AI Integration in Writing Pedagogy

Editor's Note: This article is part of an advice column series, authored by Course Hero's Vice President of Academics, Sean Michael Morris .

In this series, Sean addresses the questions and concerns of real faculty members using his 20+ years of experience working in critical digital pedagogy. His work has been featured by National Public Radio, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, Times Higher Ed, The Guardian, Forbes, Fortune, and by numerous podcasts across the education space.

Reader Question

Amidst the apprehension and reluctance in higher education to embrace AI in the classroom or penalize students for its use, we must consider the potential benefits of integrating it into writing pedagogy. How can we position AI as an aid that enhances learning (for students and for faculty) without undermining the confidence of those who may also use it in their own work?

Submitted by: Thomas Horne , English Composition and Writing Studio Instructor at Fort Hays State University

Dear Thomas,

Thank you for posing such a critical question. The role of AI in education sparks much debate, especially with writing, which is an art form rooted in human experience, emotion, and voice.

At the heart of this challenge is a need to rethink our relationship with AI—not as a substitute, but as a supporting player in the deeply personal journey of finding one’s voice and building a connection through words.

At its core, writing is an inherently human activity—one that requires emotional intelligence, empathy, and creative thought. These are qualities that AI cannot replicate. 

While AI can streamline certain aspects of the writing process, it’s the human touch—the ability to connect with an audience, to weave personal experience into narrative, to analyze and synthesize complex ideas—that truly makes writing meaningful.

When introducing AI into the classroom, remind students that technology is a tool, but the art of writing still rests in human hands. By reinforcing the irreplaceable nature of human creativity, we can position AI as a complement to the skills we foster in writing pedagogy.

Encouraging Students to Discover Their Voice with AI’s Help

AI can enhance writing instruction by allowing students to explore and refine their personal style. Rather than viewing AI as a shortcut, students can use it as a starting point to understand what makes their voice stand out. 

By generating a draft with AI and then revising it, they gain insight into the choices they make—word selection, tone, and structure—that bring their ideas to life. This process encourages them to recognize the creative decisions that differentiate their work from AI outputs.

Try This: Have students humanize an AI-generated piece by adding perspective, anecdotes, or emotional nuances. Then, have them share out their edited piece. This activity reinforces students’ voice and helps them realize the irreplaceable role they play in crafting engaging, meaningful writing.

Exploring AI in Creative Contexts

Creative uses of AI can deepen students' engagement with writing and help them connect more personally with the material. Students might experiment with tone and style by using AI to role-play as historical figures or famous authors. By analyzing AI-generated responses in these voices, students can determine how their interpretations add depth and personality to otherwise neutral text.

Another creative approach invites students to work collaboratively on a narrative with AI as a co-author. Have each student write a story segment and then use AI to extend or introduce unexpected elements. This activity encourages them to build on each other’s ideas and respond dynamically. As they refine the AI’s contributions, students can experience firsthand how their creativity, decision-making, and interpretation enrich a narrative.

Teaching Students to Critically Engage with AI

To build confidence among students, it's essential that we teach critical AI literacy. This means helping students use AI and understand its limitations and biases.

Encourage students to question the outputs they receive from AI. For example, does the language reflect the same tone or cultural nuance they intend? Can they spot any assumptions or patterns in AI-generated suggestions that may indicate societal or algorithmic biases? This critical engagement allows students to take ownership of their writing and ensures that the final product is a synthesis of their thinking.

Educator Tip: Dr. Anne Arendt-Bunds says that, instead of regulating student AI use,  educators should reflect on how they can partner with students to ensure they’re using AI ethically and with a critical thinking mindset. One way to do this is by teaching students how to properly cite AI tools. 

Building a Future-Ready Approach to Writing with AI

Students who write with AI in school build essential skills for the future. They gain perspective on improving their work, learn to communicate in diverse contexts, and develop the patience needed to iterate alongside others. The future of work may rely heavily on AI, and by giving students hands-on experience, we’re priming them to stand out as confident, adaptable professionals who can leverage technology in meaningful ways.

Warm regards,

Sean Michael Morris

Vice President of Academics

Course Hero

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