Bianca Gran – Primary School Teacher
I have seen firsthand how the integration of technology and AI has transformed the educational landscape all over the world and we have recently started leveraging AI-powered resources for our lesson planning.
At the beginning of 2024, we started using websites like Poe.com, Diffit.com, and MagicschoolAI. We created an entire teaching unit using Diffit.com including reading texts with comprehension questions, and well-made PowerPoints about the specific topic that include questions to enhance student engagement – all of which would have taken weeks to prepare, but AI helped us do it in less than an hour.
These AI-driven platforms not only help us to craft lessons and materials for our lessons, but are also tailored to the unique learning styles and needs of our students, ensuring that every minute in the classroom is utilized to its fullest potential.
Additionally, we are also figuring out the potential of incorporating AI-powered tools into our assessment practices, using them to provide more personalized feedback and targeted interventions. By fully using the capabilities of AI, we may be able to identify areas of strength and weakness accurately, allowing us to tailor our instruction and support the unique needs of our students.
It’s always a great challenge to manage all the different responsibilities teachers have, so the integration of AI has been a real game-changer for me. Not only has it given me back valuable time, allowing me to spend more of it directly interacting with my students, but it’s also enhanced my teaching in meaningful ways. By using AI-powered tools, I’m able to more efficiently create instructional materials, which means I can dedicate greater attention to delivering high-quality lessons and providing personalized feedback to help my students thrive.
Of course, there are limitations and challenges, and as educators, I think we must truly approach the use of AI with a critical eye and a deep understanding of its potential drawbacks. One of the concerns we face is the uncertainty surrounding the long-term effects of AI on student learning.
The rapid pace of technological change means that many of the implications and consequences of AI in education are still yet to be fully understood, so we must remain vigilant and continuously evaluate and study the impact of these tools on student outcomes.
Moreover, the accessibility and use of AI-powered websites and resources have raised concerns about the integrity of student work and assessments. With the easy access of AI-generated websites, we must consider how to effectively assess and evaluate student learning, particularly in areas such as homework and written tasks. The traditional methods of assessment may no longer be adequate, as students could potentially use AI to generate their responses, rather than demonstrate their own understanding.
These concerns notwithstanding, I truly believe the use of AI in the classroom could greatly benefit teachers across Macau. It’s a transformative technology that has the power to free up time, improve teaching practices, and ultimately enhance the overall quality of education we’re able to provide. I am confident that continued adoption of AI and technology will only further enrich student learning experiences.