4 Essential AI Tips Every Teacher Should Know

Introduction

I was an early adopter of AI, and while I was blown away by what AI could do, I made plenty of mistakes. From trusting it too much to giving up too soon, I learned the hard way. Here are four things I wish I knew when I first started using AI.

1. Always Verify AI with OI

Artificial intelligence is great, but organic intelligence is better. AI will get things wrong, so don’t trust it implicitly. Always:

• Check facts

• Verify data

• Monitor tone

• Audit content

Remember, you’re responsible for what you bring into the classroom. AI will still save you time, even with verification steps.

2. The Power of Prompts

Bad prompts lead to bad output. Use the RTF formula to get started:

• Role: Tell the AI the role it’s adopting (‘You are a…’).

• Task: Specify what you want it to do.

• Format: Indicate how you want the output (dot points, paragraphs, reading level, etc.).

This simple formula works for 90% of my AI prompts. Try it out!

3. The Importance of Iteration

Iteration is essential when working with AI. The likelihood of getting the perfect output on the first try is low. Use follow-up prompts like:

• Repeat this but in fewer words

• Simplify the language

• Focus more on ____ and less on ____

• Reformat this as a table or list

Just as Hemingway said, “All good writing is editing,” all good AI output comes from iteration.

4. Use AI to Do the Basics Better

As teachers, we spend our time planning lessons, adjusting texts, writing feedback, creating rubrics, and crafting activities. Use AI to do these basics better.

Don’t get caught up in trying to create wild innovations before mastering the fundamentals. The basics are what your learners really need, and AI can help you do them more effectively.

I wish I had read a post like this back in November 2022! It would have saved me a lot of time, effort, and energy.

Watch MyTeacherAide in Action:

Give MyTeacherAide a Try

If you’re interested in using MyTeacherAide - there’s never been a better time to try.

Our individual plans come with a 7 day, cancel-at-any-time trial.

You’ve got nothing to lose and a whole lot to gain.

If you want to organise a free, 4 week, full access trial for your school, just reply to this email and I’ll talk you through the process.

Happy Teaching!

Paul Matthews, CEO & Co-Founder of MyTeacherAide