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Cornell Instructor Uses Manual Typewriters to Limit AI in Language Classes
Cornell's German instructor uses old manual typewriters once per semester to prevent AI-assisted assignments, addressing student reliance on generative AI and online translation tools.
- Once each semester, German instructor Grit Matthias Phelps at Cornell University introduces manual typewriters to her students for an 'analog' assignment that eliminates digital assistance and online tools.
- Phelps launched the exercise after growing frustrated with students using automated software to produce grammatically perfect assignments, wanting them to understand how writing and thinking functioned before everything turned digital.
- Freshman Catherine Mong noted she "didn't know there was a whole science to using a typewriter," discovering students had to think intentionally about every word without delete keys or corrections.
- Sophomore Ratchaphon Lertdamrongwong said, "While writing the essay, I had to talk a lot more, socialize a lot more," forcing independent thought instead of relying on automated tools.
- This revival reflects a national trend toward old-school testing methods to prevent automated software use; though it may be premature to say typewriters are making a comeback beyond Cornell's campus.
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The scene looks like it's straight out of the 1950s, with students typing on manual typewriters, and the machines going "ding" at the end of each line.
·Lancaster, United States
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A college instructor combats AI with typewriters
Once a semester, a Cornell University instructor requires her students to complete an in-class assignment using typewriters — an exercise to help them understand what writing, thinking and classrooms were like before everything turned digital. The exercise started in 2023,…
Associated Press News+4 Reposted by 4 other sources
A college instructor turns to typewriters to curb AI-written work and teach life lessons
Once a semester, a Cornell University instructor requires her students to complete an in-class assignment using typewriters -- an exercise to help them understand what writing, thinking and classrooms were like before everything turned digital.
·United States
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Total News Sources8
Leaning Left5Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution63% Left
Bias Distribution
- 63% of the sources lean Left
63% Left
L 63%
C 25%
12%
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