Reimagining reading and writing in the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Recently at the Young Writers' Club, a writing program for teens, we explored the use of AI assistants that generate custom recipes based on ingredients available at home. Read more here. Following that discussion, the subsequent week we compared Nigella Lawson's recipe for South Indian vegetable curry and AI generated recipes for the same set of ingredients. The difference was stark in terms of quality. Nigella Lawson's recipe evidently had been tested and the ingredients went together very well. As a bonus, there were useful tips easily accessible. One AI generated recipe recommended combining tamarind and lemon making us pause to think about how well that would work since both have similar flavors and are strong by themselves. Nevertheless it was breathtaking to see the magic. But would we be comfortable using an AI generated recipe? Are we ready for it? Probably not was the general consensus. Rather tried a tested recipe rather than be the ginny pig who tries out an AI generated recipe.
Enabling students to pause and think rather than get carried away by what chatbots produce- Worse, copying word to word for written assignments.
It is always tempting to use a chatbot to finish written assignments. But what is often missed out is a personal touch, one's own style of writing. At times, the command carelessly given might not even meet the requirement of the assignment.
To be able to read, understand, think critically and piece information together for making inferences is so crucial. Unfortunately, this is not something many children do, especially when they do not enjoy reading.
Comprehension passages are read in a hurry and answered half heartedly. Teachers give grades, give instructions and offer help when asked. But sadly, students tend to lag behind much to the parents' dismay. This becomes even more common when they reach middle school and high school when reading comprehension becomes more tough with higher level passages being given. Tuition teachers can help with prose and poetry but often other subjects take a lot of the time leaving little time for English lessons. Reading Comprehension and writing take a back seat. There isn't time.
With the advent of AI, the temptation to use chatbots to create written assignments is high. But AI has far better uses than serve as a generator of ready made written responses. For instance as a research tool it is a lot more efficient and far less time consuming. However, it is important to exercise caution while using AI generated information and not blindly accept.
Starting early to boost reading comprehension and avoiding the trap of blind acceptance
Students who read a lot from a young age generally cope better in higher classes as reading comprehension abilities are stronger. They are able to understand concepts better compared to those who haven't been reading at all in their younger years. The frequency of reading at a young age correlates with better educational outcomes later in life. Specifically, children who are read to regularly are more likely to succeed academically and are at a lower risk of educational failure . These children tend to think far more critically and never shy away from questioning. Their writing tends to be far more logical and sensible.
Growing need to inculcate reading as a habit and encouraging the questioning mindset
Children who do not read tend to find reading comprehension exercises far more difficult. Hence the tendency to copy word to word without considering the relevance or the worry of plagiarism. What if this can be changed? Enabling them to try different books. Giving them the time and space to read and discuss books freely...it may take time but steadily change could come about. Patience and consistency is the key. For useful tips on building a reading habit, read.
In sum, having a reading habit is beneficial in a number of ways. Starting early is the key but if you haven't started yet, start now. Build a routine, be consistent, provide your child the choice of book and do not scold when they choose to abandon a book. Enjoy a book that they enjoyed reading. Exchange notes. Recognize that your reading preferences are likely to be different. Discover a lot more!
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Both weekday and weekend batches are available at the Young Readers' Club for the 8-12 age group.
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The Young Writers' Club program for the 13-15 age group offers a weekly platform to read and discuss curated articles from the news, observe writing approaches and practise one's writing skills.
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