Artful AI in Writing Instruction

Key Takeaways

Prepared for attendees of the presentation by Brett Vogelsinger at North Penn SD, 2026.

AI Transparency: After creating a PPT with my content based on a Canva template, I used Microsoft CoPilot to summarize key points, edited that output, and posted it here for participants to have easy access to the big ideas from our time together on March 30, 2026.

1. Teachers as Curators of Experience

• Teachers shape learning experiences that guide students toward wise AI use.

• Emphasis on intentional modeling and transparent decision-making.

2. Journeying Together with Students

• Educators can lead by embracing uncertainty and learning alongside students.

• Ask guiding questions that communicate curiosity and collaboration on this topic.

3. Defining Boundaries: Is It Cheating?

• Collaborative exploration of ethical and unethical uses of AI.

• Shared demonstrations help build consensus on healthy boundaries and let students and teachers learn and define boundaries together.

4. Personalized Guides Built on Analogies

• Demonstrated how we can teach students to build their own guides using analogies that interest them and evaluate the analogies critically.

5. Sift, Sort, Star Strategy

• Use AI drafts to stimulate student thinking rather than replace writing.

• STAR: Find compelling ideas.

• SORT: Organize meaningful ideas.

• SIFT: Remove weaker or obvious ideas.

6. The Slowdown: Strengthening Voice & Revision

• AI offers multiple rephrasings to support tone and clarity.

• Students compare options and remix from examples to maintain authentic voice.

7. Transparency Surveys

• Inviting students to reflect on their AI use fosters honesty.

• Students show diverse approaches: ideation support, grammar help, or choosing non-use.

8. Keeping Writing Human-Centered

• Emphasize creativity, personal investment, and unique student voice.

9. Big Ideas

• Curate experiences and journey together.

• Model wise choices and invite transparency.

• Use AI output to push—not replace—thinking.

For more insights and resources, visit brettvogelsinger.com.