So… Can AI Take Over My Job?
Artificial Intelligence is everywhere we go, see online, and even including our schools. Is AI a good thing? Is it a benefit for our schools/teachers? AI for Educators (Miller, 2023) dives into how AI can assist in learning and teaching in huge ways. For example, using AI can create more learning opportunities and less planning needed. The importance of this? The power of AI gives teachers the ability to finally create instruction (and differentiate) without losing their minds planning multiple versions of the same tasks.
Let’s Be Real
Differentiation sounds great in theory, but is it in practice? No matter how much experience or expertises you may have, this task alone is a lot for one person. The expectation of having one task that addresses multiple reading levels, includes modified questions, and provide the necessary support-all while trying to manage a classroom filled with behaviors. Sounds impossible right? It is no wonder we are overloaded. Thanks to AI, this application can aid in “flipping” this situation.
AI Shift > Tools
So, what makes AI different from other tools? The benefit of flexibility. Instead of building three separate lessons from scratch, teachers can take one idea and quickly adjust it to meet different student needs. Research shows that artificial intelligence is already being used to support personalized learning and increase student engagement by adapting content in real time (Memarian & Doleck, 2024). This moves differentiation from something we aim for to something we can realistically achieve. AI is not just improving efficiency, but it is reshaping how teachers design instruction and how students access content. Studies emphasize that when AI is used intentionally, it can support more responsive and inclusive learning environments rather than one-size-fits-all approaches (Ifenthaler et al., 2024).
AI Applications
This becomes especially clear when looking at tools like MagicSchool AI. Rather than starting with a blank page, teachers can generate leveled texts, create questions with varying levels of complexity, and design supports for students who need additional scaffolding. See resources below on using this tool:
Check out MagicSchoolAI Blog
Similarly, tools like Diffit focus specifically on adapting content. For example, a teacher can take a single article or topic and instantly receive multiple versions at different reading levels, along with vocabulary support and comprehension questions. What once took significant planning time can now happen in minutes. More importantly, this does not mean lowering expectations. See resources below on using this tool:
No, AI Cannot Replace Teachers
It is important to acknowledge that AI is not a solution on its own. AI cannot lead instruction and teach. While Miller (2023) highlights the efficiency and possibilities AI provides, the effectiveness of these tools still depends on the teacher. AI does not know the students in the classroom, their specific individual needs, or the context in which learning is taking place. It cannot replace strong instructional practices or thoughtful planning. In fact, research highlights the importance of teacher decision-making and guidance when integrating AI into classrooms, reinforcing that these tools are most effective when paired with strong pedagogy (Ifenthaler et al., 2024).
Conclusion
Ultimately, the most significant takeaway is not that AI makes teaching easier, but that it makes better teaching more possible. How does it do this? When educators use AI effectively and purposefully, it removes a vast majority of the barriers that have traditionally made differentiation difficult to implement consistently. Teachers are no longer limited to one-size-fits-all instruction or overwhelmed by the time required to create multiple versions of the same lesson.Together, with the help of AI, we can meet the needs of every student.
Resources
Diffit for Teachers. (2024). Using Diffit for teachers [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nc0IyEkcSPI
Ifenthaler, D., Majumdar, R., Gorissen, P., Judge, M., Mishra, S., Raffaghelli, J., & Shimada, A. (2024). Artificial intelligence in education: Implications for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners. Technology, Knowledge and Learning, 29, 1693–1710. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10758-024-09747-0
MagicSchool AI. (n.d.). MagicSchool AI blog. https://www.magicschool.ai/blog
AI for Educators Miller, M. (2023). AI for educators: Learning strategies, teacher efficiencies, and a vision for an artificial intelligence future. Ditch That Textbook.
Memarian, B., & Doleck, T. (2024). Teaching and learning artificial intelligence: Insights from the literature. Education and Information Technologies, 29, 21523–21546. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12679-y
Hunter,
ReplyDeleteI was so intrigued by your blog title. As a kindergarten teacher turned high school career prep educator, I have seen first hand how AI has completely changed the way secondary education is formatted and how students learn. I'm not going to lie and say I have welcomed AI with open arms, but I will say throughout the year I have learned to appreciate the good and the benefits that can come from the use of AI in the classroom.
I appreciate you mentioning the MagicSchoolAI tool because this is a tool that I have actually dabbled in this year. I am far from learning everything it has to offer, but I am learning more everyday! One great thing about these tools is that I can "design more effective instructional strategies" (Joo, 2024) for my students who exhibit a wide range of ability and interests. This helps me keep all my students engaged and their learning to seem relevant to them personally.
One more thing I would like to mention is the fact that using AI (even the little that I have) has brought a new life to my teaching! This concept is even talked about in my chosen PLC book about immersive technology saying that new technology tools that are effectively implemented "can spark a new enthusiasm for teaching" (Donally, 2021, p.8). I believe this to be true but definitely hope technology can stay in its lane and leave the teaching to us!
REFERENCES:
Donally, J. (2021). The immersive classroom: Create customized learning experiences with AR/VR. International Society for Technology in Education.
Joo, S. H. (2024). Generative AI as writing or speaking partners in L2 learning: Implications for learning-oriented assessments. Studies in Applied Linguistics & TESOL, 24(1), 54-59.
Hey Hunter,
ReplyDeleteGoing into my second year of teacher, I realize how impactful that AI has been with supporting my instruction. Magic School AI has really been a game changing tool to that has helped with coming up with ideas for engaging math, reading, and social emotional lessons. I also read Matt Miller's "AI for Educators". He states that "AI is going to give us time. (Miller, 2023, p. 10). Using this tool has truly given me back time. I am able to utilize more instructional and planning time to develop goals and review student data for further instructional planning. I liked how you also focused on using AI tools to differentiate instruction. Magic School AI has been a beneficial in developing resources to help my students of diverse needs and learning levels.
Miller, M. (2023). AI for educators: Learning strategies, teacher efficiencies, and a vision for an artificial intelligence future. Ditch That Textbook.