Reading and Writing Skills in the Age of AI with Naomi Baron, PhD

How are screen-based reading and writing, along with the growing use of generative AI by youth, shaping children’s development of foundational literacy skills? On this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry explores these nuanced questions with Dr. Naomi Baron, Professor Emerita of Linguistics at American University and a leading expert on reading and writing with technology. Dr. Baron outlines how reading and writing look differently on screens versus print, and what students think about the benefits and drawbacks of using each. She then dives into the research on generative AI and how tools like ChatGPT may be altering the reading, writing, and critical thinking process of young learners.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How the development of reading and writing skills interact with cognitive and social skills and identity development.
• What research says about comprehension from reading print versus digital formats – and how that differs from our personal perceptions.
• Why engaging e-books may distract children from becoming strong, focused readers.
• What recent studies show about differences in brain activity when writing by hand, typing, or using AI like ChatGPT for writing – and why it matters for learning.
• Positive ways to use AI with children to spark creativity and boost critical thinking.

For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website (https://www.childrenandscreens.org)

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Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au