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I really like this lesson plan as it brings history to life in a way that’s engaging, and visual, Using Copilot Designer to generate images based on student descriptions is a brilliant way to help them connect emotionally with the material. I’d love to use this approach with my class, especially during topics like the Great Famine or Irish emigration.
Module 5
Part 1: ReflectionAs I continue to explore AI in education, I plan to integrate it into my teaching to enhance learning, save time, and support differentiation. There are AI tools to support in all aspects of the classroom from planning, delivering the lesson, assisting the children, differentiation and assessment.
Copilot will assist me in planning lessons, generating ideas and adapting content for different ability levels. Gamma will be useful for creating engaging, interactive presentations that are more visual and easier for students to follow. Tools like Khan Academy will help provide personalised support for students, especially in maths, allowing them to learn at their own pace with guided explanations. I also plan to use Quizizz to make assessment more fun and interactive while tracking student understanding. These tools will not only boost student engagement but also help me identify learning gaps and plan accordingly. While I’ll start small, I’m excited by the potential of AI to support inclusive, efficient, and creative teaching, ensuring all students get the most from each lesson.
Part 2: Lesson Plan
5th Class Lesson Plan: Understanding Food and Nutrition
Curriculum Link:
SPHE – Myself: Taking care of my body – Food and NutritionLearning Objectives:
-Identify the main food groups and their role in a healthy diet.
-Understand the importance of balanced eating.
-Use digital tools to review and apply learning.Introduction (10 mins):
Use Gamma to present a visually engaging slideshow on the food pyramid, nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals) and examples of healthy meals. Include AI-generated images and short clips to enhance understanding.Main Activity (20 mins):
Students work in small groups to sort food cards (or images from Gamma) into the correct food groups. Each group discusses the benefits of the foods and how they support the body.Assessment (10 mins):
Students complete a short interactive quiz on Quizizz to offer instant feedback and tracks student understanding in real time.Conclusion (5 mins):
Class discussion on how they can make healthier food choices, especially for school lunches.Absolutely, reviewing the school’s policies is a key first step and I agree that both teachers and students need a clear understanding of what AI is, how it works and how to use it in a safe and responsible way.
I have used Scratch with 5th class kids previously. To introduce it to my class, I’d start by chatting to them about what it is – a fun way to make games, animations, and stories using simple code blocks. Then I’d show them a quick demo on the whiteboard, like getting a character to move or talk using blocks like ‘move,’ ‘say,’ and ‘when clicked’. After that, we’d do a beginner project together step by step, maybe making a little animation where a character walks and says something. I’d let them work in pairs for peer support and so they can help each other out. I would also give them a simple printed out guide to follow. Once they get the hang of it, I’d let them try their own ideas and be creative. They’d be learning how to think logically, spot mistakes (debug) and build things step by step all while having fun with coding.
I agree Mary – the amount of different tool available can feel overwhelming but it makes sense to start small. I’m also going to focus on just a couple of tools to begin with and plan to refer back to the course notes when I’m ready to explore others. It’s all about building confidence and using each tool effectively.
Two tools I found particularly useful in this module are Gamma and Diffit, both of which i hadn’t heard of before. Gamma will be great to create engaging presentations quickly, which can help make lessons more dynamic and easier for students to follow. It will save huge amounts of time and allows me to focus more on delivery and student interaction. Diffit also seems to be great for differentiation and especially useful when planning for mixed-ability groups, allowing all students to access the same content at a level that suits them.
Using tools like these along with MagicSchool and the Microsoft Reading Coach in the classroom will have a huge impact on future teaching, learning, and assessment. For me the biggest advantage is the allowance for more personalised and inclusive learning experiences and also saving time on planning. My main concern is that with so many tools available, it can feel a bit overwhelming. I think it’s best to start by introducing just one or two, using them confidently and effectively before gradually adding more.
I agree Brendan — differentiation can be a real challenge. I am looking forward to seeing how AI can help with differentiation in my own 5th class in September. For example, students who struggle with reading can use Immersive Reader to access a history text an in Maths kids can work ahead using Mathia for advanced maths practice. It really will help both stay engaged and learning at their own level.
This module has shown how AI can make lessons more engaging, personalised, and accessible. I had never heard of Immersive Reader but I am looking forward to using it with my class students in September to help with reading difficulties and to translate texts into different languages for the EAL children. Tools like MASH Plus can generate lesson ideas and creative prompts which can in turn save on planning time. Mathia seems to be great for personalised maths practice and can be adapted to each student’s level. Minecraft Education allows students to explore subjects like history or science in a fun way by building and problem-solving in a virtual world. Challenges of using these tools in my school will include having the access to laptops and/or ipads and also the time that is needed for me to teach the kids how to use these tools responsibly. Also, screen time has to be considered and teachers have to be mindful to balance the online with offline activities and real-world interaction to support healthy, well-rounded learning.
I completely agree Jimmy, I thought it was interesting to learn about the different tools such as Copilot and Gemini as I was really only aware of ChatGPT. The ability to generate text, images and even audio opens up so many possibilities for engaging students. I also think it’s crucial, as you pointed out, that we teach students to think critically and verify AI-generated content. The real value of AI in the classroom lies in how we use it to enhance learning, not replace it.
I really enjoyed this first module as it allowed me to view AI in a more positive light as I have been hearing/reading a lot of negative things about it recently. I like how it has highlighted the importance of teachers being able to guide students in using AI responsibly and ensure it supports rather than replaces critical thinking and creativity.
AI tools can greatly enhance teaching, learning, and assessment in the classroom. For teachers, it can help with planning lessons, providing instant feedback on students work and identify where students may need extra help. This can save time and allow for more support. For students, AI can offer individualised learning experiences that can be adapted to the childs learning styles and speed. As Sal Khan said in his TED talk, AI chat bots could potentially become personal tutors for students. It can also make learning more engaging through interactive tools and resources. When it comes to assessment, AI can provide quicker and more detailed feedback, helping students understand their strengths and areas for improvement. Overall, AI can be a powerful tool in the classroom when used to support teaching and learning.
