Cornell professor ditches computers for typewriters to fight AI-generated work

German language instructor Grit Matthias Phelps has her students use manual typewriters to force them to think more intentionally about their writing.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:51pm

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An extreme close-up of a vintage manual typewriter in matte black and silver, with clean geometric lines and subtle metallic accents, conceptually illustrating the analog tools used to engage students in a more thoughtful writing process.A vintage manual typewriter, a symbol of a bygone era, now used to challenge students to think and write without the aid of modern technology.Ithaca Today

Grit Matthias Phelps, a German language instructor at Cornell University, has introduced a unique assignment in her classes where students must use manual typewriters instead of computers. Phelps grew frustrated with students relying on generative AI and online translation platforms to produce perfect assignments without actually writing them themselves. The typewriter exercise forces students to slow down, think more carefully about their writing, and interact with their classmates more, rather than being distracted by screens and digital tools.

Why it matters

This experiment at Cornell is part of a broader national trend of educators trying to find ways to prevent students from using AI tools to cheat on assignments. By taking away the ability to easily correct mistakes or look up answers online, the typewriter assignment encourages more thoughtful and authentic student writing.

The details

Phelps found dozens of old manual typewriters and had them set up in her classroom for students to use. The students had to learn how to manually feed paper, strike the keys with the right amount of force, and return the carriage to start a new line. Without the ability to delete or instantly look up information, the students had to pause and think more carefully about their writing. They also had to interact with classmates more to get help, rather than relying on digital tools. The assignment was challenging, especially for students used to the convenience of computers, but many found it rewarding to slow down and focus on the writing process.

  • Phelps started the typewriter assignment in her classes in spring 2023.
  • The most recent 'analog' class session took place on a recent date.

The players

Grit Matthias Phelps

A German language instructor at Cornell University who introduced the manual typewriter assignment to her classes as a way to combat AI-generated student work.

Catherine Mong

A 19-year-old freshman in Phelps' Intro to German class who was initially confused by the typewriters but embraced the creative challenges they presented.

Ratchaphon Lertdamrongwong

A sophomore computer science major in Phelps' class who recognized that the typewriter assignment changed how he interacted with his classmates and the writing process.

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What they’re saying

“What's the point of me reading it if it's already correct anyway, and you didn't write it yourself? Could you produce it without your computer?”

— Grit Matthias Phelps, German language instructor

“I was so confused. I had no idea what was happening. I'd seen typewriters in movies, but they don't tell you how a typewriter works.”

— Catherine Mong, Freshman student

“This might sound bad, but I was forced to actually think about the problem on my own instead of delegating to AI or Google search.”

— Ratchaphon Lertdamrongwong, Sophomore student

What’s next

Phelps plans to continue using the typewriter assignment in her classes, as part of a broader effort by educators to combat AI-generated student work.

The takeaway

This experiment at Cornell highlights the growing concerns among educators about the use of AI tools to produce assignments, and the need to find ways to encourage more authentic and thoughtful student writing. The typewriter assignment forces students to slow down, think more critically, and engage with the writing process in a more meaningful way.