All posts by John Lande

Why This Tech-Wary Curmudgeon Went All-In on AI – And You Might Too

Despite being a card-carrying member of the if-it-ain’t-broke-don’t-fix-it school of innovation, I dove headfirst into the world of AI. Why?  Because it turns out to be amazingly useful. In a short piece, Technology and Me and You:  Getting Comfortable with AI, I reflect on how I came to develop the RPS Coach AI tool.  I … Continue reading Why This Tech-Wary Curmudgeon Went All-In on AI – And You Might Too

Using AI to Improve Your Writing (Without Losing Your Voice)

In my last post, I described what it’s like to write with RPS Coach, the AI tool I trained using my own writing.  The process is unbelievably effective, sometimes eerie, and surprisingly enjoyable. If you missed it, here’s the short version:  I upload what I’m writing and a style guide that describes my writing style.  … Continue reading Using AI to Improve Your Writing (Without Losing Your Voice)

Writing with a Bot:  I’m Pretty Sure I Wrote Most of This

I’ve always enjoyed writing.  People accuse me of not really retiring from teaching.  But the truth is that I’m a writer who used to earn a living as a law professor. I like the sound, rhythm, and feel of a sentence.  I like making complicated things clear.  And I like that moment when something feels … Continue reading Writing with a Bot:  I’m Pretty Sure I Wrote Most of This

AI Can Help Students Learn.  You Get Better Papers.  And You Know It’s Theirs.

These days, some faculty worry that students use AI to write papers without putting in much thought.  It’s not always easy to tell.  Some students write as if they were bargain-basement bots. Here’s one way to know for sure if students are using AI.  Require them to chat with an AI tool and submit their … Continue reading AI Can Help Students Learn.  You Get Better Papers.  And You Know It’s Theirs.

How You Can Survive Grading Season (with a Little Help from Your Friend, RPS Coach)

The academic year is coming to a close, which means that it’s everyone’s favorite time of year. Summer break? Nah.  Grading. Just kidding. A colleague once said he teaches for free – they pay him to grade. Grading is where the joy of teaching goes to die. This post is about how you might make … Continue reading How You Can Survive Grading Season (with a Little Help from Your Friend, RPS Coach)

RPS Coach is Biased – And Proud of It

We all know that it’s bad to be biased, right? Wrong.  That assumption is its own bad bias. Biases are inevitable – in humans and bots alike. Some biases are harmful.  Others are helpful.  Many are neutral. But bias itself is unavoidable. So bias isn’t a problem in itself.  Pretending otherwise is. This post describes … Continue reading RPS Coach is Biased – And Proud of It

Using RPS Coach in Simulations

AI tools can help students and trainees get more out of simulations, which are key parts of many courses and trainings.  People generally love doing simulations but often don’t have enough time to get their full benefit.  That’s where AI really can add value. Training the Coach The RPS Negotiation and Mediation Coach (RPS Coach) … Continue reading Using RPS Coach in Simulations

The Artificially Intelligent RPS Negotiation and Mediation Coach

Until January 27, I hadn’t planned to develop an AI tool for dispute resolution .  That changed when I Zoomed into a program where Susan Guthrie showed how AI could be used in mediation.  A brief conversation at the end shifted from mediating disputes to improving writing – and that’s when a light bulb lit … Continue reading The Artificially Intelligent RPS Negotiation and Mediation Coach

What’s the Matter with BATNA?

You probably teach students or train practitioners about BATNA – everybody loves BATNA. You may think you understand it correctly. There’s a good chance you don’t – and that you spread your misunderstandings like a virus. So you might want to read my latest Theory Meets Practice column in CPR’s Alternatives magazine, What’s the Matter … Continue reading What’s the Matter with BATNA?