A Murder Most Technical Gamification, AI, and Rhetorical Genre Studies in the Technical Writing Classroom

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Published: Jan 30, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31719/pjaw.v10i1.232
Keywords:
AI, Artificial Intelligence, game-based pedagogy, technical and professional writing, technical and professional communication, genre study

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Justin Cook
High Point University

Abstract

This article describes a gamified technical writing assignment inspired by the Hunt a Killer board games. Students solve a fictional mystery by analyzing AI-generated technical documents as an introduction to the most common deliverables and genres in the field and practice of Technical and Professional Communication. Grounded in research on gamification and AI, this activity fosters experiential learning by situating technical writing genres as both structured and dynamic tools. By combining genre analysis with collaborative problem-solving, the assignment offers a novel approach to teaching genre in technical writing, emphasizing flexibility and critical thinking.

Article Details

How to Cite
Cook, J. (2026). A Murder Most Technical: Gamification, AI, and Rhetorical Genre Studies in the Technical Writing Classroom. Prompt: A Journal of Academic Writing Assignments, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.31719/pjaw.v10i1.232
Issue
Vol. 10 No. 1 (2026): Prompt: A Journal of Academic Writing Assignments
Section
Articles
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