1	Standards for ChatGPT-Enhanced Technical Writing: Objectives, Obstacles, Options, and Opportunities Dan M. Davis, Catholic Polytechnic University, USA Co-Authors: Dr. Jennifer Nolan, Judith Jacobus & Dr. Mark Davis, USA 2024-SIW-Presentation-008
2
3	Slide based on “Simple List” Writing takes up a significant part of STEM professional’s day Most of it is straight forward, but some is very stressful Some is very formal (e.g. Proposals) Some is very informal (e.g. eMails) Very little is hand-written anymore Little of Tertiary Education Focuses on Writing One English Class as an incoming freshman Maybe one tech writing course in grad school <4% of college Most did not get much help outside the classroom There are classes offered at Univ of Chicago for newly hired PhD A CEO of a major text firm says he has to give out Strunk and White
4
5	Is this Really a Problem? Is writing an out-dated skill? Quill pens and broad swords Star Trek Computer Abilities on the command line and writing program code Writing and Language are drivers of analysis? G-Factor testing relies on verbal abilities Will needed skills Atrophy? SciFi examples (Wall-E) May skills be required in other environments? If computer is not available If societal infrastructure fails
6
7
8	Skills Needed for Communications Verbal Skills Grammar Organization Articulate Physical Skills Typing Hand writing Audience Awareness Tone Knowledge level Biases Types of written products
9
10	Analogy of Cinema Production and Technical Writing In Cinema Creators Concept creator Writer of the dialogue Cinematographer Director Music composer Actor …
11	Computer Skill sets for Better Writing Computer editing No longer need precise typing skills Can now make corrections without leaving record of correction MS Theses and PhD dissertations used to require perfect copy No white-out, no correction tape Computer Spelling Checkers Requires a less time-consuming of work Computer ;Grammar Checkers Pick up most blatant errors such as use of wrong verb Simple phrase Detection and Insertion of Appropriate Word Word completion Word choice offered
12	Intelligent Text Generation Caveat This presentation in NOT about ChatGPT The Authors are experts therein They are not even experienced users It is about the impacts What might be in the future What responses may be needed Disciplines of interest Ethics Communication efficacy Evaluative reliability Danger of creation of false impression
13	ChatGPT Overview Intro Provides readable text Generates written material Uses AI Techniques Evolved over last 30 years Available on-line Input Via verbal prompts from user Typing, oral input feasible The entire web Series of Prompt Do re-writes Change tone Change length
14
15	Potential Problems with Using ChatGPT Ethics of Misrepresentation Plagiarism misleads potential Users, Funders or Collaborator Careful scrutiny of concepts may be discouraged Cognitive stimulation nature of drafting lost or reduce Fails to give credit to creators of original authors May not apply human analysis of reliability of the source Pressure to stay on schedule diminished Potential violation of copyright laws amplified
16	Professional Standards Need to mitigate harmful impacts Disclosure In acknowledgement Section? Before oral presentations? Who should promulgate rules? Restricted uses Are spell-checkers a significant issue? Which uses really do have significant impacts/ Are some applications of this technology the future? Will techies be tempted to give up skills they have developed? Sanctions Current plagiarism insights Data manipulation Enforcement issues
17	Conclusions Computer-Generated Text will NOT go away The unfettered use thereof may have deleterious effects A Reasoned Review of Options may be in order Disclosure rules Levels of use (e.g. spell-checker vs.cut and paste “authorship” Prohibited uses Sanctions Standards community has skills and experience others don’t Cross platform studies to insure consitency Unbiased approach to all stake-holders Willingness to rely on others more versed in individual skill sets Manifest “no dog in the fight”
18
19