As a Professor of English at Kennesaw State University and the Director of the First-Year Composition Program, I have dedicated my career to blending technology, pedagogy, and writing instruction. My engagement with innovative educational tools has led me to advocate for specific technological integrations that enhance our teaching methods and enrich student learning experiences. In this context, I want to take a minute to highlight the transformative impact of a specialized GPT1 designed for first-year composition (FYC) assistance.
This GPT is a resource that aids faculty in creating detailed syllabi, nuanced assignment prompts, comprehensive rubrics, and supportive assignment checklists. These elements are crucial for scaffolding students’ understanding and engagement with their assignments, helping them to meet and exceed the rigorous demands of college-level writing. Instructors can create both conventional and multimodal assignment guidelines with this GPT.
Particularly valuable is the GPT’s ability to tailor TILTed assignments—tasks designed with the Transparency in Learning and Teaching framework in mind. These assignments clarify purpose, tasks, and criteria, demystifying the academic expectations for students in FYC courses. Kudos and props to Dr. Mary-Ann Winkelmes, who pioneered this research-based framework to present students with practical contexts for their work.
Additionally, the GPT assists in developing rubrics aligned with the specific learning outcomes of each assignment. This alignment not only facilitates precise grading but also educates students on how their work is assessed, which is vital for their academic development.
I have utilized the GPT to craft a variety of assignments, from argumentative essays to digital storytelling projects, each accompanied by detailed checklists and evaluative rubrics. To be clear: this GPT is not mandated for colleagues teaching in the First-year Writing Program at KSU. I created it as an optional tool that may be helpful to new faculty joining our program. Using the GPT might help ensure consistency and quality across different sections, supporting a standardized yet adaptable approach to teaching writing. I hope faculty will try it out and give me feedback.
The use of this GPT supports faculty creativity and pedagogical needs as well. It provides a repository of example assignments and pedagogical articles, all of which are derived from public sources or my own creations, ensuring that all materials used are either public or my original work. This allows for instant customization to meet the unique teaching styles and diverse needs of our students.
Integrating this AI technology has streamlined administrative tasks and can significantly scale and increase faculty engagement with course materials, fostering a deeper and more interactive learning environment. This not only prepares students for immediate academic challenges but also equips them with lifelong skills in critical thinking and effective communication.
For educators in composition and writing, incorporating such AI tools as The First-Year Composition GPT can be a game changer, enhancing faculty efficiency and profoundly enriching the educational journey of students. This paves the way for a more engaged, informed, and capable student body.
For more information and to access this GPT, you can visit this link. This link will guide you to further details about the tool and how it can be integrated into your educational practices. Check it out and let me know what you think! You can hit me up at my email: [email protected]. And, visit my KSU Faculty Page to watch my recent media appearances and read my latest publications. I would love to deliver a specialized workshop for you and your team.
Check out my short, accessible AI courses on Coursera, which come with digital badges:
- AI for Everyday Life: https://coursera.org/learn/ai-for-everyday-life
- AI for Education (Basic): https://coursera.org/learn/ai-for-education-basic
- AI for Education (Intermediate): https://coursera.org/learn/ai-for-education-intermediate
[1] Access to this and other GPTs is included with membership as a OpenaI GPT/Plus subscriber.