AI Assistance at Reutlingen City Library: Aiding in Writing Tasks?
German public libraries are embracing the use of AI tools like ChatGPT for educational purposes, particularly in writing workshops aimed at teenagers.
In a unique project, the city of Reutlingen is providing teenagers with linguistic and literary experiences through the use of AI in public libraries. The initiative, which has been supported by the Lechler Foundation and its board member Heinz Gerstlauer, is managed by Ulrike Wöner, a qualified lecturer for literary writing at Literaturhaus Stuttgart since 2001.
The project, which began in 2022, is focused on fostering an independent and critically reflected opinion among teenagers regarding artificial linguistic intelligence. The workshops, which are well-established in libraries, have been met with consistent enthusiasm and eagerness from the participants.
ChatGPT's Study Mode, introduced in mid-2025, has proven to be a valuable asset in these workshops. Designed to transform the AI from a mere answer provider into an interactive tutor, Study Mode encourages deeper understanding and critical thinking, making it an ideal tool for educational workshops.
In these workshops, ChatGPT acts as a personal coach, helping individual learners engage with writing tasks by asking guiding questions, providing stepwise feedback, and supporting the creative process. This approach helps teenagers develop their writing skills in a structured and adaptive manner.
Professor Dr. Bernhard Rank is responsible for the management and coordination of the project, while Dr. Daniela Matz from the University of Tübingen is scientifically accompanying it. Matz hopes to gain insights from the project that can be applied to literary writing processes in German lessons.
Ulrike Wöner, however, sees AI as more of an enhancement to writing and creativity, rather than a replacement for it. She perceives AI as a good writing buddy that asks curious questions or helps with idea finding. On the other hand, Matz views AI as a potential tool for outsourcing work processes.
The project, which has already seen three writing workshops with a group of students from the Eduard-Spranger community school and their German teacher, Katharina Schreiber, will continue after the summer holidays. The goal is to show that writing itself is very enjoyable with the help of AI.
The cooperation with the management of the Eduard-Spranger school has been smooth from the start, and the project benefits from the support of the city library and its IT department. The project aims to provide teenagers with a unique opportunity to explore the potential of AI in writing and to develop their skills in a supportive and structured environment.
[1] ChatGPT's Study Mode: Transforming AI from an Answer Provider to an Interactive Tutor [2] AI in Education: The Role of ChatGPT in Writing Workshops [3] The Impact of AI on Writing Skills: A Case Study of ChatGPT in German Public Libraries [4] German National Library Adopts AI Policy Framework [5] AI in Schools: Teaching Ethical and Effective AI Use
[1] In the context of the project,ChatGPT's Study Mode enables AI to act as a personal coach for teenagers, fostering independent and critical thinking while enhancing their writing skills.
[2] As part of the workshops, artificial intelligence, notably ChatGPT, is employed in German public libraries, offering teenagers a chance to explore the potential of AI in writing and develop their skills in a structured and adaptive manner.
