I applaud anything to encourage young people to write (and read; I cringed when I first came across "TL/DR" and found out what it stood for). The importance of being able to write clearly and/or creatively goes far beyond just providing engaging activities for youngsters. How long before we see "Copy/Paste" listed as skills on resumes? I asked ChatGPT to weigh in:
"Encouraging young people to write is a wonderful way to foster creativity and self-expression. Writing is a skill that can be developed and honed over time, and it can help young people to express themselves, reflect on their experiences, and share their perspectives with others.
While there is certainly no denying the benefits of writing, it is also important to be aware of the potential threats posed by artificial intelligence and chatbots. These technologies have the ability to mimic human communication, which can be both a boon and a bane.
On the one hand, chatbots can provide an interactive and engaging way for young people to practice their writing skills and receive feedback on their work. However, there is also a risk that chatbots could undermine the value of genuine human communication, and young people may begin to rely too heavily on these technologies for their written communication.
Ultimately, it is up to us as educators and mentors to strike a balance between encouraging young people to write and also being mindful of the potential risks and challenges posed by artificial intelligence and chatbots.
I commiserate with Ms. Snodgrass. There are many authors I read as a child that are my favorites, yet they held viewpoints with which the adult me does not agree. Can we separate the art from the person? Do I stop loving these books? Do I discourage others from reading these books? I have decided to appreciate and continue to love the books in spite of the author, and let everyone else make up their own minds about who and what to read.
Anne, I am very sure that one of my mother's aspirations as a young person was to be a writer. The closest she came to achieving that goal was writing some articles for our regional newspaper about community events in our small town, as well as writing for and helping to produce the church newsletter and weekly church bulletin. My two dreams as a kid were to be an author or a teacher. I chose to share my love of literature and writing with young people and became a teacher. One of my close friends and former colleagues continues to encourage me to make this dream a reality now that I am retired.
Do it! It is never too late to start. I confess that I am glad you chose to be a teacher because I know that you infected many many others with your love of reading and writing.
I'm sorry that your mother was unable to fully stretch her wings - in so many ways - especially creatively. But I admire that she found ways to be engaged despite all the obstacles in her way.
I'm wondering about the children's author you mention...It makes me ask myself...Do I decide not to read Charles Dickens or Raoul Dahl or Dr. Seuss or, dare I say it, Derek Walcott? So many authors of celebrated art (and as you know, the term "art" is cultural and changeable with our Times) are being "canceled". J.K. Rowling...Do we not read the Harry Potter books? What is forgivable and what is not? Just wondering...
Tough questions indeed. As a continuing fan of Hemingway and Updike and Dickens, among many others I would have trouble defending on several frontds, I tend to fall on the side of admiring the art despite the artist, although in some situations I suppose I'd avoid supporting some individuals financially. Dr. Seuss... can it be argued that he evolved over time? I do hope so.
I applaud anything to encourage young people to write (and read; I cringed when I first came across "TL/DR" and found out what it stood for). The importance of being able to write clearly and/or creatively goes far beyond just providing engaging activities for youngsters. How long before we see "Copy/Paste" listed as skills on resumes? I asked ChatGPT to weigh in:
"Encouraging young people to write is a wonderful way to foster creativity and self-expression. Writing is a skill that can be developed and honed over time, and it can help young people to express themselves, reflect on their experiences, and share their perspectives with others.
While there is certainly no denying the benefits of writing, it is also important to be aware of the potential threats posed by artificial intelligence and chatbots. These technologies have the ability to mimic human communication, which can be both a boon and a bane.
On the one hand, chatbots can provide an interactive and engaging way for young people to practice their writing skills and receive feedback on their work. However, there is also a risk that chatbots could undermine the value of genuine human communication, and young people may begin to rely too heavily on these technologies for their written communication.
Ultimately, it is up to us as educators and mentors to strike a balance between encouraging young people to write and also being mindful of the potential risks and challenges posed by artificial intelligence and chatbots.
Best regards,
ChatGPT"
And here's an interesting "walk and chew gum" opinion piece on how STEM and humanities can coexist, even thrive: https://www.insidehighered.com/views/2022/03/30/humanities-thrive-stem-focused-universities-opinion
I commiserate with Ms. Snodgrass. There are many authors I read as a child that are my favorites, yet they held viewpoints with which the adult me does not agree. Can we separate the art from the person? Do I stop loving these books? Do I discourage others from reading these books? I have decided to appreciate and continue to love the books in spite of the author, and let everyone else make up their own minds about who and what to read.
Very well stated, Jodie. (You must be a Welsbacher! :-) ) I like not only your sentiment but how you framed it. Well worded indeed.
Anne, I am very sure that one of my mother's aspirations as a young person was to be a writer. The closest she came to achieving that goal was writing some articles for our regional newspaper about community events in our small town, as well as writing for and helping to produce the church newsletter and weekly church bulletin. My two dreams as a kid were to be an author or a teacher. I chose to share my love of literature and writing with young people and became a teacher. One of my close friends and former colleagues continues to encourage me to make this dream a reality now that I am retired.
Do it! It is never too late to start. I confess that I am glad you chose to be a teacher because I know that you infected many many others with your love of reading and writing.
I'm sorry that your mother was unable to fully stretch her wings - in so many ways - especially creatively. But I admire that she found ways to be engaged despite all the obstacles in her way.
I'm wondering about the children's author you mention...It makes me ask myself...Do I decide not to read Charles Dickens or Raoul Dahl or Dr. Seuss or, dare I say it, Derek Walcott? So many authors of celebrated art (and as you know, the term "art" is cultural and changeable with our Times) are being "canceled". J.K. Rowling...Do we not read the Harry Potter books? What is forgivable and what is not? Just wondering...
Tough questions indeed. As a continuing fan of Hemingway and Updike and Dickens, among many others I would have trouble defending on several frontds, I tend to fall on the side of admiring the art despite the artist, although in some situations I suppose I'd avoid supporting some individuals financially. Dr. Seuss... can it be argued that he evolved over time? I do hope so.