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September 21, 2026
John Warner
ISBN978-1541605503
AI / Writing
A veteran writing teacher makes a “moving” (Rick Wormeli) argument that writing is a form of thinking and feeling and shows why it can’t be replaced by AI
In the age of artificial intelligence, drafting an essay is as simple as typing a prompt and pressing enter. What does this mean for the art of writing? According to longtime writing teacher John Warner: not very much.
More Than Words argues that generative AI programs like ChatGPT not only can kill the student essay but should, since these assignments don’t challenge students to do the real work of writing. To Warner, writing is thinking—discovering your ideas while trying to capture them on a page—and feeling—grappling with what it fundamentally means to be human. The fact that we ask students to complete so many assignments that a machine could do is a sign that something has gone very wrong with writing instruction. More Than Words calls for us to use AI as an opportunity to reckon with how we work with words—and how all of us should rethink our relationship with writing.
North Dakota United is dedicated to providing researched-based, member-driven, relevant, high-quality programs to advance skills, communication, and leadership opportunities. Book studies are typically one credit courses that last approximately six weeks. One credit equates to 15 hours of study. Expectations include reading the book, answering discussion questions, responding to others’ responses, and a reflection paper/action plan.
COST
Book studies are FREE to North Dakota United members.
All participants (members and non-members) are responsible for obtaining the book and the $50 credit fee to UND to have your credit recorded onto your transcript. The fee to participate in an NDU book study for non-members is $100, plus the $50 credit fee to UND.
If you have questions, please contact: amy.flicek@ndunited.org
September 21, 2026
John Warner
ISBN978-1541605503
AI / Writing
A veteran writing teacher makes a “moving” (Rick Wormeli) argument that writing is a form of thinking and feeling and shows why it can’t be replaced by AI
In the age of artificial intelligence, drafting an essay is as simple as typing a prompt and pressing enter. What does this mean for the art of writing? According to longtime writing teacher John Warner: not very much.
More Than Words argues that generative AI programs like ChatGPT not only can kill the student essay but should, since these assignments don’t challenge students to do the real work of writing. To Warner, writing is thinking—discovering your ideas while trying to capture them on a page—and feeling—grappling with what it fundamentally means to be human. The fact that we ask students to complete so many assignments that a machine could do is a sign that something has gone very wrong with writing instruction. More Than Words calls for us to use AI as an opportunity to reckon with how we work with words—and how all of us should rethink our relationship with writing.
North Dakota United is dedicated to providing researched-based, member-driven, relevant, high-quality programs to advance skills, communication, and leadership opportunities. Book studies are typically one credit courses that last approximately six weeks. One credit equates to 15 hours of study. Expectations include reading the book, answering discussion questions, responding to others’ responses, and a reflection paper/action plan.
COST
Book studies are FREE to North Dakota United members.
All participants (members and non-members) are responsible for obtaining the book and the $50 credit fee to UND to have your credit recorded onto your transcript. The fee to participate in an NDU book study for non-members is $100, plus the $50 credit fee to UND.
If you have questions, please contact: amy.flicek@ndunited.org
