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Mcom 320: Writing with AI

Honing Your Critical Thinking Skills

🎯 Outcomes, Values, and Objectives

This learning module should take you about 1 hour to complete.
By the end of this lesson you will meet the

1. Course Learning Outcomes

  • Disciplinary Communication
  • Writing Processes
  • Knowledge of Conventions

2. BYU Marriott Values

  • Integrity in Action
  • Excellence

3. Lesson Objectives

  • Develop a solid grasp of generative AI principles to engage in informed discussions about its applications and impact on business.
  • Recognize generative AI-related ethical dilemmas like bias, privacy, and transparency.
  • Coherently articulate generative AI concepts to gain buy-in from colleagues and decision makers.
  • Gain hands-on experience using generative AI to improve writing skills and enhance employability.

Overview

Lehi and his family received the liahona to guide them on their journey through the wilderness. It operated on the principles of faith and diligence, providing directions only when they showed true commitment to the instructions it provided.

If you use it correctly, generative AI can be a sort of liahona that guides you, especially when you feel like you are "wandering in the writing wilderness." Like the liahona, generative AI operates on input and engagement—it functions effectively when users provide clear prompts and purposefully engage with the tool. It offers writing guidance, suggestions, and enhancements that help students take the steps in the writing process.

Just as the liahona was an essential tool for the Nephites in their physical journey, generative AI can be an indispensable asset for students in their intellectual journey, helping them find the right words, coherently structure their thoughts, and precisely communicate.

However, just like the liahona, the value of generative AI is unlocked through the user’s effort and intent; it requires active participation and thoughtful interaction to yield the best results.

Elder David A. Bednar, in his January 2024 BYU Devotional speech, counseled students to not allow AI's speed and accuracy to entice them to avoid or circumvent the righteous work that brings the blessings you will need. "There are no spiritual shortcuts or quick fixes. Ongoing conversion requires sustained work. Shun becoming objects that are merely acted upon. Becoming a disciple requires sustained work."

Do the work necessary to learn to use AI as a tool that enhances your journey as a writer and a business professional. Doing so will result in your becoming a Christlike leader and communicator.

Read the following textbook chapter

Watch the following video

Introduction to Generative AI (stop at 17:38)