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  • in reply to: Module 5: Future of AI in Education #237923
    Mary Hyland
    Participant

      I really like your ideas for this lesson David.  I liked how you’re starting simple and building confidence with AI tools over time. The mix of Diffit, Quizziz, and creative expression makes learning fun, inclusive, and engaging. A fantastic way to explore science while supporting every learner’s needs and interests!

      in reply to: Module 4: Teaching AI Concepts to Primary Pupils #237919
      Mary Hyland
      Participant

        I completely agree Justine, Scratch is a fantastic tool for students with learning difficulties. Its visual and structured format supports working memory and focus. Breaking tasks into small steps makes coding accessible, and saying instructions aloud reinforces learning. It’s also a great way to build confidence through creativity and success.

        in reply to: Module 4: Teaching AI Concepts to Primary Pupils #237915
        Mary Hyland
        Participant

          One of my favourite AI tools recently has been Diffit! I’ve been trying it out and plan to use it in September for Irish topics like An Gorta Mór or Oisín i dTír na nÓg. It simplifies texts and creates levelled questions—great for mixed-ability SESE or Irish myths and legends.

          in reply to: Module 4: Teaching AI Concepts to Primary Pupils #237913
          Mary Hyland
          Participant

            4. One AI tool I’m excited to introduce to my pupils is Microsoft Reading Coach, especially for students who struggle with reading. To begin, I would explain how it acts like a personal reading helper that listens, guides, and supports their progress. I’d start with a short demo to show how it reads aloud, highlights words, and offers feedback to improve fluency and comprehension. This makes reading less stressful and more interactive.
            I’d set achievable goals and encourage students to track their progress, helping build confidence and motivation. What I really like about this course is how it ties in the Digital Learning Framework and the new Primary Language Curriculum. Making connections with what we need to teach in the curriculum makes it easier to see how AI tools like Reading Coach fit naturally into our lessons. This approach ensures AI supports learning while complementing teacher guidance, making it a valuable addition rather than a replacement.

            in reply to: Module 5: Future of AI in Education #237169
            Mary Hyland
            Participant

              Amazing ! Love this Lesson Plan

              in reply to: Module 5: Future of AI in Education #237166
              Mary Hyland
              Participant

                Lesson Plan: Exploring Emotions Through Colour and AI Art Creation

                Objective:
                Students will express different emotions through colour and use AI tools to create digital artwork that reflects their feelings.

                Materials:

                Paints, brushes, paper
                Tablet or computer with access to an AI image generator (e.g., CoPilot Image Creator)
                Microsoft Immersive Reader for supporting instructions
                Introduction (10 mins):
                Discuss how colours can represent feelings (e.g., blue for calm, red for excitement). Show examples and encourage students to share how colours make them feel.

                Activity (30 mins):
                Students create a painting representing an emotion using colours of their choice. Afterwards, they use the AI image creator to generate digital images based on descriptive prompts about their painting. This reinforces descriptive language skills by connecting words to visuals.

                Support:
                Use Immersive Reader to help students read and understand instructions. Offer personalised prompts with Diffit for students needing modified language.

                Reflection (10 mins):
                Students share their artwork and describe their colour choices. Discuss how AI helped bring their ideas to life.

                in reply to: Module 3: AI and Curriculum Integration #237164
                Mary Hyland
                Participant

                  Eleanor, I completely agree! CoPilot Image Creator sounds fantastic for boosting descriptive language, and Diffit’s ability to tailor texts is invaluable. These tools really do save time and help us focus more on teaching and assessing effectively. Excited to see how they transform our classrooms!

                  in reply to: Module 3: AI and Curriculum Integration #237162
                  Mary Hyland
                  Participant

                    One AI tool I’m excited to introduce to my pupils is Microsoft Reading Coach, especially for students who struggle with reading. To begin, I would explain how it acts like a personal reading helper that listens, guides, and supports their progress. I’d start with a short demo to show how it reads aloud, highlights words, and offers feedback to improve fluency and comprehension. This makes reading less stressful and more interactive.

                    I’d set achievable goals and encourage students to track their progress, helping build confidence and motivation. What I really like about this course is how it ties in the Digital Learning Framework and the new Primary Language Curriculum. Making connections with what we need to teach in the curriculum makes it easier to see how AI tools like Reading Coach fit naturally into our lessons. This approach ensures AI supports learning while complementing teacher guidance, making it a valuable addition rather than a replacement.

                    in reply to: Module 3: AI and Curriculum Integration #237160
                    Mary Hyland
                    Participant

                      Ashling, I totally agree—Gamma sounds like a fantastic time-saver for creating engaging presentations! I also love your idea of using CoPilot to support descriptive writing; visual feedback can really help students be more precise and creative. Excited to see how these tools boost learning and engagement!

                      in reply to: Module 3: AI and Curriculum Integration #237159
                      Mary Hyland
                      Participant

                        Michelle, I agree! Co Pilot Image Creator sounds perfect for boosting both writing and oral language skills. Magic School and DIFFIT really do offer great ways to support diverse learners. Exploring these tools will definitely enhance engagement and personalised learning across all ages.

                        in reply to: Module 3: AI and Curriculum Integration #237158
                        Mary Hyland
                        Participant

                          Module 3 has deepened my understanding of the powerful role AI tools can play in transforming teaching, learning, and assessment. As a special education teacher, I’m particularly excited about using Microsoft Reading Coach with my students who struggle with reading. I believe this tool will be invaluable in providing personalised, supportive practice that builds confidence and fluency. I’m also eager to introduce Microsoft Search Coach and Speech Coach to senior teachers at my school, helping them explore how AI can enhance learning across subjects.

                          Beyond these, I plan to integrate several AI tools into my instruction. Diffit will help me create differentiated materials tailored to students’ levels, while Magic School offers engaging content that can motivate learners. Gamma can support me in designing visually appealing presentations and resources. Twee is a great tool for generating creative writing prompts and ideas, and ChatGPT remains my go-to for quick lesson planning, generating explanations, and brainstorming. Overall, these AI tools have the potential to make my teaching more efficient, personalised, and engaging for all students.

                          Mary Hyland
                          Participant

                            I totally agree, Ross! AI tools like MS Forms and Immersive Reader can really support diverse learners and reduce workload. Setting up accounts is tricky, but I’m hoping that with practice, it’ll get easier and and boost the students’ in my class engagement

                            Mary Hyland
                            Participant

                              I completely agree with both Fidelma and Rebecca….AI has so much potential to support personalised learning, especially when it comes to addressing individual strengths, needs, and gaps. As a special education teacher, I’ve seen how powerful this can be for students with learning differences like dyslexia. That said, I also agree that AI should enhance—not replace—the meaningful interactions we have with our students each day. Those personal connections are at the heart of good teaching. I’m also feeling that it’s definitely time for us as educators to build our confidence and skills in using AI tools effectively and responsibly.

                              Mary Hyland
                              Participant

                                Hi Laura

                                Thanks for your post…like you, I’ve been really inspired by Module 2 and the possibilities AI offers in the classroom. As a special education teacher, I work with students who have severe dyslexia, and one tool I’ve found incredibly helpful is Microsoft’s Immersive Reader. It supports reading by allowing students to hear text read aloud, break words into syllables, and adjust visual settings like font size and background colour. This kind of accessibility can make a huge difference in helping students engage more confidently and independently with content. It’s great to see AI tools being used so meaningfully.

                                • This reply was modified 6 months, 1 week ago by Mary Hyland.
                                Mary Hyland
                                Participant

                                  Module 2 really got me thinking about how much potential AI has in my classroom. As a special education teacher working with students who have severe dyslexia, ADHD, and other additional needs, I’m always looking for creative ways to make learning more accessible and engaging. I already use the LEGO Spike Essential programme with my students through the LEGO First League, and I’ve seen firsthand how coding and hands-on learning can help build confidence, problem-solving skills, and a love for STEM.

                                  After this module, I’m even more excited to explore tools like Microsoft Dream Space and Minecraft. I can see how these platforms could be used to introduce AI in a way that’s fun and meaningful, especially for neurodiverse learners. What really stood out to me in Module 2 was the emphasis on ethical use. While AI can definitely save time and help with differentiation, it’s so important to think about how we use it—and how we teach our students to use it responsibly.

                                  This module has really shifted my thinking. I’m feeling more confident and motivated to bring AI into my teaching in a thoughtful, student-centred way.

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