The Kindle E-Book edition
New Book Release: Using AI as a Tool, Not a Crutch
Why I Wrote It, Who It’s For, and What Comes Next
I’m excited (and a little awed) to announce the release of my new book: Using AI as a Tool, Not a Crutch: A Practical Guide for Students and Teachers.
This book didn’t come from a trend. It came from a classroom. From conversations with students who were both fascinated and overwhelmed by the possibilities of generative AI. From fellow teachers asking: How do we keep integrity alive in the age of ChatGPT? From countless moments where I saw potential—but also pitfalls—in how AI was being used in education.
The Journey
This began as a few notes for my students and colleagues here in Bhutan. A practical guide to using ChatGPT responsibly. But as the weeks went on, those notes grew into something bigger: a framework, a toolkit, a manifesto of sorts.
I’ve always believed education is a shared space—dynamic, curious, ethical. And like any new tool, AI can either enrich that space… or flatten it. The difference lies in how we use it. That’s the heart of this book.
The Why
Because we need more than rules.
We need reflection.
We need resources that don’t shame or restrict, but guide and empower.
Too often, AI is framed as something to fear or ban in the classroom. But that’s a short-sighted approach. What students and teachers really need is a philosophy of use—how to wield this tool with curiosity, clarity, and care. That’s what this book offers.
The What
Inside, you’ll find:
- Clear chapters for students and teachers alike
- Practical prompts, templates, and classroom ideas
- Guidance on ethical use, academic honesty, and critical thinking
- Chapters on how to write with AI, revise with AI, and teach prompting as a literacy
- Reflections on metacognition, bias, and responsible collaboration
It’s built for real classrooms and real people—not just policy makers or tech insiders. Whether you’re a student trying to improve your essay-writing process, or a teacher looking to integrate AI meaningfully into lessons, this book has something for you.
The What For
This book is part of a larger conversation. One that says:
AI is here. Let’s teach with it. Let’s learn with it. But let’s not lose ourselves to it.
Let’s remind ourselves—and our students—that thinking still matters. Creativity still matters. Human judgment, human voice, human curiosity… still matter.
That’s why it’s not called Using AI Instead of Thinking.
It’s Using AI as a Tool, Not a Crutch.
Where to Find It
The book is now available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0N9D0ra . If you’re interested in teaching it, hosting a workshop, or just want to share your thoughts, reach out. I’d love to connect.
And if you’ve read it already—thank you. Your feedback means the world. This journey isn’t over. In fact, it’s just the beginning.
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Here’s to a future where tools make us better thinkers, not lazier ones.
Here’s to teaching, learning, and adapting—with integrity.
The Paperback Edition
Released 8 June 2025
