AI in the Classroom
The hype around the use of AI continues to build. AI is being used increasingly in classrooms, and it’s not just students who are curious and utilising it — teachers are beginning to embrace it, too. ChatGPT, in particular, seems to be recommended everywhere.
So what is AI?
AI, or Artificial Intelligence, is basically when computer programs are designed to think and act like humans — or at least try to. Instead of simply following strict instructions like traditional software, AI learns from data and experience. So the more you use it, the better it can get at understanding what you want. Think of it as teaching a computer to “figure things out” on its own, kind of like a brain… but made of code.
The practical and creative applications of AI are endless and as the technology advances, the variety of programs and platforms available to teachers and students grows.
Teacher Uses
How you as a teacher will use AI essentially depends on the platforms or programs you are using and the functions they provide.
ChatGPT
ChatGPT is an example of generative AI; it can generate responses from a simple prompt or set of prompts, brainstorming, drafting and creating alongside you.
Model Texts
ChatGPT can create model texts relating specifically to the topic/theme you are teaching. In the prompt you can specify the key elements you would like the text to include, for example:
● key vocabulary;
● genre (report, poem, song, narrative);
● sentence structure (complex, simple, compound);
● parts of speech;
● text features (glossary, subheadings, captions);
● text length;
● approximate reading age;
● word count.
It is important to remember that the results will vary depending on the information you provide in your prompts — use the text that is generated as a starting point and make changes manually as needed. Check everything. Remember also that ChatGPT is American English, so the spelling may not always be correct depending on your setting.
Differentiated Texts
ChatGPT can create differentiated texts from a piece of existing text. Input the existing piece of text and prompt it to modify it for different reading ages/levels.
Word Lists/Word Chains/Dictated Sentences
If you’re looking for extra words or longer, multisyllabic ones that fit a specific spelling pattern you’re teaching, ChatGPT can help you build custom word lists. You can also use it to create word chains that follow the same pattern, or even come up with dictated sentences that include those words.
Report Writing
ChatGPT can be a helpful tool when writing reports. You can use it to review and re-word your report comments, and prompt it to adjust the tone as needed.
ChatGPT is a great starting point for using AI as a teaching tool. However, there is an abundance of other AI tools hitting the market. Here are a few you might like to explore:
- TeachMateAI (designed by teachers to support teaching)
- Canva (create posters, presentations and designs)
- Kahanmigo (for teachers by Khan Academy)
- NotebookLM (research)
- Reading Road AI Tutor (review, practice and consolidation of reading skills) – see box below
Student Uses
AI is being used increasingly by students, particularly within the secondary setting. It is therefore beneficial to expose our upper primary students to AI, its uses, benefits and also (most importantly) its risks.
Using AI to support and save time for teachers – Sunshine Books’ Reading Road AI Tutor
Students who are struggling to master the alphabetic code will benefit from AI tools to help them decode and blend words correctly. The new Sunshine Books Reading Road AI Tutor, which is a sister product to the printed Reading Road series of 50 titles for older students
Once students have read a print Reading Road book, they log onto the AI Tutor and complete a reading of a passage of text from the book. The AI Tutor provides a score for fluency and also analyses 10 predetermined focus words. If the student has pronounced any of those wrong, the AI Tutor encourages them to reread them to improve their decoding skills.
The AI Tutor has the benefit of empowering students to manage their own practice and assessment of reading, while saving teachers time by having students conduct their own individual assessment. In addition, it encourages those students who might struggle with reading in front of teachers or peers to read aloud in a wholly ‘non-judgemental’ environment. Of note, the AI Tutor has an upfront set annual subscription cost, with no ongoing fees to schools regardless of how much students use it. The AI Tutor will be available at the end of Term 2.
Student Research
Students are increasingly using AI to research – it is quick and provides information from a wide variety of sources. Platforms such as NotebookLM allow students to create notebooks of research from a variety of sources such as websites, PDF files, copied text, Google docs and slides. From these notebooks your students can ask it to answer questions, summarise main points and ideas, create mind-maps and even an audio-summary (pod-cast style). Get creative and have some fun with it – perhaps you could ask it to create a script for a kids’ TV show using the information or write a poem about your sources.
Speech to Text – Text to Speech
For reluctant writers or those who struggle with spelling or typing, speech-to-text allows them to get their ideas out verbally, making writing more accessible and less frustrating. These AI tools are incredibly helpful for children with learning differences, providing the kind of support that builds confidence and encourages engagement. The AI tools provide a wide variety of recording options allowing students to have fun and experiment with video voiceovers, podcasts, voice changers and dubbing into different languages.
Students and teachers are accepting AI as a tool, one which has many benefits and challenges. All research and information provided by AI needs to be reviewed with a critical eye, and the information should be used responsibly and ethically.
AI is created by humans and therefore it comes with human flaws such as bias (gender/racial). If we can educate and inform our primary students on the benefits, risks and pitfalls of using AI, then we are setting them up for success in using it confidently and ethically in the future.
Johnna Alborn
Deputy Principal/Literacy Facilitator