This semester, the English Language Support Office is introducing a tutoring service focused on using Generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot).
Graduate peer tutors of this new service are focused on using GenAI tools to write more effectively and efficiently but also to work ethically and ensure writers continue to grow to reach their long-term goals.
“GenAI is terrific at some things,” said GenAI Writing Tutoring Service Director Nathan Lindberg, “But it’s really bad at some things, like asking it about clarity. Our tutors can help you figure out what works for you. Then we can help you develop appropriate strategies.”
Dr. Lindberg stressed that ELSO’s GenAI Writing Tutoring Service can provide a safe space where students and postdocs can openly discuss their usage of GenAI with the assurance conversations will remain private. Clients are free to discuss ethical usage as well as related matters, such as GenAI disclosure statements and working safely.
During the tutoring service’s inaugural week, clients asked for help to formulate effective prompts, clarify Cornell policies, determine best uses of GenAI tools, and decide when the technology is not effective. There were even discussions on how to use GenAI tools less for writing. ELSO director, Dr. Michelle Crow noted, “This semester we are meeting some students who have found themselves overly dependent on GenAI for reading and writing. They no longer have the confidence to read and write without it. The GenAI tutors can help them learn strategies for moving away from the technology.”
The service has started with just two tutors: Lindberg and seasoned peer-tutor Shariwa Oke. Soon, new tutors will be added and the number of sessions offered will increase.
Dr. Crow stated, “We are really proud to add this tutoring service to ELSO. We believe it’s the first such program to be offered in the country, maybe the world. It’s a great addition to our other GenAI offerings, such as our new course, ELSO 6500 Strategies for Writing with AI, which we introduced last spring, and the web-based resources on using GenAI with less risk, ways to use GenAI for writing, and AI and academic integrity. Dr. Lindberg has become a leading researcher on GenAI and writing, and I’m so glad he’s bringing this expertise to ELSO. He’s enriching the program and benefitting so many students.”
