3 Simple Ideas For Introducing AI Into Your Teaching

Some teachers are embracing the use of generative artificial intelligence, a technology that analyzes large amounts of online data and uses it to generate unique text and images. However, there are also teachers who feel wary or overwhelmed by this technology. To help them get started, Kristen Brooks, a technology specialist in Cherokee County schools, suggests three simple strategies.

The first strategy is for teachers to utilize emerging generative AI tools to enhance their teaching and assist with tasks like lesson planning and communication with parents. Brooks compares this to having a teacher assistant, which can be beneficial for educators.

For teachers who are hesitant about using AI technology, especially with students, Brooks advises them to be honest about their limited knowledge. She shares her own experience of not knowing much about Minecraft and how this actually improved her relationship with her students. Giving students the opportunity to be the teacher can foster their soft skills and allow them to share their expertise.

Brooks emphasizes that teachers should not put unnecessary pressure on themselves to know everything. It is important to introduce new technologies to students without fear. Educators should explain and teach students how to use AI properly and responsibly.

Brooks recommends three strategies for educators to incorporate AI into their teaching:

1. Use AI-powered tools to create presentations quickly. Brooks suggests tools like Curipod and SlidesAI.io, which generate slide decks in seconds based on prompts. These tools can automatically insert interactive elements like polls and word clouds into the presentations. However, teachers should double-check the accuracy of the content as AI chatbots can sometimes provide incorrect information.

2. Seek assistance with lesson plans and communications. Besides new tools built on ChatGPT, teachers can also use the original tool to check grammar, generate ideas for classroom activities, and come up with discussion questions. Teachers can even use it to proofread emails and make them friendlier.

3. Introduce image generators to students as a way to familiarize them with AI. This can be a starting point for discussing AI technology and its applications.

By implementing these strategies, teachers can gradually incorporate AI into their teaching practice and explore the potential benefits it can bring to both educators and students.

Rather than that, Brooks suggests utilizing ByteAI, an alternative to ChatGPT, created by Code Breaker, an educational consulting and publishing company. ByteAI is specifically designed for younger students and can be used within the classroom setting. It doesn’t involve any user sign-in procedures and does not gather any personal data.