5 Innovative AI Use Cases for the Classroom This School Year

As we embark on a new school year, it’s the perfect time to explore innovative tools that can enhance teaching and learning experiences. Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers exciting opportunities for educators to create more engaging, personalized, and efficient classrooms. Here are five great use cases for AI that you can try this year, along with online resources to help you get started.

Personalized Learning with Adaptive Learning Platforms

Adaptive learning platforms use AI to tailor educational content to the individual needs of each student. By analyzing student performance and learning styles, these platforms provide customized lessons and activities that help each learner progress at their own pace.

Example: Magic School Magic School offers an adaptive learning solution that personalizes educational content for K-12 students. It provides tailored lessons and activities to help each student achieve their learning goals more effectively.

How to Use:

Create accounts for your students on the Magic School platform.
Assign personalized learning paths based on initial assessments.
Monitor student progress and adjust as needed.

Enhancing Writing Skills with AI-Powered Writing Assistants

AI-powered writing assistants can help students improve their writing by providing real-time feedback on grammar, style, and structure. These tools can also assist teachers in grading and providing constructive feedback more efficiently.

Example: Grammarly
Grammarly for Education offers features specifically designed for academic writing, helping students refine their writing skills and avoid common mistakes.

How to Use:

Have students install the Grammarly browser extension or use the online editor.
Encourage students to run their essays and reports through Grammarly before submission.
Use the feedback provided by Grammarly to guide your own comments and grading.

Engaging Students with AI-Generated Content

AI can generate engaging and interactive content, such as quizzes, flashcards, and discussion prompts. This can save teachers time and provide students with dynamic learning resources.

Example: Quizlet
Quizlet uses AI to create adaptive study sets, quizzes, and flashcards that can be customized for different subjects and grade levels.

How to Use:

Create a teacher account on Quizlet and set up your class.
Design study sets and quizzes tailored to your curriculum.
Use Quizlet Live to facilitate in-class competitions and collaborative learning.

Facilitating Language Learning with AI Tutors

AI-powered language learning apps can provide students with personalized language practice, helping them improve their skills through interactive exercises and real-time feedback.

Example: Duolingo
Duolingo for Schools offers a platform for teachers to track student progress and assign language learning activities.

How to Use:

Set up a classroom on Duolingo for Schools and invite your students.
Assign specific language units or exercises based on your curriculum.
Monitor student progress and provide additional support as needed.

Supporting STEM Education with AI-Powered Simulations

AI can enhance STEM education by providing students with interactive simulations and problem-solving activities. These tools can make complex concepts more accessible and engaging.

Example: PhET Interactive Simulations
PhET offers free interactive math and science simulations that are powered by AI to adapt to different learning levels.

How to Use:

Browse the PhET library to find simulations that align with your curriculum.
Integrate simulations into your lesson plans as hands-on activities.
Use the accompanying teacher guides and resources to facilitate discussion and exploration.

Creative Projects with Adobe Express

Adobe Express is a powerful tool that combines text-to-image generation and a wide array of online templates to help educators and students create stunning visuals. This AI-powered platform can be used for various creative projects, enhancing visual learning and digital literacy.

Example: Creating Visual Storyboards and Infographics

How to Use:

Text-to-Image Generation:

Step 1: Sign up for a free account on Adobe Express.
Step 2: Use the text-to-image generator to create custom visuals. Simply enter a description of the image you need, and Adobe Express will generate it for you.
Step 3: Customize the generated image with text, filters, and other design elements to fit your project’s needs.

Using Online Templates:

Step 1: Browse through the extensive library of templates available on Adobe Express. Choose templates for posters, presentations, social media posts, infographics, and more.
Step 2: Select a template that suits your project. You can filter templates by category, theme, or purpose.
Step 3: Customize the template with your content. Change text, images, colors, and layout to make the design uniquely yours.

Project Ideas:

Visual Storyboards: Use Adobe Express to create visual storyboards for literature assignments, science experiments, or historical events. The text-to-image generator can bring scenes to life, making abstract concepts more concrete.
Infographics: Design infographics to summarize complex information, such as data from a science project, historical timelines, or comparison charts. The templates can be tailored to match the specific content and style needed for your lesson.
Class Presentations: Help students create visually appealing presentations for their projects. Adobe Express’s templates ensure that their presentations look polished and professional, enhancing their communication skills.

Online Resources and Links:

Adobe Express Homepage: Adobe Express
Tutorials and Guides: Adobe Express Tutorials
Template Library: Adobe Express Templates

Conclusion

Integrating AI into the classroom can transform the learning experience, making it more personalized, engaging, and efficient. By exploring these five use cases, you can harness the power of AI to enhance your teaching and support your students’ growth. Give these tools a try this school year and see how AI can make a positive impact on your educational environment. Happy teaching!

This is part of my Generative AI in the Classroom series where I write about how AI is changing education and what I have learned from using it. Read the rest of this series here.