The ELA Classroom and AI (or any class for that matter) can seem scary. This is because it’s not in our normal teacher wheelhouse. Isn’t using AI cheating? That’s what we tell our students NOT to do! Actually, using AI or Artificial Intelligence can give you your life back. That means more time with family and friends and less time trying to create lesson plans that differentiate for all learning levels. It’s also great for test prep. I’ll go ahead and throw this out there… I’ve used it a ton for reviewing both reading comprehension and writing! There are so many AI platforms that can be used for educational purposes. Here are 4 of my favorites.
ELA Classroom and AI: Platforms
MagicSchool.ai
I have to admit… this platform is the one I use the most! There are so many options, and everything teachers need is in one place. MagicSchool will create worksheets based on the grade level, topic, and/or standard you choose. In addition, it has a text leveler which makes it easy to differentiate for various learning levels. I personally love the Student Work Feedback. This tool allows you to copy and paste a student’s essay (or whatever type of writing it may be), add the required criteria the writing should have, and then the platform will generate feedback based on this criteria. Seriously! Think about how much time you can save!!! Also, since I teach at a school with students from many different countries, I use the Text Translator tool more than once a week to send emails, ClassDojo updates, or any other pertinent information. You can also use the translator when having the AI generate texts, worksheets, and any other option available on the platform. My favorite feature that I use ALL THE TIME is the FREE MagicSchool AI Chrome Extension. You can access over 50 of their awesome tools from any website, Google Docs/Slides/Sheets… wherever you need it!To give you an idea of all of the tools MagicSchool has, check out the short video below:
Twee
“Twee is AI-powered tools for English teachers,” (Twee.com). This tool is broken down into 6 categories: reading, writing, vocabulary, listening, speaking, and grammar. With this variety of options, it can create texts, all types of questions, use Youtube videos and create questions for the video, and so much more. You can type in any topic, for example, WWII. Then the AI will generate a passage on the topic, questions (multiple choice or open-ended), vocabulary activities… whatever you choose. I love the way many of the Twee activities have been created by thinking outside the box. There are several options that aren’t ones teachers would think of off the top of their head. Check some of their activities out:
ChatGPT
I initially started using ChatGPT to create lessons plans for me. The key with any AI program is to be very specific with what you’re asking it to do. I was clearly in denial of what it was capable of. Once I started prompting ChatGPT to write informational text on 3 different levels (with great results) then I began to see that this could truly be a game changer… and it has been! Another fun way to integrate ChatGPT into your ELA classroom is to prompt it to write a proficient argumentative essay from a 6th grade level and a developing essay from the level of a 6th grader. Then have students first choose which one is best. Next have them provide feedback on the one that needs improvement. Another way I’ve used the platform is to have ChatGPT to “Create a detailed lesson on how to explain to 6th graders how to write an argumentative essay.” Then I modified my prompt to do the same but without a counterclaim. This was helpful because some of my lower level students weren’t ready to attempt to write counterclaims. On the other hand, I had students who were. See the different lesson plans the platform came up with.
Google Gemini
Google Gemini can be used across the curriculum which is a great way to plan a unit that incorporates all subject areas. In ELA, I use this platform to easily create lesson plans. It’s also another way to easily create texts based on a topic you input. Additionally, you are able to upload images. Then the images could be used for a writing prompt. I’ve even allowed students to upload their own image based on their interests, and then write about that particular topic using an established set of criteria. However, Google Gemini isn’t specifically for educational purposes, but it does provide another AI option. For example, I entered the prompt, “Create a lesson for 6th grade reading test prep using standard RL.3.” This is what it came up with.
All of these options make the ELA Classroom and AI go hand-in-hand. Teachers can create innovative, student-centered lessons in minimal time which is a win-win for both teachers and students. If you would like to learn even more about how to use AI in your class, check out the course my friend, Kim from English, Oh My and I created called, What the AI?!? Embracing Artificial Intelligence in the ELA Classroom. It provides so many resources that you can incorporate immediately. Your understanding of AI will definitely go through the roof!
If you’re using AI platforms in your classroom, what are some of your favorites?
