There have been many times whilst writing these newsletter articles that I have made mention of such platforms as YouTube, Netflix or even Stan! Let it be known however, that there are times when I stray from the realms of cat videos and superhero movies to somewhat more thought-provoking spaces, where presentations founded in serious research can be found.
On a recent diversion, I read an article titled “To succeed in an AI world, students must learn the human traits of writing” (link included below). AI, for those like me who had to look it up, is Artificial Intelligence. The article comments on the need for students to interact with modern technology and use it purposefully. In other words, use machines in writing rather than writing like machines.
Machines! Computers powered by electricity, filled with circuits and chips, enlivened by endless computer code, have been taught to write. It may come as a surprise to many that such pieces as opinion articles, reviews, reports, scripts and slogans — even newsletters! — are being written by AI. However, as is pointed out by the author, “Robots have a voice but no soul”.
The article also discusses the trend for teaching students to write to a formula; robot-like template writing with specific types of paragraphs, sentences and inclusions put together in the best way to ensure an acceptable product.
Coincidently at Eddies, we teach a program called “Write that Essay” which does exactly this. It gives our young men a formula to follow, to help them find their way in communicating ideas in a structured coherent way. However, for us it is only a beginning. Start with the basics, easy to follow when they are first learning, and as they become confident in who they are, our young men have the opportunity to express themselves more freely and move to more purposeful, insightful writing.
It seems evident to me from reading this article that in a world of smart phones, smart tablets and twenty-four-hour access to smart information and communication platforms, you can never dismiss the human element. “Robots have a voice but no soul”. We can read webpages written by a computer chip. We can type our way through frustrating conversations with artificially intelligent programs — I’m reliably informed they are called “chatbots” — designed to fix a phone problem or buy a new something or other that we oh so desperately need. We can interact with pleasant sounding computerised voice menus, as we try to speak to a person who can assist us, but we can never separate ourselves from the nature of our relationships with the people around us.
In navigating the twenty first century it is how we interact on a human scale, what is in our soul, that makes the difference. Catholic Social Teaching promotes the dignity of the human person, independent of ethnicity, creed, gender, sexuality, age or ability.
Now and into the future AI will become more a part of our lives, yet almost counterintuitively, the ability to be with people will become much more important. Building skills that focus on being able to communicate effectively, to listen actively, to work cooperatively and think reflectively, critically and creatively, are essential for our young men. What will make the difference in the lives of our Eddies Men, as students, as employees, as leaders, as partners, as sons, as brothers or as fathers, will be understanding the relationships they have with each other and those around them - friends, family and strangers alike. Relationships that are real not virtual, that are right and respectful, that value the dignity of the human person. Whether sharing a brief moment or an entire life, our mission is to educate our young men to listen actively and intently to the voice of the soul, who stands before them.
https://theconversation.com/to...
