Writing still key in an automated world

One of the most consequential questions that face educationists in the present day of automation and Artificial Intelligence is the relevance of learning to write.If machines can write within seconds, what is the need for humans to learn these skills? Why should students spend hours drafting papers and learning about the basics of paragraphs if they are never going to use these skills in their jobs? The answers may surprise us.Writing is more important today than ever before. That is because the physical text is more than just an arrangement of random words on paper, or a screen. It is essentially a way in which to think, clarify ideas and reflect on the world around us. Getting machines to do that is not very productive.Learning to write is not about memorising grammar, it is a way of learning to think by looking at arguments, counter arguments, audience, and distinguishing good and average ideas. Technology may not be able to replace these basic cognitive functions, coupled with the necessary emotion and spirit.This focus on student writing is also the focus of a current study at Sultan Qaboos University on what is technically known as ‘lexical bundles’. Extensive investigation of Omani undergraduates’ student writing, based on their commonly used phrases, suggests that students struggle to find their own voice.Typically, phrases like “it is clear”, or “evidence suggests” are less frequently used than “the author shows”, or “on the one hand”.This suggests that English language learners shy away from asserting themselves in showcasing their own opinions and attitudes.This has much to do with language fluency. But it also shows that practicing techniques of writing will encourage learners to be more confident with their use of language.Outsourcing language to technology will not be authentic if the users are not aware of the subtle differences in tone, voice and vocabulary to be used in specific contexts.The ability to write well remains an important skill in the professional spheres.This is because employers are looking for communication skills which are not only produced by AI. While routine e-mails and messages can be created by automation, more nuanced reports and persuasive sales pitches targeting specific socio-cultural contexts cannot be generated automatically.At best, they can be used as outlines to be modified. This is particularly true in high stakes environments like legal, journalistic or banking sectors. In fact, human writers are indispensable to all sectors.Learners who rely too much on digital forms are obviously not spending much time thinking. This will inevitably reduce their skills in critical thinking, creativity or even having the ability to voice a coherent argument in real-world situations.In fact, automations will actually amplify the need for human-led writing. This is because when there is too much generic writing, like in the repeated uses of certain lexical bundles, there is a need for unique voices which will stand apart.Writing is a deeply personal act. It allows individuals to articulate their unique identity and share ideas from specific perspectives that technology cannot grasp.