College instructor turns to typewriters to curb AI-written work
4 hours ago
- #AI in Education
- #Analog Learning
- #Education Technology
- A German instructor at Cornell University, Grit Matthias Phelps, uses manual typewriters in class to counter students' reliance on AI and online tools for writing assignments.
- This 'analog' assignment aims to recreate a pre-digital classroom experience, emphasizing focused, slow-paced work without digital distractions or easy corrections.
- Students found the typewriters challenging but educational, noting benefits like fewer distractions, more socialization, and having to think independently without AI assistance.
- The exercise is part of a broader trend in education to adopt old-school testing methods, such as in-person exams, to prevent AI misuse in academic work.
- Despite initial difficulties, students appreciated the unique learning experience, with some embracing the physical and creative aspects of typewriter use.