Reading shapes how we engage with ideas, analyze information, form judgments, and learn to evaluate perspectives; reading is central to learning and critical thinking. However, AI is increasingly touted as an aid for more efficiently analyzing information, supporting research, or reading. But does AI “read”? What is the impact of our students using ChatGPT summaries or Google AI Overviews to support their work in our courses? This workshop interrogates the role of “AI-as-reader” in our courses and our goals in supporting student growth as readers and critical thinkers. Participants will be gifted a copy of Naomi Baron’s book, "Reader Bot: What Happens When AI Reads and Why It Matters" (2026, Stanford University Press), to read prior to the workshop. Discussion will make use of concepts from our own teaching, experiences, and Baron’s book.
Note: Workshop applications now closed.