Tech: Ever tried an AI sandwich?

Let’s be honest: while I can spin a good yarn for my students, as Margot Singer can attest, I’m not a writer.

Enter the AI sandwich. I first learned about this concept in spring 2024 from Jon Ippolito at the University of Maine. Since then, I’ve adapted his idea to improve my own writing process. This approach avoids getting the first draft from AI which can bring along all the biases and assumptions baked into these systems. Starting with my own thoughts ensures the piece reflects my perspective and goals. 

Building an AI Sandwich for Better Writing

Using AI to improve your writing doesn’t mean giving up control- it means working collaboratively. Think of it as making a sandwich, with you and the AI each contributing essential layers. Here’s how to structure it:

Top Layer: Start with Your Thoughts
Write down your initial ideas or draft quickly. Don’t worry about perfection at this stage- just focus on capturing your thoughts.

Middle Layer: Refine with AI
Use an AI tool to copy edit your work, one paragraph at a time. A helpful prompt might be: “Let’s copy edit this piece for the TTT using an inviting and inclusive tone: [cut and paste your copy here].” Once you’ve worked through each paragraph, ask the AI to review the updated draft to ensure smooth flow and strong transitions. For this step, you could prompt: “Let’s check this revised piece to improve flow, transitions, and overall coherence for the TTT.”

If you want more precision, consider using the Canvas feature in ChatGPT 4o, which allows you to interact directly with the text. Canvas offers a collaborative editing environment where you can modify text directly and receive inline AI suggestions for a more hands-on experience. (To be clear, ChatGPT’s Canvas has nothing to do with the Canvas Learning Management System Canvas we use for our classes at Denison. Who comes up with these names?!?)

Bottom Layer: Finalize Like a Pro
Review the AI’s suggestions carefully. Refine the edits, add personal touches, and ensure the final piece reflects your voice. This is your chance to take ownership and make it truly yours.

By avoiding AI for the first draft, I steer clear of the biases and assumptions baked into these systems. Starting with my own thoughts ensures the final piece reflects my unique perspective and goals. Layering my input with thoughtful AI collaboration and carefully applied finishing touches, the AI Sandwich technique helps me craft polished, engaging writing that remains true to my style.