Generative AI is changing how we conceptualize writing and thus thinking and creation. As scholars of literature and writing, we are uniquely positioned to reflect on these changes. To this end, this panel aims to spark interdisciplinary conversations about AI and its relation to writing, the writing process, and writing instruction. We hope to encourage an inclusive forum for exchanging perspectives, experiences and practices.

Are the promises of AI “false,” as Noam Chomsky argues, because chatbots cannot “think and express improbable but insightful things”?[1] More broadly, how do AI’s capabilities change our theories and practices of research and writing?  What are its impacts for pedagogy? What are the implications of this evolving technological landscape on the practices, skills, talents, and affects we value in higher education and beyond? We are organizing this panel in part to serve as a first step in future collaborations, and publications, on the topic of Generative AI and writing pedagogy.

The panel has already been accepted for inclusion in the conference of the Association of Canadian College and University Teachers of English (ACCUTE), taking place at Congress 2024 at McGill University in Montreal/Tiohtià:ke from June 12-15, 2024.

We welcome proposals addressing these or related questions from any theoretical or practical angle, from rhetoric and psycholinguistics to poststructuralist theories of language, from writing-centre pedagogy to creative writing. To submit a proposal for inclusion in this panel, please use the ACCUTE Online Submission form: https://accute.ca/accute-2023-2024-online-submission-form/ before November 17, 2024.

Under "Proposal Type," please select "Member-Organized Panel" and under "Panel Title," enter "Therefore I Am: AI’s Impacts on Writing, Research, and Pedagogy."

Questions can be directed to Daniel Aureliano Newman (daniel.newman@utoronto.ca).

[1] Noam Chomsky, “The False Promise of ChatGPT,” New York Times, March 8, 2023.