The bad and the good of ChatGPT: Helping writers use generative AI tools to think and grow their skills

Since the release of ChatGPT and explosive profusion of generative AI tools, students have adopted them with enthusiasm - and their mentors have often freaked out. It’s possible for a writer to use GenAI very, very badly - but with appropriate guidance from instructors and mentors, students can learn to use those tools well. I’ll discuss ways in which developing writers can be coached to use GenAI tools in ways that help them think about writing and develop as writers – rather than using the tools as crutches that let them escape the valuable work of writing.