• Learn about common tools used for proofreading

Proofreading

Proofreading is the meticulous process of reviewing the final draft of a piece of writing to ensure accuracy and consistency in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting before it is read by the intended audience. Common mistakes that you should look for include typographical errors, misplaced commas, incorrect verb tenses, and misused words. Additionally, proofreading can catch inconsistencies in formatting, such as irregular font sizes, improper paragraph alignment, and inconsistent heading styles, all of which can distract from the content’s intended message. By catching these errors, you can ensure that your writing presents the intended information clearly and effectively.

Using Proofreading Tools

Using proofreading tools in addition to self-review can help you identify errors that you may miss because you are so familiar with your writing. 

Spell Checkers

Spell checkers are tools built into word processing programs such as Microsoft Word and Google Docs to detect words that are not spelled correctly. In some cases, you can set your preferences to auto-correct misspellings as you write or to visually indicate when words are misspelled, usually with a squiggly red line. While a spell checker can quickly scan your document, a spell checker alone does not detect when a correctly spelled word is being misused.

Grammar Checkers

A grammar checker is a specialized software tool designed to analyze text for grammatical accuracy. It scans written material for errors in syntax, punctuation, and sentence structure, providing suggestions for correction. Some advanced grammar checkers also analyze the text for style and readability, suggesting changes that can make the writing clearer and more concise.

Artificial Intelligence Editing Tools

Artificial intelligence (AI) editing tools such as Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, and ChatGPT, which rely on sophisticated algorithms to assist in the editing and proofreading of texts, have seen increased use in academic and professional environments. These tools offer powerful advantages, including high efficiency, consistency, and the ability to learn from large datasets to improve their suggestions over time. However, their use also raises ethical considerations.

1. Academic Integrity: One of the primary ethical concerns revolves around academic integrity. Relying heavily on AI tools for editing and revising work might blur the lines between a student’s original effort and machine-generated content. Educational institutions often require clear demarcations of original thought and external assistance, including AI tools. Before using an AI editing tool, make sure to check your school or workplace guidelines about acceptable and unacceptable uses.

2. Dependency: There’s a risk that students might become overly reliant on AI tools, potentially interfering with their learning and development of essential writing skills. It’s important for students to engage actively with the editing process and understand the rationale behind corrections suggested by AI.

3. Bias and Fairness: AI systems can display biases present in their training data or algorithms. This can lead to biased suggestions that might not be appropriate for all contexts or that might privilege certain forms of expression over others. Writers should critically assess AI feedback and consider whether it aligns with the intended voice and purpose of their text.

4. Privacy and Data Security: Using AI editing tools often involves uploading documents to servers, which raises concerns about data privacy and security. The AI developers may be using any material that you give to the AI tool to incorporate into the AI’s training material. It’s important for users to understand how their data will be used, stored, and protected.

5. Intellectual Property: When you use AI tools, questions about the ownership of ideas and expressions may arise. A significant ethical issue with AI editing tools involves the use of potentially copyrighted materials in the AI’s training processes. These tools are often developed by analyzing vast amounts of text to learn language patterns, grammar, and style nuances. However, the sources of these texts aren’t always disclosed or credited, raising concerns about copyright infringement and the fair use of intellectual property. This issue not only touches on legal concerns but also on the ethical implications of benefiting from others’ creative and intellectual labor without proper attribution or compensation. 

You can view the transcript for “Should we let students use ChatGPT? | Natasha Berg | TEDxSioux Falls” here (opens in new window).