Automated Aid or Offloading Close Reading? Student Perspectives on AI Reading Assistants

The assignment included in this article, by Marc Watkins, is from the the book Teaching and Generative AI. It asks students to test the text summaries created by generative AI and then assess the tools and AI generally.

The summary from the site explains:

Generative AI technologies offer new opportunities for enhancing student learning that go beyond chatbot interfaces like ChatGPT. This chapter presents reflections from a small study about the possible benefits and challenges posed by integrating AI-powered reading assistants in first-year writing courses. Careful integration of these tools suggests potential benefits that do not simply generate text on students’ behalf. For example, reading assistants like Explainpaper and SciSpace are powered by large language models like OpenAI’s GPT and can help students augment reading. This application of generative technology could aid non-native speakers, students with disabilities, and those struggling with reading comprehension. However, educators should thoughtfully design assignments and leverage AI to ensure students develop critical reading skills rather than offload comprehension to an algorithm.

Key Features of This Assignment

Student Perspectives on AI Reading Assistants
This assignment explores student perspectives on the use of AI reading assistants, providing insights into how students perceive and interact with these tools in their academic work.
Close Reading Enhancement
It emphasizes the role of AI in enhancing close reading skills, demonstrating how AI can assist students in analyzing and understanding texts more deeply.
Critical Evaluation of AI Tools
The assignment encourages students to critically evaluate AI tools, considering their benefits and limitations, and developing a nuanced understanding of their impact on the reading process.