Earlier this semester I wrote about my decision to go "old school" in the classes I teach. This meant no phones, no computers; nothing but a writing utensil, paper, and book. I did this because in spite of all the workshops and advice from so-called experts who have told me I should incorporate AI into the classroom, I have found AI to be an impediment to critical thinking, conversing, and individual, creative, analytical writing: the skills I am supposed to teach in college English.

It is not that AI renders void the need for these skills. I would argue such skills are needed now as much as they ever have been, and maybe more. The problem is that AI prevents the skills from being acquired. You cannot grow the necessary pathways in your brain to be able to do these things if you don't, well, do them. Part of the magic of education is that hard work and discipline create brains that are good at these skills and can apply them in all sorts of areas. Kinda like training for a friendly jujitsu competition hones skills that might keep you alive if attacked in a dark parking lot.

Critical thinking and writing clearly keeps you........

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