Is Writing Essays and Reports Holding Kids Back in the A.I. Age?

Let’s face it. The world is changing fast. Exponential has taken on a whole relevance in our lives. And our kids? Well, they’re growing up in the digital age. A world so different from ours, one where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming as commonplace as an HB pencil.

So, here’s the big question: Should our precious progeny still be forced to labor over essays and reports if they are doomed to be part of the archaic past? Let’s dive into this because it’s a controversial topic, but one that’s highly relevant.

Already In Use

First things first, AI is here to stay. It’s no longer a question of “if,” but rather “when” our kids will be utilizing these electronic scribes as writing aids. Many already are. The future workplace will undoubtedly be filled with tools that can whip up a perfectly polished piece of prose, we see this already with Gmail completing our sentences and companies like Microsoft integrating the A.I. aids into their existing Windows products. Writers and journalists have already embraced A.I. writing tools and openly admit to using them for writing outlines and drafts and acting more like professional editors of this work. The shift has already taken place.

Better Assessments

So you say, if our kids aren’t going to be graded on their essays then what will they do?

Already, more and more schools have been shifting away from standard testing and utilizing Project Based Learning (PBL) in their curriculum. Rather than sitting through lessons where a teacher feeds information to you, which you’re expected to memorize, In PBL, students are assigned a project and the learning occurs as they tackle this project either by themselves or in a group with the assistance and guidance of the teacher. As such, the assessment occurs during the whole process rather than at the end.

PBL is a more holistic approach to education, it encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. It allows our kids to flex their creative muscles and tackle real-world challenges head-on. Instead of wasting hours pouring over dusty textbooks and writing reports, they’re engaging with their hands, minds, and peers.

Also by shifting away from written reports, students today aren’t without assessment options for their final work. There’s a long list of alternatives such as multimedia presentations and oral debates. These are arguably more relevant communication skills that are used in today’s workplace, and board rooms. In their forever evolving world, the way they are assessed should be more weighted to these approaches anyway.

A Dusty Relic?

Let’s face it, essays and reports are starting to feel like dusty relics from a bygone era. The written word is undeniably essential, but it’s no longer the sole measure of intelligence and aptitude. We’re living in an age where creativity and innovation reign supreme. So, why stifle our children’s potential by forcing them to adhere to an outdated paradigm?

Enter Chat GPT and its AI ilk. These technological marvels are rewriting the rules of engagement. With the emergence of AI tools, the need for essays and reports as necessary 21st-century skills are absolutely called into question. While writing will always be valuable, it’s time we acknowledge that our kids will have a wealth of electronic assistants at their disposal. Let’s equip them with the ability to navigate this AI-driven world confidently.

Embracing Innovation

To sum things up, the battle lines have been drawn. On one side, the proponents of AI and project-based learning argue for a future that embraces innovation and creativity. On the other, traditionalists champion the enduring value of the written word. However, perhaps the answer lies in striking a balance—a delicate dance between old and new. Our kids can learn to write essays and reports but will be doing so while navigating through the brave new world of AI-driven assistance.

So, let us embrace change, let us embrace innovation, and let us ensure that our children are well-equipped to thrive in a world where perhaps the keyboard is mightier than the pen.