Exploring AI: Tools for All Learners

As a classroom teacher with more than five years of experience integrating AI into my teaching practice and also providing PD and conference sessions for educators, I have enjoyed exploring the different tools and seeing the changes happen over this time. I try to find a variety of resources to help educators, especially ones that offer something for all grade levels and content areas. When we give students the chance to explore AI and develop a greater understanding of it, we also help to foster skills of critical thinking, problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of AI concepts. opportunities for engagement, personalized learning, and skill development

By introducing AI tools and exploring generative AI like ChatGPT, learners can develop essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy. These experiences allow them to explore and engage with cutting-edge technologies, preparing them for the future workforce. It is important for educators to create a balance between AI and traditional teaching methods, ensuring that AI integration is purposeful, age-appropriate, and aligns with educational goals. By harnessing the benefits of AI, educators can inspire young learners, nurture their curiosity, and empower them to become active contributors in an AI-driven world.

AI Impact on Learners

In our schools, when we purposefully leverage technology such as AI, it can have many benefits for student learning. Here are four ways that AI can have a positive impact on education.

• Adaptive learning: One way that AI can benefit learners, especially young learners, is through adaptive learning platforms. These platforms utilize AI algorithms to analyze students’ strengths and weaknesses and can then tailor educational content to each student’s individual needs, reinforcing concepts they struggle with and challenging them in areas where they excel. While the AI is not a replacement for the teacher-to-student interaction and the feedback loop, it does help to provide what each student needs, when they need it. DreamBox is an example of an adaptive learning platform that can enhance students’ mathematical and literacy skills. Prodigy is an adaptive math platform that uses AI to create personalized math lessons and practice activities.
• Content retention: For students to have multiple methods of reviewing the material, Quizlet has AI functionality that adapts to students’ progress and identifies areas that need further review. It provides personalized feedback and helps students strengthen their understanding and retention of key concepts. “Q-Chat is the “first fully adaptive, AI-powered tutor experience built on OpenAI’s ChatGPT API.”
• Language Learning: Chatbots powered by natural language processing (NLP) algorithms can engage students in interactive conversations, providing instant feedback and opportunities to build skills at their own pace. For example, Duolingo’s chatbots enable students to practice world language skills by engaging in conversational exercises. AI-powered translation tools like Google Translate can also be used to enable students to explore and compare different languages. Another option is to read articles through Newsela which uses AI to adapt reading materials to students’ reading levels, making comprehension more accessible and enjoyable.
• Social-emotional learning: Students can develop their social and interpersonal skills as they learn to interact through a conversational chatbot. For building confidence, engaging in a conversation with a chatbot that can provide feedback, helps students to develop their skills in many ways.

In addition to the benefits for learners, especially with creating more personalized, “just-in-time” supports, there are many tools and resources that benefit students in all grade levels. Here are six that are great to get started with:

[via AI Club Gym resources]

[Examples of resources via AI World School]

For educators looking for ways to learn more about AI and also experience some of its benefits, there is a growing list of tools we are already using that are building in AI functionalities and some new ones that help us save valuable time. Here are three examples to test out:

• Canva Magic Write Canva now offers an AI text generator called Magic Write, which can inspire creativity in writing. It provides ideas, helps with brainstorming, supports lesson planning, crafting emails, making it a useful tool for educators.
• Curipod: Teachers can create interactive lessons in minutes using AI. Teachers simply type in a topic and a ready-to-run lesson is generated.

[example generated lesson via Curipod]

As with all new technologies, we need to make sure that we explore the benefits and concerns. Don’t be afraid to explore these tools because as educators, we need to be prepared to guide our students and help them to understand the technologies that may become a big part of their future by equipping them with knowledge and skills to navigate the world of AI effectively and ethically.

Coming up on October 7th is the EduMatch AI Summit! A free event and I am honored to be a Featured Speaker during the Summit and can’t wait to share AI resources and how to get started! Read the post from Dr. Sarah Thomas here to learn more and find out how to sign up to present and participate!

About Rachelle:

Rachelle Dené is a Spanish and STEAM: What’s Next in Emerging Technology Teacher at Riverview High School in Oakmont, PA. Rachelle is also an attorney with a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law and a Master’s in Instructional Technology. Rachelle is an ISTE Certified Educator and serves as the past president of the ISTE Teacher Education Network. She was named one of 30 K-12 IT Influencers to follow in 2021.

She is the author of seven books including ‘In Other Words: Quotes That Push Our Thinking,” “ Unconventional Ways to Thrive in EDU”, “The Future is Now: Looking Back to Move Ahead,” “Chart A New Course: A Guide to Teaching Essential Skills for Tomorrow’s World, “ True Story: Lessons That One Kid Taught Us” and her newest book “Things I Wish […] Knew” is now available at bit.ly/thingsiwishedu.

Follow Rachelle on Twitter @Rdene915 and on Instagram @Rdene915. Rachelle has a podcast, ThriveinEDU available at https://anchor.fm/rdene915

Rachelle is available for PD sessions in-person and virtual on a variety of topics. Key focus areas are AI, ChatGPT, Generative AI, AR and VR, SEL and STEM.

**Interested in writing a guest blog for my site? Would love to share your ideas! Submit your post here. Looking for a new book to read? Find these available at bit.ly/Pothbooks

Originally published at http://rdene915.com on September 7, 2023.