Harnessing AI in the Classroom: Seven Practical Tips Educators Can Use Now

[MarisaBluestone]

As a new school year begins, educators are once again tasked with finding innovative ways to engage and support their students. The tools and technologies available today are more advanced than ever, and AI is at the forefront of many of these innovations. While AI might sound futuristic or even intimidating, it’s already changing the educational landscape and reshaping classrooms and learning experiences in meaningful ways. This is true in high schools and colleges; in STEM or humanities courses; and with new and seasoned educators. 

While it may feel overwhelming, there are practical steps you can take now to ensure that its use in your class helps, rather than hinders, students’ learning. From personalized learning paths to efficient administrative tasks, AI can offer a variety of practical benefits that can enhance teaching and make the learning journey more enriching for students

AI is not, in any way, a substitute for human interaction.  But by embracing it thoughtfully, we can help to create more dynamic, personalized, and effective learning environments. At Macmillan Learning we believe AI can be a powerful tool that can elevate human capabilities, enrich learning experiences, and empower both educators and students. Here are some practical tips to help you seamlessly integrate AI into your classroom.

1. Start Small and Build Confidence

The prospect of using AI in the classroom can be daunting, both for educators and students. You can start small by introducing AI tools that address common challenges in a simple, approachable way. For instance, you might ask students to use an AI, like ChatGPT, to brainstorm topics for an upcoming essay. This low-stakes introduction can help demystify AI, allowing students to see it as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for their creativity or effort. Over time, as both you and your students become more comfortable, you can expand the use of AI to more complex tasks, gradually building confidence and proficiency. 

2. Focus on Supplementing, Not Replacing

AI should be seen as an aid to enhance the teaching and learning process, not as a replacement for the teacher's role. You can use AI-driven tools like Macmillan Learning’s AI Tutor to support students' learning when, where, and how they need it most, transforming homework and self-study into an interactive and engaging experience that promotes deeper understanding. For example, the AI can handle more routine questions and provide basic explanations when the student needs it, freeing up class time for you to dive deeper into complex topics or facilitate richer discussions. Learning is an inherently human experience and this approach both maximizes learning efficiency and reinforces your essential role in guiding and mentoring students.

3. Provide Clear Guidelines and Uses

Establishing clear guidelines on how AI should be used in your classroom is crucial to maintaining academic integrity. It’s helpful to outline what constitutes acceptable AI-assisted work in your class, such as using AI for brainstorming, researching information, or checking grammar and punctuation in drafts. Emphasize that while AI can be a valuable partner in a student’s learning journey, it should not replace critical thinking or be used to complete assignments in their entirety. Additionally, provide guidance on how to cite AI sources, reinforcing the importance of transparency and accountability. For example, if a student uses an AI tool to gather initial research, they should include a citation similar to how they would credit a book or article. (Read more about best practices for creating an AI policy).

4. Promote Ethical Use and Awareness

It may not be intuitive for students to know the “right” way to use AI. While having an AI Policy in place helps students understand what is considered an acceptable use, it’s also important to explain why the policies are put in place. Make sure your students are aware of the potential pitfalls, such as AI-generated content that may be biased, incorrect, or based on outdated information. It's important to explain why certain policies are in place, focusing on the value of critical thinking, problem-solving, and helping students to build authentic communication skills. One way to do this is to discuss real-world scenarios from your assignments where AI-generated errors could have serious consequences, helping students grasp the importance of cross-verifying information and taking responsibility for the final content. By fostering an ethical mindset, you help prepare students not just for success in the classroom but for a future where AI will likely play a significant role in their careers.

5. Integrate AI into Existing Assignments

Instead of creating entirely new assignments, find ways to integrate AI into what you're already doing. This can be done without compromising the core objectives of your assignments, such as critical thinking, content mastery, and creativity. For example, you might encourage students to use AI for the initial stages of a project, such as generating ideas or outlining their thoughts. After this AI-assisted start, students can develop these ideas further on their own, ensuring the final output is a genuine reflection of their understanding and creativity. This approach maintains the focus on developing critical thinking and original thought while leveraging AI to enhance the process.

6. Encourage Reflection and Metacognition

Reflection can be a powerful tool for learning, helping students to think about their learning process and identify areas where they may need further improvement or additional study. Recognizing these gaps allows them to seek help, adjust their learning strategies, and focus on areas that require more attention. (Read more about our research on its impact here.) Surprisingly, there’s an easy way to integrate AI as well as encourage metacognition: design some assignments that require students to provide a critical reflection on their work and the AI's role in it. For example, after completing a project, ask students to write a brief reflection on what role AI played in their work and what they learned from using it. Did it help them think more broadly about a topic? Did they find it limited in certain ways? This exercise not only promotes metacognition but also helps students develop a more nuanced understanding of how to use AI effectively and ethically.

7. Stay Updated and Experiment

AI is a rapidly evolving field, and new tools and features are constantly emerging. Make it a habit to stay informed about the latest developments in AI technology and educational applications. Experiment with different AI tools to find those that best complement your teaching style and meet your students' needs, consider signing up for Teaching with Generative AI or a similar course, and come back to the Macmillan Learning Community for tips and best practices.

Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just beginning to explore AI’s potential, these tips provide a solid starting point and are just some of the many ways you can get started with AI in your classroom. Like the use of AI itself, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach so it’s essential to experiment, adapt, and discover what works best for you and your students. As you begin to integrate AI, remember that it's a tool meant to enhance your teaching, not replace it. By staying curious and open to new ideas, you’ll not only keep up with the latest advancements but also lead the way in preparing students for the future.