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  • David Canny
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      AI has the potential to transform teaching and learning by offering more personalised, accessible experiences. Tools like Diffit can quickly adapt content to suit different reading levels, helping to support diverse learners in the classroom. Similarly, the Immersive Reader option in Microsoft Word uses AI to support literacy by reading text aloud, breaking words into syllables, and highlighting parts of speech, making texts more accessible for students with dyslexia or other learning needs. AI can also save teachers time by generating differentiated materials or automating feedback. However, challenges include ensuring equal access to devices and internet, and training staff to use these tools effectively. There’s also a need to be mindful of data privacy. Still, when thoughtfully implemented, AI can help teachers create more inclusive and engaging learning environments, allowing students to progress at their own pace while freeing up teachers to focus more on individual support and creative teaching.

      David Canny
      Participant

        Hi Shane,

        I agree. I had two children over the last year who needed homework differentiated due to visual difficulties and speech difficulties. I spent so much time prepping lesson work and homework for them and still felt like it wasn’t suitable. With the use of some of the AI tools from this course I think the differentiated work would have been much more suitable and engaging for the children. I look forward to using over the coming school year.

        in reply to: Module 5: Future of AI in Education #231951
        David Canny
        Participant

          This course has highlighted so many tools and resources that it is a little overwhelming but to begin I would attempt a simple lesson incorporating a couple of basic AI tools and build on the use of them throughout the school year as the children and myself become confident in using them

          Lesson Title: Exploring Animals of Antarctica
          Class Level: 2nd Class
          Curricular Area: SESE: Geography & Science
          Explore animals that live in Antarctica while using AI tools to support learning.
          Start with a discussion to see what pupils already know about Antarctic animals. Using Diffit, children will read short, levelled texts about three Antarctic animals: the Emperor Penguin, the Weddell Seal, and the Snow Petrel. Diffit will allow me to personalise reading materials to match each child’s level, which is especially helpful for children with additional needs.
          After reading, children will do a Quizziz quiz that checks their understanding in a fun, game-based way. It will adapt to how each child is doing and will give them instant feedback.
          To finish, children will share one new thing they learned and draw their favourite Antarctic animal, highlighting how it’s adapted to survive. This lesson combines digital tools and science in a way that’s accessible, engaging, and inclusive for all learners.

          in reply to: Module 5: Future of AI in Education #231942
          David Canny
          Participant

            I agree Thomas! Kahoot is a hit in my class too but it is great to be exposed to other AI options too rather then always reverting to my go to tools and resources.

            in reply to: Module 4: Teaching AI Concepts to Primary Pupils #231939
            David Canny
            Participant

              Teachable Machine stood out to me as an AI tool I could use with my third class come September. Children love experimenting and seeing immediate results, and that’s exactly what this tool appears to allow. The children can teach the computer to recognise their own voice, hand signals, or even poses, which makes learning about AI feel hands on, fun and personal rather than abstract. It helps build digital skills early which links to our Digital Strategy, but more importantly, it encourages problem solving, collaboration, and creativity amongst all children in the class.
              For children with additional needs, the visual and interactive nature of Teachable Machine is especially helpful. It doesn’t rely heavily on reading or writing, and tasks can be easily adapted to their pace and interests. Whether it’s recognising different emotions, colours, or actions, the flexibility makes it very inclusive. Overall, it’s a playful yet meaningful way to explore technology that puts pupils in the role of creators, not just users.

              in reply to: Module 4: Teaching AI Concepts to Primary Pupils #231772
              David Canny
              Participant

                Checking in with fellow staff is a good idea Evelyn, something that I can possibly overlook especially when doing a course over the Summer. I tend to try out the resources myself straight away when the school year starts rather then discussing it with staff members like I normally would when doing a course throughout the school year.

                in reply to: Module 3: AI and Curriculum Integration #231716
                David Canny
                Participant

                  So many tools and useful resources mentioned in this module, I’m not sure where to begin however one point did stand out to me and that is how using some of these tools can help make lessons more inclusive for children in a class. MagicSchool alone will generate differentiated resources tailored to students’ varying abilities. I can create reading comprehension questions at different levels for the same text, making lessons more inclusive. This saves planning time and ensures all learners are challenged appropriately. In the classroom, this supports mixed-ability groups and allows for more targeted support which is something I find myself spending a lot of preparation time on.

                  Another tool, Speaker Coach, can help students improve their oral presentations by giving them feedback on pace, clarity, and filler words. Oral presentation was a part of our SSE so this tool would be a fantastic resource.

                  Reflecting on tools like Gamma for interactive presentations and Diffit for simplifying texts, it’s clear AI can significantly enhance teaching, learning, and assessment. These tools allow for more personalised learning experiences and efficient lesson planning. Going forward, I see AI becoming an essential part of classroom practice, helping educators to meet diverse needs while freeing up time for more meaningful interactions with students.

                  in reply to: Module 3: AI and Curriculum Integration #231712
                  David Canny
                  Participant

                    I agree. Diffit stood out to me too. As Jennifer mentioned our classrooms are so diverse at present that having this tool is not only time saving for the teacher but it may help make the curriculum even more accessible for some children in a class.

                    David Canny
                    Participant

                      Going forward, I see real potential in using tools like Immersive Reader and MASH Plus to enhance learning in my classroom. Immersive Reader supports all learners, especially those with literacy challenges or additional needs, by allowing them to adjust text size, spacing, background color, and even have the content read aloud. This promotes independence and boosts confidence in reading and comprehension. I had a student last year with issues with his vision so the option to change the background colour of what you are reading is fantastic. On the administrative side, AI is proving to be a real time saver. From generating lesson plans and differentiating content to drafting emails or creating reports, AI helps streamline the more repetitive tasks. This gives me more time to focus on what matters most teaching and connecting with my students. Overall, these tools not only improve the learning experience but also reduce workload, helping to create a more efficient and supportive classroom environment. I look forward to trying the AI tools over the course of the next school year.

                      David Canny
                      Participant

                        Google forms is extremely  convenient, efficient and paperless which is great! You are not waiting days for parents to send back a response to something, it’s instant. It’s great during the SSE process when you need to get parents/guardians opinions on certain aspects of the school. China appeared extreme! Every yawn counted, report sent to parents. I worry if a child’s grades did slip what the punishment would be considering one child said his parents punish him if he doesn’t pay attention in class!

                        in reply to: Module 1: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence #229153
                        David Canny
                        Participant

                          AI tools have the potential to transform classroom teaching, learning, and assessment. There are many benefits in using AI to support both myself and my students. For example, tools like adaptive learning platforms or AI powered quizzes can give instant feedback, helping pupils learn from mistakes in real time.

                          AI also saves time on routine tasks like planning or prepping resources which means I can focus more on creating engaging lessons. It can even suggest differentiated activities to match various ability levels in the room, which is especially helpful in a mixed ability class. For assessment, AI tools can help generate day to day in class assessments for the teacher to complete.

                          Of course, AI is not a replacement for good teaching, but when used thoughtfully, it can be a valuable support. It encourages creativity, helps manage workload, and can make learning more interactive and enjoyable for children.

                          in reply to: Module 1: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence #229145
                          David Canny
                          Participant

                            Hi Claire,

                            I agree with your point.  I did my best to embrace AI in the last few months of school. At first I was sceptical and always had the notion that it was too difficult to use however, like anything once I embraced it and got the hang of it I found it to be so efficient and time saving. It afforded me more time to put more thinking into my lesson delivery rather then spending so long prepping resources.

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