Module 4: Technical Communication Ethics and Generative AI
Technical Writing by Tiffani Tijerina is licensed CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 International
Technical Writing by Tiffani Tijerina is licensed CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 International
Recognize potential ethical issues such as data manipulation, deceptive graphics, and biased language within technical documents and apply professional codes of conduct to resolve them.
Distinguish between the ethical violation of plagiarism and the legal violation of copyright infringement, especially concerning emerging technologies like generative AI, and correctly apply Fair Use guidelines to source material.
Integrate external research into their technical documents by creating precise in-text citations and comprehensive reference lists according to the latest APA style guidelines.
Locate, evaluate, and legally integrate open-access media and text into their work by interpreting and adhering to various Creative Commons license types (e.g., CC BY, CC BY-NC).
Effectively paraphrase, summarize, and quote primary and secondary sources to support technical arguments without compromising original authorship or misleading the target audience.
*Explainer and knowledge check questions generated with Notebook LM, using Open TC 2e, Chapter 23 as the source content.
The following videos are a series that are helpful in framing what writing looks like in the age of AI.
Dr. Jeanne Law, a good friend and colleague of mine at Kennesaw State University, created this handy MOOC (massive open online course) through Coursera on generative AI in professional communication. It's free to access and watch the videos, so I would like you to head over there and watch them. Pay particular attention to the "Rhet Shot" Prompt Engineering Model in Module 2. Note: You can pay to complete the course assignments and then get a certificate, but that is not required. Don't pay unless you want the certificate.
Dr. Law also created the following course on Ethical AI Use. Please head over there to watch the videos as well, paying close attention to the ethical considerations in Module 2. You have the opportunity to apply these concepts in our first assignment, where we are using generative AI to assist in developing a cover letter.
Make sure to read all tabs in the navigation bar!
Review/skim all tabs in the navigation bar. Bookmark this page for future reference. You'll need it when it comes time to cite sources!
More than Memos is a YouTube account with some really great analyses of different examples of technical communication. With each module, I'll assign you a video to watch with a different example. Enjoy!
Steven B. Katz's "Ethic of Expediency" article critiques how technical writing often prioritizes efficiency, utility, and expediency at the expense of broader ethical considerations. In the context of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, these themes are especially relevant. AI tools can greatly enhance efficiency, but they also introduce ethical dilemmas regarding accuracy, bias, transparency, and authorship.
For this discussion:
Reflect on Katz's critique of expediency as an ethical framework. What lessons from the article resonate most with the ethical challenges posed by generative AI in technical writing?
How might the prioritization of speed and convenience in using AI conflict with ethical responsibilities in technical writing, such as ensuring clarity, accuracy, and accountability
Consider practical scenarios: How can technical writers balance the benefits of AI-driven efficiency with the need to maintain ethical standards in their work?
Feel free to share specific examples or pose questions to your peers. After your initial post, review your classmates' posts and find at least one that you're interested in to engage in further discussion. Let's explore how Katz's insights on technical writing during a historical event (the Holocaust) can guide responsible and ethical use of generative AI in our field.