How can we innovate with AI in the Post-Primary Classroom?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising various sectors, and education is no exception. In Northern Ireland, as with every other geographical location, the opportunity to innovate with AI and integrate AI into post-primary classrooms presents an exciting opportunity to enhance teaching and learning experiences. In todays’ article, we want to explore innovative ways to leverage AI in education, focusing on practical applications, benefits, and considerations for all educators – those in Northern Ireland and certainly anyone from further afield!

AI has the potential to transform education by providing personalised learning experiences, automating administrative tasks, and offering new ways to engage students. Here are some key benefits of integrating AI into the classroom and how we can innovate with AI:

1. Personalised Learning: AI can tailor educational content to meet individual students’ needs, helping them learn at their own pace and style. This can be highly important when considering differentiated work for pupils.
2. Enhanced Engagement: Interactive AI tools can make learning more engaging and enjoyable for students. This can be helpful if you want to present information in a new way, either to refresh your teaching content, or to provide other ways to enable students to access your content or to understand it in a new way.
3. Efficiency: AI can automate routine tasks, freeing up teachers’ time to focus on instruction and student support. There are many teachers who use AI to write report comments (I’ll leave the ethics of this up to you), but the salient point here is that automating these sort of tasks does free up teachers to focus on other tasks. I have used AI to generate learning content (rather than writing to explain what an operating system is, getting AI to write it and then I edit/check the content for accuracy and adherence to our course content, makes me more efficient in completing required tasks.
4. Data-Driven Insights: AI can analyse student performance data to provide insights that help teachers identify areas for improvement and tailor their teaching strategies. There is a question over the privacy levels concerning this data, but I would advise that if you are interested in this type of data-driven insight, that you strip identifying markers from the data and explore from there. I would also highlight how AI platforms are designed to base their decisions on data and providing them with this can also present as an ethical issue – if you’re unsure then definitely present this to your principal or SLT. Do not be a maverick and go ahead unless you know exactly what you are letting yourself into.

Here are some innovative ways to integrate and innovate with AI in post-primary classrooms:

1. Adaptive Learning Platforms

Adaptive learning platforms use AI to adjust the difficulty level of tasks based on students’ performance. These platforms provide personalised learning paths, ensuring that each student receives the right level of challenge and support.

• Example: Platforms like DreamBox and Knewton Alta offer adaptive learning experiences in subjects like mathematics, reading and science. These tools can help students master concepts at their own pace, providing additional resources and exercises as needed.

2. AI-Powered Tutoring Systems

AI-powered tutoring systems can provide one-on-one assistance to students, mimicking the role of a personal tutor. These systems offer instant feedback and explanations, helping students understand complex concepts.

• Example: Tools like Carnegie Learning and Squirrel AI use AI to deliver personalised tutoring in various subjects. These systems can identify students’ strengths and weaknesses, offering targeted support to improve their understanding.

3. Intelligent Content Creation

AI can assist teachers in creating customised educational content, such as quizzes, assignments, and lesson plans. This can save time and ensure that the content is tailored to meet students’ needs.

• Example: Platforms like Quizlet and Edmodo use AI to generate quizzes and study materials based on the curriculum. Teachers can use these tools to create engaging and relevant content for their students.

4. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

AI-powered VR and AR applications can create immersive learning experiences, making abstract concepts more tangible and engaging for students.

• Example: Tools like Google Expeditions and Nearpod VR allow students to take virtual field trips and explore historical sites, scientific phenomena, and more. These experiences can enhance students’ understanding and retention of complex topics.

5. AI-Driven Assessment Tools

AI can streamline the assessment process by automating grading and providing detailed feedback on student performance. This can help teachers identify areas where students need additional support.

• Example: Tools like Gradescope and Turnitin use AI to grade assignments and provide feedback on writing quality, originality, and adherence to guidelines. These tools can save teachers time and provide valuable insights into students’ progress.

To successfully innovate with AI and integrate it successfully into post-primary classrooms, educators, school leaders, exam boards and policymakers need to consider several factors:

1. Professional Development

Teachers need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively use AI tools in their classrooms. Professional development programs can help educators understand the potential of AI and how to integrate it into their teaching practices.

• Example: Offering workshops, online courses, and training sessions on AI in education can help teachers stay updated on the latest tools and techniques. Time is also needed to provide training and to allow staff an opportunity to embed these practices into their classroom pedagogy.

2. Infrastructure and Resources

Schools need the necessary infrastructure and resources to support AI integration. This includes access to reliable internet, devices, and software.

• Example: Investing in high-speed internet and providing students with access to laptops or tablets can ensure that they can fully benefit from AI-powered learning tools. In Northern Ireland, this is hindered a little by limitations with C2K (as an ICT teacher, teaching social media and gaming, I can neither access platforms like Instagram or game development sites which creates frustrating obstacles that shouldn’t really exist), but hopefully this will improve with EdIS and the next stage of IT provision in the Northern Irish school system.

3. Ethical Considerations

It’s essential to address ethical considerations related to AI in education, such as data privacy, bias, and transparency. Schools must ensure that AI tools are used responsibly and that students’ data is protected. This is an absolute necessity and cannot be spoken of without absolute clarity – we need to act in a way that protects us, protects our pupils, and protects our schools.

• Example: Implementing clear policies on data usage and privacy, and regularly auditing AI systems to ensure they are fair and unbiased, can help address these concerns.

4. Collaboration and Community Engagement

Collaboration between educators, policymakers, and the community is crucial for the successful implementation of AI in education. Engaging parents and the wider community can help build support for AI initiatives and ensure that they meet the needs of all stakeholders.

• Example: Organising community forums and information sessions on AI in education can help raise awareness and address any concerns.

Several schools and educational institutions worldwide show how we can innovate with AI, having successfully integrated AI into their classrooms. Here are a few examples that can serve as inspiration for Northern Ireland:

1. Singapore’s AI for Education Initiative

Singapore has launched a national AI strategy that includes integrating AI into education. Schools use AI-powered tools to personalise learning, automate administrative tasks, and provide data-driven insights into student performance.

2. Finland’s AI Curriculum

Finland has introduced an AI curriculum that teaches students about AI and its ethical implications. The curriculum includes hands-on projects and real-world applications, helping students understand the impact of AI on society.

3. AI-Powered Classrooms in the United States

Several schools in the United States have adopted AI-powered tools to enhance teaching and learning. For example, the Summit Learning Program uses AI to provide personalised learning experiences and track student progress.

In all of these examples, we see a movement with AI, but teaching students how to be mature in their usage and see it as a tool that can enhance learning and assist in the development of the child to become more employable. Yes, that should still be considered a goal in education for teachers, not just to get pupils to choose your subject as an exam option or to get a high grade, we need to be looking ahead and guide pupils in how a subject can result in a fulfilling career.

Copilot can provide tailored support for students based on their individual learning needs, offering explanations, practice problems, or additional resources.

Example: A student struggling with algebra can receive customised practice problems and step-by-step solutions tailored to their current level of understanding.

Integrating AI into post-primary classrooms in Northern Ireland offers a unique opportunity to innovate with AI and enhance education. By leveraging AI-powered tools and strategies, educators can provide personalised learning experiences, engage students, and streamline administrative tasks. However, successful implementation requires careful planning, professional development, and consideration of ethical issues. With the right approach, AI can transform education in Northern Ireland, preparing students for a future where AI plays an increasingly important role.