Reading and Writing Workshop

“Reading the Future: Understanding AI Through History and Headlines”

Objectives:
Participants will:
  • Comprehend and define core concepts of AI and automation.
  • Critically evaluate texts on AI’s impact on labor and society.
  • Connect current AI trends to historical technological revolutions.
  • Draft a short analytical or reflective writing piece.
  • Practice citing digital sources and synthesizing multiple viewpoints.

Part I: Reading and DiscussionA. Anchor Texts (Freely Accessible)
  1. IBM: What is Artificial Intelligence?
    https://www.ibm.com/cloud/learn/what-is-artificial-intelligence
  2. MIT Sloan: What is Generative AI?
    https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/what-generative-ai
  3. Brookings Institution: How AI is Transforming the World
    https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-artificial-intelligence-is-transforming-the-world/
  4. Library of Congress: The Industrial Revolution (Primary Source Set)
    https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/primary-source-sets/industrial-revolution-in-the-united-states/

B. Guided Reading Protocol1. Skim and Scan
Ask participants to:
  • Identify key terms: AI, machine learning, automation, generative AI.
  • Annotate any unfamiliar phrases or claims.
2. Think-Pair-Share Questions
  • What is the most surprising or unsettling thing you read?
  • How does this article align or conflict with what you’ve heard about AI before?
  • What kind of jobs are most impacted, and what traits protect others?
3. Text-to-Text Connection
  • Compare the Brookings article to the Industrial Revolution source set.
    Ask: What parallels do you see in how society reacts to disruptive technology?

Part II: Writing Workshop
A. Mini-Lesson: Synthesizing Information Across Texts
Facilitator models how to gather information from multiple texts to respond to a question such as:
“How is the current AI revolution similar to or different from the Industrial Revolution?”
Model how to:
  • Identify key claims
  • Paraphrase or quote evidence
  • Use transitions like “similarly,” “in contrast,” “however,” etc.

B. Writing Options (Choose One Prompt)
Prompt 1 – Analytical Essay
Write a 1–2 paragraph response explaining how artificial intelligence is disrupting work today. Compare this disruption to the Industrial Revolution.
Prompt 2 – Reflective Essay
How has your perception of AI shifted after these readings? What is one action you can take in your classroom to help students prepare for an AI-shaped future?
Prompt 3 – Argument Paragraph
Do you believe AI will cause more harm or help in the next 20 years? Defend your position using at least two pieces of evidence from the readings.

C. Peer Review Protocol
  1. Exchange writing in pairs or triads.
  2. Use the “TAG” method:
    • Tell something you liked.
    • Ask a question.
    • Give a suggestion.

D. Publishing and Sharing
  • Volunteers may read excerpts aloud.
  • Option to post writings on a shared Padlet or digital gallery.
  • Save final drafts as part of the course’s reflection portfolio.

Optional Extension: AI-Assisted Drafting
​For interested participants, allow 10–15 minutes to:
  • Use ChatGPT or Eduaide.ai to generate a sample response to the chosen prompt.
  • Compare their original draft with the AI-assisted one.
  • Reflect: What did the AI do well? Where did human insight improve the writing?

Workshop Wrap-Up Questions
  • What skills did you use today that AI can’t replicate?
  • How can reading and writing about AI help your students become more prepared for the future?
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