What is AI?
AI (Artificial Intelligence) refers to technology that enables machines to:
- Quickly process and analyze large amounts of data
- Make predictions based on data
What are the different types of AI?
There are three types of AI. Click each tab below to learn more.
- Responds to specific inputs
- Makes consistent decisions
Examples: Face recognition, spam filters
Educational Uses: Basic assessment tools
- Identifies patterns in data
- Makes recommendations
Examples: Learning progress tracking
Educational Uses: Personalized learning paths
- Creates new content from existing data
- Responds to natural language prompts
- Adapts output based on feedback dialogue
Examples: ChatGPT, Claude.ai, Copilot, and other content generation tools
Educational Uses: Supporting personalized learning experiences, assisting with routine administrative tasks like lesson planning and curriculum mapping, and providing suggestions for differentiated instruction.
Access a quick drag-and-drop game we created for you and your students. In it, you must identify the function of various AI systems!
How do I get started with Generative AI?
There are many ways to get started. Just as learning to drive starts with understanding the basics before taking the wheel, many of us find it helpful to learn how Generative AI systems work before taking them for a test drive.
AI learns by analyzing large amounts of data, identifying patterns, and using those patterns to make predictions or generate new responses.
You may want to research:
- What kinds of content can AI create to support your teaching?
- Why does AI sometimes get things wrong or make things up?
- Strategies for verifying AI-generated content
Knowing how AI systems work will help you use and assess AI outputs more effectively. As you experiment with AI tools and build confidence, you’ll be better equipped to teach your students about this technology.
What should be in your GenAI Toolbox?
To succeed with AI, think of building your teacher’s toolbox with these three essential tools (which we’ll explore in detail in later sections):
- Prompt writing strategies to guide AI output
- Critical thinking to ensures accuracy and relevance
- Ethical awareness to protect you and your students
How can you keep your toolbox up-to-date?
Staying updated on the rapidly evolving field of AI is crucial to effectively integrating AI into your classrooms.
Here are some strategies:
- Join an online community ( e.g., these AI in Education BlueSky Starter packs)
- Subscribe to newsletters, blogs or podcasts on AI in education
- Check out some tech companies’ AI tools in development (e.g., Google Labs, OpenAI Labs, Copilot Labs)
- Participate in workshops about AI (like those offered by our team!)
- Attend online webinars (and check out recordings like the one below!)
Our Recorded Webinars
With the guidance of German Arcila from Digital Moment, learn how AI and large language models work, as well as their benefits and occasional unreliability.
Resources:
External resources to learn and teach how AI systems work
- AI Foundations for Educators (Common Sense Media)
- Essential Guide to AI (AI in Education)
- Generative AI for Educators (Google)
- AI Starter (Harvard)
- GenAI Toolkit (BC Campus)
- What is an LLM & How Does it Relate to Chatbots (CNET guide)
- ChatGPT Foundations for K–12 Educators