AI as a Tool, Not a Crutch: Transforming Writing Instruction for Deeper Learning
Today’s educators are on the front lines of a rapidly shifting learning landscape, balancing diverse student needs, skill levels, and unequal access to technology.
At the heart of it all is writing—a fundamental skill that shapes critical thinking and communication across every subject. But as AI tools like ChatGPT evolve at breakneck speed, a pressing question emerges: How do we sharpen students’ writing skills without letting AI do all the heavy lifting?
The Challenge of Writing in an AI World
As AI tools become more accessible, some have questioned the future of writing instruction. But Dr. Catlin Tucker, a bestselling author, international speaker, and blended learning expert, sees it differently. AI isn’t the end of writing—it’s an opportunity to teach it better.
“When AI tools like ChatGPT emerged, I read articles claiming, ‘The essay is dead. We’ll never be able to assess student learning through writing again,’” Tucker explains. “That made no sense to me. The real issue isn’t AI—it’s where and how writing happens.”
Writing isn’t just about putting words on a page—it’s about thinking. Tucker, a longtime blogger and author of ten books, knows firsthand how writing sharpens ideas and deepens understanding. “Writing clarifies thinking and helps connect new ideas to prior knowledge,” she says. “It’s how students develop reasoning skills and engage with content across all subjects.”
But that can’t happen if writing instruction is pushed outside the classroom. Students need structured support, scaffolding, and feedback—otherwise, they may turn to AI as a shortcut instead of using it as a tool for deeper learning.
This isn’t a question of banning AI or ignoring its potential. It’s about rethinking how writing is taught.
A Blended Learning Advocate with Firsthand Experience
For Dr. Tucker, the solution lies in blended learning—an approach that merges technology with in-person instruction to create more flexible, student-centered learning experiences. And she doesn’t just talk about it—she’s lived it.
With over 16 years of classroom experience and a doctorate in learning technologies from Pepperdine University, Tucker has spent her career proving that technology, when used right, can enhance—not replace—strong teaching.
Her journey with NoRedInk—a comprehensive writing platform used by over 60% of U.S. school districts—began in a high school English classroom with no purchased curriculum or instructional tools. Looking for ways to bridge skill gaps, she discovered NoRedInk, a resource that allowed her to personalize grammar and writing instruction for students at all levels.
“The diagnostics in NoRedInk helped me identify student needs, personalize instruction, and allow students to engage in practice that was meaningful to them,” she shares.
That experience fueled her passion for blended learning, leading her to train educators worldwide on how to leverage technology for more effective instruction. Her experience in blended learning made one thing clear—technology should never replace great instruction, but it can make it stronger.
AI as a Thought Partner, Not a Shortcut
Used correctly, AI can personalize learning, drive targeted interventions, and help teachers be more effective.
“We don’t want students offloading their writing to AI, and we don’t want teachers offloading lesson design to AI either,” Tucker explains. “Instead, we should use AI to streamline the design process and make learning more inclusive, accessible, and personalized.”
AI-powered tools can enhance Tier 1 instruction by diagnosing skill gaps early, providing actionable feedback, and ensuring students get the writing support they need before falling behind. Platforms like NoRedInk ensure students get the foundational writing instruction they need before those gaps widen.
For students who need additional support, AI can power Tier 2 interventions by differentiating instruction, providing scaffolding, and tracking progress over time. Instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all curriculum, AI-driven tools let educators adjust writing prompts, recommend targeted practice, and deliver real-time feedback based on individual student needs.
For example, NoRedInk’s diagnostic assessments help teachers pinpoint skill gaps, while its scaffolded writing exercises and guided practice provide targeted support. Additionally, NoRedInk’s Grading Assistant streamlines the feedback process, allowing teachers to give more meaningful, high-quality feedback in less time—ensuring students receive the guidance they need to grow as writers.
Key Takeaways from the Webinar
Want to learn how to make AI work for your classroom instead of against it? In our upcoming webinar, Dr. Catlin Tucker will share practical strategies for using AI and EdTech to create more engaging, student-centered learning experiences.
Attendees will walk away with:
- Strategies for using AI as a teaching partner—not a replacement
- Ways to support Tier 1 and Tier 2 writing instruction using AI-driven insights
- Techniques to save time on planning while ensuring targeted, individualized learning
- Approaches to help students develop critical thinking and writing skills in an AI-driven world
Don’t miss out—save your spot today and take the guesswork out of using AI in writing instruction!