In 2023, the surge in generative AI technology triggered a swift transformation across the globe, including the realm of academia. The Academic Writing Education Center (AWEC) has been at the frontline of this rapid transformation, gearing up for revolution.
To meet the increasing demand for AI-assisted English writing, the AWEC has customized services to encompass three key areas: curriculum design, writing consultation services, and learning resources.
- Launching newly designed courses: Two AI-powered English writing courses have been launched. AI-Powered English Writing Application & Advancement aims to prepare students to effectively use AI writing tools and tackle issues of writing ethics, and English Writing for the Media and the Web in the Age of AI is designed to enable students to learn fundamental media writing skills required in various contexts, leveraging AI-powered writing tools.
- Offering diverse consultation services: After two years of dedicated research and preparation, the AWEC officially launched a two-phase writing consultation service in 2023. In Phase I, students can choose an AI-powered writing software that suits their specific needs and receive instant feedback on lower-order writing concerns (e.g., grammar and word choice), thereby pinpointing common writing mistakes. For further inquiries into the nuances of AI-powered feedback, students can schedule a one-on-one online AI consultation with our trained AI-powered tutors to address more complex, higher-order writing issues (e.g., structure, logic, and coherence).
- Enriching a vast array of self-learning materials: The AWEC periodically hosts on-campus workshops and lectures. For example, it presented two lectures related to generative AI applications in 2023, including “The Writers’ Tool Kit-Assistive Self-Editing Software and Its Application” and “From AI Users to Academic Writing Maven: Using ChatGPT to Elevate Your Research and Writing.” In addition, the online writing resource Writing Hacks 9+1 offers practical tips and guidance for effectively utilizing ChatGPT with advisory notes.
To further resolve ethical dilemmas and prevent academic misconduct associated with the use of generative AI writing tools, the AWEC has also updated the NTU Open Course, Academic Integrity in Research & Writing, with proper citation formats and guidelines of “Using Generative AI.”
Our future relies on all talent who can proficiently and adeptly work with the integration of AI technology. Harnessing these AI-powered learning resources promises greater efficiency and effectiveness of communication skills.
The Writing with AI (WwA) consultation service offers two-phase consultation options for optimal results: AI-assisted Editor (Phase I) provides lower-order (micro-level) aspects of writing feedback, whereas Online AI Consultation (Phase II) offers further analysis of AI-powered feedback with our trained AI consultants and specifically addresses macrolevel writing issues via one-on-one sessions. In 2023, the service benefited 3,087 students.
To reinforce students’ understanding and application of generative AI writing tools, the AWEC complemented the
Teaching Assistant Training Manual and
Writing Hacks 9+1 with content related to AI-powered writing assistance. By the end of December 2023, the number of viewers had reached 14,770.
In 2023, the AWEC hosted two generative AI-related workshops demonstrating various types of AI-powered writing tools and providing guidance on their appropriate application and effective strategies. The workshops attracted more than 250 attendees, including faculty members and students.
