Exploring Artificial Intelligence in Education

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Exploring Artificial Intelligence in Education

Before this week’s exploration, my knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) was limited to a basic understanding—mainly that AI tools like ChatGPT, Canva Magic Write, or Grammarly use algorithms to generate or refine content. I was aware that AI could support lesson planning, writing feedback, and even assessment, but I hadn’t fully explored its potential as an educational partner. This week provided me with the opportunity to experiment with AI as both a learning and teaching tool, deepening my understanding of its affordances and limitations.

Image Source: Author from Canva

Initial Knowledge and Exploration

My exposure to AI before this activity primarily came from casual use—asking ChatGPT for help brainstorming lesson ideas or revising student-friendly language in rubrics. However, I had never formally analyzed the impact of AI on teaching and learning. For this week’s task, I decided to explore ChatGPT for lesson design and for creating visual content. I selected these tools because they align directly with my classroom practice, specifically designing integrated literacy and science lessons, as well as creating bilingual visual supports for my students.

Using ChatGPT, I prompted the system to generate lesson ideas aligned with Illinois Common Core and CPS standards. It produced structured outlines that I could then personalize for my 4th graders. I also experimented with using it to create bilingual vocabulary lists for my Vision and Light science unit, and it provided accurate translations with contextual explanations. Canva’s AI Magic Write tool helped me summarize reading passages and design infographics faster than before.

What stood out most was how AI streamlined my workflow—it saved time in drafting materials, allowing me to focus on creativity and differentiation.

Affordances of AI in the Classroom

AI offers numerous affordances that can empower both teachers and students. For teachers, AI can:

  • Save preparation time by generating outlines, rubrics, or visual aids to streamline your workflow.

  • Support differentiation, offering multiple levels of text or bilingual translations.

  • Foster creativity by helping educators reimagine lessons in new formats, such as podcasts, videos, or infographics.

For students, AI can provide personalized feedback on writing, assist English learners with vocabulary clarification, and offer accessible supports such as text-to-speech or translation. I can imagine using it for guided practice where students ask AI clarifying questions about a text, followed by teacher-facilitated discussions to verify accuracy.

Constraints and Considerations

Despite its many strengths, AI tools also have their limitations. One of the main challenges is the accuracy of AI; sometimes, it generates information that sounds correct but lacks factual grounding. As educators, we must model digital literacy by teaching students how to verify sources and critically evaluate content generated by AI.

Another concern is ethical use. Students may rely too heavily on AI for writing or problem-solving, which could diminish authentic learning. Therefore, clear guidelines about responsible use are essential. Privacy and data collection are also important considerations when students interact with AI platforms.

Reflection and Future Use

Through this exploration, I realized AI is not a replacement for teaching but a powerful partner. When used thoughtfully, it can enhance creativity, efficiency, and accessibility in the classroom. I plan to continue using AI for brainstorming, translation support, and visual design—but always with a reflective lens.

The key takeaway is balance: AI should amplify student voice, not replace it. As educators, our role is to guide students in using technology ethically and creatively—to help them become critical thinkers in an AI-driven world.

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