On Generative AI
35 Generative AI for the Classroom, part 2
Some ideas for activities using generative AI
1. Use generative AI for course and lesson planning and design
Would you like new ideas on redesigning some of your courses, introducing new topics, activities to include and rubric on how to evaluate the results of these activities1,2? Would you like to try a new pedagogical approach, using new technology and materials3? Chatbots could potentially help with all of the above. You could direct the software to write out the first draft for lesson plans, learning objectives, directions for activities, projects and scientific experiments and discussion prompts4.
Tip: It is a good idea to specify beforehand what topics and approaches to cover and what the course or lesson would achieve – whether it is a concept or a procedure you are targeting and what kind of teaching you want to apply2.
Example
Source: Examining Science Education in ChatGPT: An Exploratory Study of Generative Artificial Intelligence5
Activity: Creating a teaching unit
Gen AI tool : ChatGPT
Prompt used: Create a teaching unit using the 5Es model that is challenging for students who have a strong understanding of renewable and non‐renewable energy sources at a year 7 level. Also provide support and scaffolding for students who are struggling with the material.
Reflection: As a starting point, the author found the ChatGPT response useful. It had to be adjusted in order to cater to students’ needs, the curriculum and to access resources. He suggests that educators should delete unhelpful parts and build on parts that are helpful. Though the output needs refining, he suspects many teachers will find it useful, especially those who are just starting their careers, as they may not have yet built extensive resources.
“I was particularly impressed by its capacity to generate a science unit underpinned by the 5Es model, even if some of the output seemed a little generic and in need of further refinement.“
2. Use generative AI for preparing engaging, multimodal and inclusive content on a topic
You could use a generative AI application to:
- Add content related to local phenomena, language and culture;
- Insert explanatory and attractive images and videos3;
- Create and include stories that reinforce textual content;
- Build concept maps;
- Highlight, paraphrase and summarise relevant portions of the lesson, and clarify vocabulary6;
- Make maths and science less abstract by showing simulations and including examples from other subjects. This could also be used in craft education where visualisation can help with developing and exploring ideas7;
- Provide translations to help learners who use minority languages2.
Tip: Midjourney and other image-creation tools often have dedicated forums where people post their work, advice, prompts and prompt-crafting hints7. They are helpful for teachers who are just starting to explore this technology.
3. Use Generative AI to create examples, practice exer