How to Get Started with AI in Teaching

AI is transforming the way we approach teaching, but you don't need to overhaul everything or even fully understand how AI works to get started. The real magic happens when you focus on small wins—like saving 20 minutes on a task or sparking new ideas.

This guide isn't about perfection; it's about discovering how AI can meet you where you are and grow with you as you teach.

P.S. If you want to explore more, there's a free certified online course on Generative AI for Educators and Teachers that dives deeper and provides practical guidance.

How Do You Choose the Right AI Tools for Teaching?

Not all AI tools are created equal, and the best choice depends on your specific teaching needs. Factors like your subject, grade level, and curriculum will influence your decision. To find the right tool, experiment with different options and see what fits your style—just like trying on shoes to find the perfect pair.

Look for tools that are intuitive and easy to use. You want something that saves you time, not something that takes hours to figure out. Many AI tools come with clear guides or tutorials, and some are so simple you can dive right in without instructions. Additionally, consider whether you need an all-in-one platform, like Monsha, that helps with lesson planning, resource creation, and quizzes, or a specialized tool for tasks like creating presentations (Gamma, for example).

Integration is another critical factor. Check if the tool works seamlessly with platforms you already use, like Google Classroom or Microsoft Teams. This can save you time and effort by streamlining your workflow.

Begin by using AI for one specific task, like generating quiz questions or creating a worksheet. Once you see how it works and experience the time it saves, you'll feel more confident expanding its use.

How to Build Confidence with AI

To build confidence with AI, start by experimenting with simple, low-risk tasks that you're already familiar with. This allows you to learn through practice and gradually understand how AI can complement your teaching style.

1. Start Small with Familiar Tasks: Use AI for tasks you already know well, like creating quiz questions or brainstorming lesson ideas. For instance, ask ChatGPT to "suggest three discussion questions on ecosystems for Grade 7."
2. Experiment in a Low-Stakes Environment: Before applying AI directly in the classroom, practice using it for personal or planning tasks. For example, draft a professional development schedule or plan a mock lesson on a favorite topic.
3. Learn Through Iteration: AI won't always deliver perfect results, and that's okay. Use mistakes as learning opportunities. If a response doesn't fit, tweak your input and try again.
4. Join Communities and Collaborate: Connect with other educators experimenting with AI. Online forums, educator groups, and colleagues can provide valuable insights and spark new ideas.
5. Set Simple Goals: Focus on one goal at a time. For example, aim to draft one AI-generated worksheet this week. Once you achieve that, explore other tasks AI can simplify.
6. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection: Recognize small wins, like creating your first AI-generated worksheet or saving time with a draft lesson plan.

By gradually building your skills and experimenting, you'll grow more comfortable and confident in using AI as a teaching tool.

How to Integrate AI into Your Teaching Workflow

To effectively integrate AI into your teaching workflow, focus on aligning it with your long-term goals and daily tasks. By adopting AI incrementally, you can ensure it becomes a seamless part of your teaching routine.

Plan for Long-Term AI Adoption

AI isn't just for quick wins. To make it a lasting part of your teaching:

• Design units and courses with AI: Use AI to break down your syllabus into manageable units, chapters, and lessons. Over time, you'll build a library of resources that improve year after year.
• Create adaptable resources: Generate materials at different levels to meet diverse student needs. This helps you build a personalized collection that grows with your students.
• Streamline repetitive tasks: Save time by using AI for grading, progress reports, or other time-consuming tasks, allowing you to focus more on teaching.

Collaborate with Colleagues

Teamwork can make AI less daunting and more effective:

• Share what works: Share tools and workflows that have made a difference for you.
• Divide and conquer: Assign colleagues to test different tools and share findings.
• Plan together: Use AI for collaborative projects like interdisciplinary units or school-wide events.

Make AI Part of Your Routine

Consistency is key to effective AI integration:

• Set regular time to explore: Dedicate 15 minutes a week to test tools or try new prompts.
• Review and adapt: Regularly assess how AI is working for you and refine your approach as needed.
• Build a resource library: Save and organize AI-generated materials to create a go-to library you can reuse and adapt over time.

Focusing on tools that grow with you, like Monsha, ensures you're not just saving time now but building a foundation for the future. As you integrate AI into your teaching, small, consistent steps will lead to meaningful, lasting changes.

In summary, here's how you can start using AI as a teacher:

1. Identify one specific task to simplify, such as creating quiz questions or lesson plans.
2. Experiment with free versions of AI tools to find one that fits your needs and is easy to use.
3. Choose tools that integrate well with your existing workflow, like Google Classroom or Microsoft Teams.
4. Build confidence by starting small, learning through iteration, and connecting with fellow educators.
5. Gradually incorporate AI into your routine to create adaptable resources and streamline repetitive tasks.
6. With patience and practice, make AI a transformative part of your teaching toolkit.