AI in Seattle Pacific University Classroom : A Lesson in Responsible Use for Writing and Legal Blogging
Writer at work
Dr. Traynor Hansen, an assistant professor of English at Seattle Pacific University, is breaking new ground.
As reported by Savannah Welch of KING 5 News here in Seattle, Hansen is the first at the university to bring generative AI tools like ChatGPT into first year writing classes.
Instead of viewing AI as a threat, Hansen shows students how it can help. Brainstorming ideas. Organizing thoughts. Refining drafts. AI becomes a partner in the process, not a replacement.
This shift matters, reports Welch. First-year student Sofie Kim acknowledged that being allowed, and even encouraged, to use AI is uncharted territory.
It’s definitely harder for people to shift that view of using AI more often because of cheating. I feel like I’ve had a hard time being like, ‘Oh I can use it.
At a time when some schools are banning AI outright, Hansen is taking a different approach. With the right guidance, students can work with AI responsibly. It’s clear AI isn’t going anywhere, and Hansen is helping his students get ahead.
The same is true in legal blogging. When lawyers use blogging to share their unique insight and commentary in an engaging way — AI is a good fit for brainstorming ideas, organizing thoughts, and refining commentary.
But when using AI to churn out soul less blog content just to fill a page and fret web traffic, AI misses the mark.
Hansen’s approach, as Welch highlights, is a nice reminder that the thoughtful, intentional use of AI can make a difference in your legal blogging.