Section 1: So, You Want to Write a Textbook with AI?

Writing a textbook might seem like a Herculean task, but with ChatGPT by your side, it’s more like having a supercharged brainstorming buddy who never needs coffee breaks. Think of it as enlisting a highly enthusiastic (and slightly quirky) co-author who’s ready to help you turn your teaching expertise into an accessible, student-friendly Open Educational Resource (OER). Whether your goal is to save students from overpriced textbooks, create a resource tailored to your unique course, or just experiment with cutting-edge tools, this guide will help you navigate the exciting (and occasionally unpredictable) process of textbook creation with generative AI.

But let’s not kid ourselves—AI isn’t magic, and it won’t do all the work for you. Writing a textbook with ChatGPT is like having an incredibly eager intern: it’s fast, helpful, and ready to write at a moment’s notice, but it still needs guidance, structure, and the occasional firm nudge to stay on task. That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from outlining your book to crafting chapters, revising AI-generated content, and even creating quizzes. Along the way, you’ll learn tips and tricks for working with AI effectively, while keeping your expertise and vision at the forefront. Let’s get started—your students (and their wallets) will thank you!