT Student Designers 2024
Adapted by 'Joba Adisa

Digital Materials

Objectives

After this experience, students will be able to

Compare and contrast narratives written by humans and AI.
Identify strengths and limitations of AI-generated narratives in terms of tone, structure, and creativity.
Reflect on the ethical considerations and implications of using AI tools like ChatGPT in writing.

Questions explored

How do human-written and AI-generated narratives differ in tone and voice?
What are the strengths and limitations of using AI tools like ChatGPT for narrative writing?
What ethical considerations arise from using AI in creative writing?

Key Terms

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI, Gen AI)

AI that creates new content like text, images, music, and voice by itself, showing creativity.

What is AI-generated misinformation?

AI chatbots and image generation models possess the remarkable ability to create digital content at a pace far surpassing human capabilities. However, AI models can also generate fabricated or deceptive materials. In this lesson, students are asked to consider: How can AI models be used to generate false information? How can AI-generated fakes be detected?

Created by Jon Ball, CRAFT Student Designer 2022-2023

Adapted by Chris Mah

AI or not AI?

This activity is designed to engage students in critical thinking about what constitutes artificial intelligence (AI). By sorting and categorizing everyday technologies, students will draw on their pre-existing knowledge to co-create a shared understanding of AI and its distinguishing features.

Created by Jessica Ann

How do I fact-check AI search results?

Studies consistently show that students are using AI chatbots and search engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity. But we know that AI makes mistakes. So, how do we teach students not to get fooled? In this lesson, we’ll introduce students to the skill of lateral reading (Wineburg & McGrew, 2017) as one approach to fact-checking the information they get from AI.

Created by Chris Mah