As literacy educators and writers, we believe in being upfront about how we work. Technology keeps changing the way we write, plan, and create, so we want you to know exactly what we do and why.
As a cooperative team with distinct styles, we do not mandate a single set of rules for how our writers engage with emerging AI tools. Instead, we believe the best practice is to lead by example.
We want to be transparent about how we use AI in our work. By sharing our practices, we hope to keep the conversation about technology in writing and education practical and honest.
Each of us explains how we use AI for research, writing, revision, and visuals. If we use AI differently for a specific post, we will let you know.
Jessica Carey, Co-Author
I use ChatGPT primarily as a thinking partner. I value feedback, and AI serves as a writing partner, in addition to my real-life partners! I may use it to brainstorm ideas and perspectives, clarify my thinking, organize information, or get feedback on my writing. I remain responsible for the content and final writing. At times, I also use Canva and Gemini to help create relevant visuals. I am continuing to learn and explore how AI can support me as a writer, teacher, and professional.
Shawnda Fukano, Contributing Writer
I use Gemini to help locate relevant research when planning, but prefer to draft my writing without the help of AI. Once drafted, I will consult Gemini as I revise and edit, especially to help with clarity, suggest more concise language, and create catchy titles. I occasionally use Gemini to generate relevant visuals when I do not have my own photos to support the subject.
Betsy Hubbard, Contributing Writer
I have long used Grammarly to correct typos, rephrase ideas, and keep my writing concise. GeminiLM (formerly NotebookLM) helps me organize a raw “brain dump” of ideas and allows me to search and sort through my chosen research articles for references. I use ChatGPT as a collaborative partner to suggest titles and offer revision advice on areas where I might need to insert a source.
Canva is my go-to for image creation. Although I have experimented with AI-generated images a few times, I prefer making them myself with Canva templates and design tools.
Jenna Komarin, Contributing Writer
I typically use Grammarly when I want to make sure that my sentence structure is grammatically correct. I occasionally use Canva for graphic design purposes only.
Lainie Levin, Contributing Writer
I do not use AI to compose or revise text, though I use tools like Read-O-Meter to assess word count and reading time estimates. When it comes to graphics, I often use Canva, my own photos and images, or publicly available visuals with Creative Commons usage rights.
Jessica Mazzone, Contributing Writer
I have enjoyed experimenting with AI as a writing tool and sharpening partner. Generally, I’ll brainstorm and draft my ideas, and when I feel I’m just about done, I’ll ask AI for feedback, much like I would from a writing partner. I find it especially helpful for clarifying titles and catchphrases. While AI can be a useful tool, nothing can replace the voice, perspective, and judgment we bring to our own writing. I also love using Canva and Gemini to create visuals that support my work.
Melanie Meehan, Co-Author
Depending on the task, I use a range of AI tools. I often use them to begin research and provide resources. Sometimes, I provide my notes, ideas, or outline, and I use AI to help me get a first draft down, even though I know I’ll end up changing most of it. I also use it to tighten my writing or find a clearer way to say something. I still create my own images since I haven’t found AI-generated images that I like more than what I can create.
Ana Valentina Patton, Contributing Writer
I use ChatGPT as an extra tool to help generate and brainstorm ideas for titles and excerpts. I use Grammarly as a proofreading tool to flag possible grammar, spelling, and punctuation issues for me to review. I remain responsible for the ideas, voice, content, and final writing.
Stacey Shubitz, Co-Founder
I use Perplexity to find and fact-check information, much like I once used Google. For editing, I rely on Grammarly Premium to refine my writing, suggest titles, and identify key points for excerpts. Sometimes I create images with CanvaAI, and when I do, I always label them in the caption.
Leah Thomas, Co-Author
I use ChatGPT as a thesaurus, editor, and revision partner. I appreciate AI as a writing partner that helps me rephrase, reorganize, and reflect on the clarity of my writing. I do not use AI to brainstorm or draft. I remain responsible for the content, ideas, and voice of my writing.
Sarah Valter, Co-Author
I have to brainstorm and plan my writing the “old-fashioned” way: with a notebook and pen in my hand. I occasionally lean on Gemini or ChatGPT to give me feedback on my writing, to help me find a direction to find peer-reviewed research, and to help make ideas more concise and focused. I do not use AI tools for drafting or revising my writing. I often use Canva for templates and visuals, and occasionally use Gemini or GeminiLM to create more complex graphics.
