How are educators using AI?

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education, it's exciting to see how technology continues to shape our classrooms and administrative offices. One of the hottest topics on everyone's lips these days is artificial intelligence (AI).

But how are real educators using AI in their day-to-day work?

To find out, we interviewed a diverse group of educators at The National Institutes. From elementary classrooms to district central offices, these educators are finding creative ways to harness the power of AI.

Let's explore some of the ways educators are streamlining their work with AI.

How do teachers use AI?

1. Designing visually appealing materials

Karri Haiges, a middle school math teacher at Waukegan Community Unit School District 60, Illinois, uses AI to create visually appealing materials that enhance student engagement.

She says, "I use AI for things like color templates and making sure my PowerPoint presentations look pretty, [that] kind of thing [because] I'm not a graphic designer."

2. Simplifying standards for young learners

Caitlin Wooley, a math teacher at Spokane Public Schools, Washington, employs AI to break down complex learning standards into more manageable chunks for young learners.

She shares, "When we are doing our learning targets, sometimes it's hard for me to come up with a kid-friendly version. So I use ChatGPT, and I write in the standard, and it kind of breaks it down so it's easier for my students to understand."

3. Facilitating language practice

Amy Marmol, a French teacher at Pasadena Unified School District, California, is planning to use AI for conversation practice. She thinks AI can provide a safe and supportive environment for language learners to practice their skills.

"This way,” Ms. Marmol explains, “students can not be nervous about it being their classmate or somebody who's going to judge them.” 

4. Recognizing AI-generated content

Johanna Moore, a Spanish teacher at Pasadena Unified School District, California, uses AI to proactively check the academic integrity of assignments that students submit. 

"I put in every assignment as the prompt into ChatGPT to see what ChatGPT will give my prompt back, so I know what to expect from students who are utilizing AI maliciously." 

5. Lesson planning

Nicholle Langenburg Dieguez, a Spanish teacher at Bay City Public Schools, Michigan, uses AI for lesson planning.

Ms. Dieguez shares, "I have actually tried using it to create a few lesson plans."

Tools like Diffit or MagicSchool can be even more helpful than ChatGPT for lesson planning since these AI tools are created specifically for teachers.  

6. Crafting difficult communications

Ms. Dieguez finds AI helpful in composing emails.

I've used it to help me answer difficult emails to parents," she shares. 

7. Creating structured reading materials

Liz Anderson, a Spanish teacher at Allen Park Public Schools, Michigan, uses AI to generate specific reading content.

She states, "I've used AI to create writings that are a little more structured with the vocabulary we needed."

She also adds, "Sometimes your brain is just tired, and you just need a little bit of support to help create some exercises." 

8. Generating comprehension questions

Ms. Anderson uses AI to develop reading comprehension questions.

"I've also used it to help create questions for students after a reading," she states.

How do school leaders use AI?

1. Writing speeches

Dr. David Carter, a middle school principal at Georgetown Middle School in Delaware, says, "I think one of the things that I did as I took off my AI training wheels was to use AI to make speeches."

2. Analyzing data for student support

James Wheatley, a math specialist at Indian River Schools, Delaware, employs AI for in-depth data analysis.

"I use artificial intelligence to look at data," he reflects, "to pinpoint exactly which kids need the most help and how I can be most effective in helping them."

3. Creating professional development

Kena Worthy, Executive Director of Leadership Development at Clarke County School District, Georgia, uses AI to create PD.

“I use AI all the time," she says. "I use it to create PD. Like, topics and how to expand on those topics.” 

How do instructional coaches use AI?

Coaches are finding unique ways to incorporate AI into their instructional strategies.

1. Creating activities

Vanessa Ivey, an instructional coach and elementary math teacher at Montgomery County Public Schools, Alabama, shares her experiences.

She says, "I've used AI in the classroom to create scavenger hunts. You can also do escape rooms using AI. I wrote a book using AI, a math book." 

2. Making songs

To get more coach insights, we turned to TikTok. Karle Delo uses Suno to create songs about class expectations.

3. Gamifying lessons

Ms. Delo also uses AI to gamify her lessons with Gibbly. This tool creates quizzes from YouTube videos. She mentions this particular tool is great for retrieval practice.

Another instrument in your toolbox

As we've seen, AI is rapidly becoming an integral part of the educational landscape. From the classroom to the administrative office, educators are finding innovative ways to leverage this technology to enhance learning experiences, simplify workflows, and improve overall efficiency.

As AI continues to evolve, it’ll be interesting to see what new possibilities it will bring to education and consider how to keep it as part of your instructional toolbox. 

Curious about how educators nationwide are using AI in their classrooms? Dive into our AI in Education report for all the insights and get a leg up on the future!