AI, a Choice
Written by Susan Severson
Doesn’t it seem like the whole world is abuzz about the benefits (or detriments) of AI?
I recently read a social media post extolling the virtues of AI regarding literature. The man asserted that AI was going to change how people interacted with the Great Works. Now, even the most busy, the most impoverished, the most uninterested, the most xyz will be able to read and glean all of the information that they need—all perfectly synthesized into little bullet points by a supercomputer that can analyze every academic article ever written in a matter of milliseconds! How lovely, yes? You ladies don’t even need to buy the books anymore!
Clearly, you can see where I’m going with this.
I can imagine you now, with your inner monologue going something like this: Ah, she’s going to say that AI is a problem and that we should do the work of reading the books for ourselves … And it’s true, but only partially.
I’ve been mulling over the AI situation because I am a teacher by trade, and it has snuck into my classroom without even asking. I’ve begrudgingly acknowledged the helpfulness of this artificial intelligence (so helpful with mapping out a lesson plan so that my class transitions smoothly from one project to the next!), but I’ve also seen a shift in my students.
My students are certainly aware of AI. I’ve noticed that a few have made marked improvements in their writing over the course of days! Suddenly, they’re turning in college-level research essays and wonderfully succinct and well-worded short stories. At first, I was quite aggravated. Don’t they understand what they’re being given? Don’t they know that literature is one of the most human ways to engage with reality? That being able to write well means being able to think well?
The answer to that is no. No, of course they don’t know that.
And I need to trust in their hearts that they will feel the lack and come around on their own. Is that not what being a teacher is all about? Giving a gift, not knowing how it will be received?
As a teacher, I believe that what I am sharing with my students is beautiful and worthwhile—and sometimes it can be hard to give up control and just let it take root where and when it will. These young humans are going to need to learn for themselves—most likely through some trial and error.
And my role, as teacher, is to show them another way.
It’s like moving from TV dinners to home-cooked meals. I thought they were the best when I was a kid—everything I wanted in minutes. As I grew older, I realized how much sustenance and loving care I was missing. But I really did need to learn that for myself.
This is the Wild West of AI….there are no current restrictions, no studies or implications—only an invitation to a beautiful struggle. Perhaps a confirmation of something that we didn’t previously know even needed to be confirmed. Our heart demands the true and beautiful and real.
So, I guess I’m simply proposing that we give our hearts freedom. It will show us the way, because that is what it was designed for by an Intelligence that is anything but artificial.
About Susan Severson
Susan Severson is a wannabe saint, a homeschool slogger, a sometimes-but-wants-to-be-all-the-time writer, and a mother to five little rapscallions. Prayers are welcome. She resides in Crosby, MN.
About Well-Read Mom
In Well-Read Mom, women read more and read well. Our hope is to deepen the awareness of meaning hidden in each woman’s daily life. We long to elevate the cultural conversation and revitalize reading literature from books. If you would like us to help you select worthy reading material, we invite you to join and read along. We are better together! For information on how to start or join a Well-Read Mom group visit our website wellreadmom.com
