I thought using Copilot was a positive experience overall. I found it easy enough to use and it created the resource quickly. The first response it gave was good, but I needed to refine my prompts a bit and edit the content to make sure it matched the objectives and was suitable. I think this highlighted the importance of using AI as a support tool rather than relying on it to produce finished resources.
The classroom resource I created was a lesson on the water cycle for 4th Class. Copilot helped me generate a short reading passage, comprehension questions, a sequencing activity, and a simple reflection question to check understanding. I adapted the language slightly, added visual supports to differentiate to meet the needs of children in my class.
I believe AI can support teaching by saving time on lesson planning and creating differentiated materials. One significant benefit is the efficiency it offers. It will allow me to spend more time focusing on teaching and supporting pupils. However, one limitation I found is that AI can produce inaccurate or sometimes overly generic information, so its important to review and fact-check and adapt the content before using it in the classroom.
To ensure pupils remain the ones doing the thinking, I would use AI only to support my planning and resource creation, not to replace pupil learning. I would encourage pupils to ask questions, explain their reasoning and solve problems independently. The activities would be designed to promote discussion with AI acting as a tool to enhance learning rather than provide the answers.
