ZHAW School of Applied Linguistics
Institute of Language Competence
Theaterstrasse 17
8400 Winterthur
+41 (0) 58 934 70 59
cerstin.mahlow@zhaw.ch
Generative AI in Writing:
Redefining Collaboration, Cognition, and Creativity
In this keynote, I will discuss the transformative impact of Generative AI (GenAI) on the writing process, emphasizing its role in collaboration and co-creation. As GenAI tools increasingly integrate into writing workflows, they bring both opportunities and challenges for writers and researchers alike.
Building on established models of writing, I will explore the potential of Large Language Models (LLM) to intervene at various stages—from ideation and planning to transcription and revision—freeing cognitive resources for higher-level creative and analytical tasks. This shift raises critical questions: How can writing models account for GenAI both as a non-human collaborator and an addition to the writing environment? How does the use of GenAI influence cognitive load, decision-making, and the quality of written output? What methodological innovations are needed to study these novel interactions?
By framing GenAI as a transcriber, ideation partner, or even co-author, I aim to challenge traditional paradigms of writing research. I will also address practical implications: How can we design writing aids that harness GenAI’s strengths while preserving human creativity and control?
Ultimately, I hope to spark a conversation about the future of writing in a GenAI-enabled world, bridging the cognitive, technological, and educational dimensions of this evolving field.