Artificial Intelligence in the Business Writing Classroom: How to Encourage College Students to Think Critically about ChatGPT in their Assignments

by Sydney Sullivan

Published in OLOR Effective Practices (26 March 2025)

As artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT become more embedded in professional communication, it is vital for students to develop critical literacy around their use. This practice introduces AI-generated business writing into rhetorical analysis assignments to help students identify the strengths and limitations of AI as a writing tool. Students generate AI content using prompts from a business writing assignment, annotate the output using ethos, pathos, and logos, and revise for improved rhetorical effectiveness. The activity can be conducted synchronously or asynchronously and is adaptable to online discussion forums. It supports metacognitive reflection, digital literacy, and ethical engagement with AI, preparing students for writing in AI-integrated professional contexts.