In a recent column, I felt compelled to stress that these thoughts are my own—not generated by artificial intelligence. The discussion follows a New York Times piece titled “What Do Students Lose When They Stop Writing?” which highlights the cognitive toll of composing persuasive essays, likening it to the physical exhaustion of digging a ditch.
Personal Reflections on Writing
My own journey with the written word began at age ten, tapping away on my sister’s Smith‑Corona typewriter. By junior high, my stories entertained classmates in the cafeteria, even prompting a bewildered principal to confiscate my paper, suspecting inappropriate content. Later, as a high‑school junior, I took a demanding Latin American History elective taught by Ray “Doc” McQueen, a doctorate‑holding teacher who assigned five essay questions daily and required after‑school completion for those who fell behind. While many peers complained, I embraced the rigor, recognizing that writing also sharpened my thinking.
Students Turning to AI
Goldstein’s article cites surveys indicating that between 66 % and 90 % of students now use AI for school assignments. Rather than engage in the hard work of research and composition, they ask AI to “dig the ditch” for them. This trend threatens the development of working memory, executive planning, and metacognition—skills that take decades to cultivate from early childhood into adulthood.
Even if AI had existed in 1962, when I first wrote stories for friends, it could not have captured the unique blend of influences that shaped my voice. AI can only mimic patterns; it cannot replicate the personal growth that comes from grappling with ideas and expressing them in one’s own words.
Handwriting as a Defense
In response to AI misuse, some educators are reinstating handwritten essay tests administered in class—an “old‑school” approach that forces students to rely on their own intellect. Such measures echo the discipline I experienced under Doc McQueen and serve as a reminder that genuine learning requires effort.
While AI can be a useful tool for brainstorming or research, it should not replace the fundamental act of writing. Students who depend on AI risk losing the ability to think independently, weigh alternate viewpoints, and refine their ideas for clarity and style.
Looking Ahead
As technology continues to evolve, educators, parents, and community leaders must champion practices that preserve critical thinking. Encouraging handwritten work, fostering rigorous essay assignments, and emphasizing the value of personal effort can help ensure that future generations retain the cognitive skills essential for informed citizenship and strong families.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
