Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Great ideas Rachel regarding further enhancing the children’s imaginations as part of a literacy session i.e. creating stories with animations linkage Art & Literacy. The combination of story writing and coding is definitely worth trying , they’d only love to create their characters from the scratch programme , comparing and contrasting and writing simple short stories using their descriptions and animations in a fun and engaging way.
Yes, you can say that again, the ready made lesson plans available are of course an added bonus and a great time saver too which will make all the difference!
Module 4 assignment : How would I introduce one of the AI applications mentioned in this module to my pupils ?
From the recommended AI tools highlighted in module 4 , I would love to implement Scratch programming with my first class pupils as it’s a nice introduction to programming and perfect for their age level and ability.
I would upload the Scratch Junior app firstly onto all of the schools iPads so that all children would have personal access to this digital platform .
The step by step process of linking blocks of code in a sequenced manner would be very beneficial for developing both problem solving skills both in maths and science and for enhancing creative skills in building and designing (STEM integration & curricular linkage) .
The children will be indirectly learning how to programme at a basic level initially before they become familiar with the tools and activities for embarking on further challenges at a later stage in the year. The opportunity to think, pair , share would also help motivate pupils to enhance their own learning by taking advice from their peers on board.
This tool is the ideal one to start with particularly with the junior end of the school as it’s user friendly, easy to navigate as it gives step by step guidance throughout and of course it promotes the fun element , it’s interactive and engaging. The blocks are visually attractive for younger pupils in particular and will stimulate their interest in digital learning overall.
Yes Karen , you’re spot on. The list of AI tools available to us is endless and yes they will most certainly enhance and develop our students confidence when accessing digital platforms. Of course , all teachers will need to work collaboratively , share updated expertise through participating in CPD training and devise a digital improvement plan collectively while prioritizing the ethical considerations including data security and privacy first and foremost.
I found copilot very useful indeed when compiling a lesson plan suitable for 1st class. The content presented was very appropriate for the age range that I’m teaching and I’ve saved a substantial amount of planning time in the process. I will definitely be implementing this AI tool as part of my planning as it’s very efficient and user friendly too which is another added bonus!
Lesson Plan: Animals that live in the Amazon Rainforest and how they adapt to their surroundings.
Objective
To introduce my 7-year-old students to the Amazon Rainforest, its unique ecosystem, and the importance of conservation.
Materials Needed
Pictures or videos of the Amazon Rainforest
A globe or world map
Coloring sheets with rainforest animals
Crayons or markers
A storybook about the Amazon Rainforest
Printable fact sheets about the Amazon
Lesson Outline1. Introduction (10 minutes)
Show the students a globe or world map and point out where the Amazon Rainforest is located.
Briefly explain what a rainforest is and why the Amazon is special.
Share a fun fact, e.g., “Did you know the Amazon is home to over 10% of all the species in the world?”
2. Story Time (15 minutes)Read a storybook about the Amazon Rainforest to the class.
Pause occasionally to ask questions and engage the students, e.g., “What animals do you think live in the rainforest?”
3. Activity: Rainforest Animals (20 minutes)Hand out coloring sheets with pictures of animals like toucans, jaguars, and sloths.
While the students color, share interesting facts about each animal.
Encourage students to share their favorite animal and why.
4. Discussion: Why the Amazon Matters (10 minutes)Explain the importance of the Amazon Rainforest, such as producing oxygen and being a home for many animals.
Discuss simple ways to help protect rainforests, like recycling and saving paper.
5. Wrap-Up and Q&A (5 minutes)Recap the key points: location, unique animals, and the importance of conservation.
Allow students to ask questions or share what they learned.
Homework/extension exercise to enhance the learningAsk students to draw a picture of the Amazon Rainforest and write one sentence about why it is important.
Plenary : I also used co-pilot to generate a series of 10 simple multiple choice questions suitable for 7 to 8 year olds to test their knowledge of the content taught throughout the SESE lesson.
🐾 Amazon Rainforest Animal Quiz 🐾
Name: ___________________________ Date: ____________________________
Circle the correct answer for each question below.
1. Which animal swings through the trees using its long arms?
A) Jaguar B) Sloth C) Spider Monkey D) Toucan
2. What colorful bird has a big beak and loves fruit?
A) Parrot B) Toucan C) Eagle D) Owl
3. Which animal moves very slowly and sleeps a lot?
A) Sloth B) Snake C) Frog D) Anteater
4. What big cat lives in the Amazon and is a great swimmer?
A) Lion B) Leopard C) Jaguar D) Tiger
5. Which insect is known for marching in lines and working together?
A) Butterfly B) Mosquito C) Ant D) Beetle
6. What animal has a long sticky tongue and eats ants?
A) Anteater B) Monkey C) Lizard D) Bat
7. Which reptile has sharp teeth and lives in rivers?
A) Crocodile B) Turtle C) Snake D) Frog
8. What animal can change color and has sticky feet?
A) Chameleon B) Frog C) Lizard D) Gecko
9. Which animal makes loud noises and lives high in the trees?
A) Howler Monkey B) Sloth C) Toucan D) Snake
10. What tiny frog can be very poisonous?
A) Tree Frog B) Poison Dart Frog C) Bullfrog D) Toad
Part 1
Two ways that I could use some of the recommended tools identified in Module 3 to improve my overall teaching and learning are:
Diffit is a really useful tool for teachers . It offers a range of comprehension passages tailored to suit all reading levels which is ideal for differentiation purposes and is a major time saver too which is also an added bonus in terms of time planning each lesson! It will make such a difference to have ready made lessons at the click of a button! It helps scaffold the children’s writing tasks too which is another incentive for the reluctant reader and writer.
I’m looking forward to using Magic Schools Maths tool also with 1st class as it is very user friendly , visually attractive and it ties in nicely as an extension to the new Primary Maths Curriculum , incorporating word problems in a fun filled meaningful way while keeping track on each students progress and offering positive feedback in turn. It’s an ideal digital platform for the whole school to use and offers ongoing assessment. I can’t wait to try it out with my class in September! They will love it! It also breaks the monotony of listening to teacher’ instructions all the time and gives the student the opportunity to explore Maths problems through a variety of fun digital based activities.
Both Microsoft Reading Coach and Copilot Image Creator work very effectively also. Reading Coach is a useful tool to support EAL students as it helps develop their literacy skills , reading fluency and builds on their word vocabulary while also tracking individual progress and supports the emergent readers. The copilot Image Creator is also another impressive tool that I intend to experiment with , with my class. It encourages the reluctant reader to engage with descriptive writing content in a fun and creative way and helps to build self confidence when writing also . It promotes student interest and enhances learning through visual stimulas .
Yes Annette, you can say that again. This module offers a vast range of wonderful ideas that we will delve into during the course of our new school term . The choice of AI tools have endless possibilities and will most definitely enhance our teaching from the point of view of devising personalized programmes for individual students , ongoing assessments and making learning fun through hands on interactive activities. Yes, of course the implementation of these AI tools will be a gradual process but with the school’s digital team on board, collaborating with school staff and engaging in CPD training in the digital field , we will make strides however long it may take!
I would agree with you Catherine. I was quite apprehensive about incorporating Gen AI platforms into my lessons also as I wasn’t equipped with the IT skills to use it appropriately to teach to my class. Yes, challenges do exist and yes data protection /GDPR is an issue however with proper staff training and safeguards within our school environment, AI can become a powerful digital tool in enhancing and supportive a positive learning environment for all.
By integrating AI tools into my teaching , it will further enhance the children’s learning experience through fun and engaging ways . It offers differentiated support and a variety of tailor made programmes which caters for all levels of ability in both literacy and numeracy. These AI platforms will compliment the objectives set out in the new Maths , STEM and PLC curriculum.
I am especially looking forward to delving into Immersive Reader with my class . It looks like a fantastic tool and will help support struggling readers (with dyslexia) . I like the fact that it can generate visual explanations and will aid understanding through visual representation .
My class would absolutely love Minecraft Education . It appeals to all learners, it’s visually attractive , interactive and is a super tool for developing the students creative imagination , maths , STEM and engineering skills while also enhancing their analytical skills.
We have been using Goggle forms when drafting school questionnaires to gather both staff and parents feedback as part of drafting new school policies ( Bí Cíneálta). It’s very user friendly and an ideal way of collating data. I also intend to use Google Forms in September to formulate multiple choice questions/quizzes as part of my own class assessment profile.
I used Read theory and SplashLearn as part of my teaching last year . The children in my class enjoyed the variety of lessons and as a result were fully engaged . Passages can be tailored to suit each child’s attainment level both in literacy and numeracy. In summary, AI powered platforms are ideal to use as they offer challenges to advanced learners and consolidate the learning for students who need extra practice in a given area. It is also very useful to track a child’s progress and see them making strides over time through digital interventions .
I found the use of AI in China far too advanced particularly for children in a primary school setting . There needs to be balance of when AI is incorporated during the school day rather than being solely dependent on it. It poses a lot of challenges and as result may affect a child’s overall performance at school impacting their well-being .
I found module 1 very informative as I’ve only just embarked on this AI journey this year due to uncertainties regarding its initial implementation throughout the whole school , priority of course is in ensuring the safety of teachers and pupils alike and needs to be included in the whole school AUP doc from the get go.
I have used chat GPT for research and planning purposes and found it very useful when collating specific information on a given theme /topic. I look forward to delving into other GEN AI platforms, Co-pilot and Gemini as it will open more gateways for creating lesson content that is visually attractive , meaningful , exciting and will hopefully engage the learner and enhance their learning through digital means.
We do need to be careful not to rely solely on Gen AI tools in our teaching , as teacher led support is the no 1 priority and we’re scaffolding the child’s learning all the time during the school day and promoting positive well -being. By incorporating AI into our daily lessons , yes of course, it offers diverse learning pathways for both teachers and students and it has proven to enhance the teaching and learning outcomes overall , helps monitor individual student progress and fosters students working collaboratively through project work . the list is endless! The future remains exciting with advancements in new Gen AI tools.
Exactly Teresa , there are endless possibilities when engaging with AI platforms provided that all teachers have the background research done first. By implementing AI into our classrooms and focusing on specific prompts applicable to the lesson content that are meaningful to the class , we are enhancing and developing our teaching outcomes and encouraging whole class participation through fun, interactive ways thanks to technological advances. Of course, as you mentioned Teresa, we also save a substantial amount of time when devising lesson content through AI prompt content, sourcing key information , devising/editing ready made power points and drafting assessments & grading. This will hopefully make a huge difference overall to teacher workload . I look forward to using the recommended AI tools (as referenced in Module 1 ) as part of my overall planning in September.
