5 min read

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We’re taking a deep dive into AI in the Classroom with this new three-part about AI and it’s use in the world of Education today!

This three-part series explores how educators can embrace AI in ways that support student growth, foster critical skills, and prepare the next generation for a tech-driven future.

If you missed Part 1, you can read it that article, and all our other posts on our website! Check it out here: “Embracing AI Vs. Banning it in the Classroom” 

Incorporating generative AI tools into the classroom can feel daunting, especially with the worry that it might dilute traditional teaching methods or increase workload. But AI has the potential to empower teachers, offering innovative ways to design lessons, support students, and streamline day-to-day tasks. When used thoughtfully, AI can be a game-changer that enhances, rather than detracts from, the art of teaching. Here’s how educators can make the most of AI to improve their teaching impact without adding hours to their workday.

LESSON PLANNING SUPPORT

Lesson planning can be a time-consuming part of teaching, and AI tools can help speed up the brainstorming phase, offering fresh ideas or ways to approach subjects creatively. For instance, if a history teacher wants to create a unit on ancient civilizations, an AI can generate possible lesson outlines or suggest key topics, like trade systems, social hierarchies, or cultural achievements. This can give teachers a springboard to develop lessons that engage students without starting from scratch every time.

Teachers can also prompt AI to provide sample questions for discussions or quizzes on specific topics, then modify them to better suit the class’s level. The process helps in cutting down prep time while keeping lesson quality high. Rather than replacing teacher expertise, AI acts as a collaborator, allowing educators to spend more time refining content instead of generating it.

CRAFTING ACTIVITIES & ASSIGNMENTS

Creating engaging activities that challenge students but don’t overwhelm them is a balancing act, and AI can help with this, too. For example, a language arts teacher could use AI to create short reading comprehension exercises or grammar drills, tailoring difficulty based on student proficiency. Similarly, science or math teachers could use AI to generate example problems or design interactive scenarios that illustrate complex concepts.

Using AI this way can also aid in differentiation, giving teachers a flexible tool to adapt assignments for students with varying levels of understanding. In a math class, for instance, the AI could generate additional practice problems for students who need more support or create more complex scenarios for those ready for a challenge. This approach empowers teachers to provide targeted assistance, helping all students succeed.

GENERATING & ORGANIZING RESOURCES

One of AI’s greatest strengths is its ability to synthesize information quickly, which can be invaluable for educators hunting for resources. Teachers can prompt AI to summarize relevant research, pull together primary sources, or create study guides, making it easier to compile materials without spending hours sifting through online databases. For example, a social studies teacher focusing on the Civil Rights Movement could use AI to find and summarize key events or suggest multimedia resources that bring the period to life for students.

Additionally, AI tools can help organize lesson materials into clear, structured formats. Teachers might prompt AI to create templates for slide presentations, discussion guides, or assessments, giving them a head start in building engaging and cohesive units. By reducing the time needed to gather resources, teachers can focus on tailoring content to their students’ unique needs and interests.

AUTOMATING GRADING & PROVIDING FEEDBACK

Perhaps one of the most practical applications of AI for teachers is in grading and feedback. While not a substitute for in-depth evaluation, AI tools can handle routine assessments, like multiple-choice quizzes or basic grammar corrections, giving teachers back valuable time. This can be especially helpful in large classes, where time-consuming grading can pile up quickly.

For assignments requiring more nuanced feedback, AI can offer preliminary comments on structure, grammar, or clarity, which students can review before submitting their final drafts. This process encourages students to revise and think critically about their work, lightening the load on teachers while promoting a growth mindset. With AI handling initial reviews, teachers can save their energy for in-depth feedback that guides students on higher-order skills like analysis and synthesis.

FOSTERING EFFICIENCY WITHOUT COMPROMISING QUALITY

The big question, of course, is how to use AI efficiently without allowing it to take over. The goal should be to leverage AI as a support tool that enriches lessons, making it easier for teachers to deliver diverse, differentiated instruction. Used in this way, AI doesn’t replace the teacher; it frees them up to focus on the aspects of teaching that require their unique insights, empathy, and guidance.

Integrating AI thoughtfully means finding the right balance: AI can automate routine tasks, help brainstorm, or act as a sounding board, but it’s ultimately the teacher’s expertise that gives lessons their heart and impact. As technology advances, teachers are uniquely positioned to guide their students in learning how to use these tools responsibly and meaningfully.

By approaching AI as an ally in the classroom, educators can gain efficiencies that allow them to focus on their core mission—supporting student growth, fostering curiosity, and preparing the next generation to think critically. In this light, AI isn’t just a tool; it’s a partner that can help teachers reach new heights in their practice and make a lasting impact on their students’ futures.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Would any of this work in your school? Have your admins tried something similar? What’s worked and what hasn’t?

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