AI Tools to Support Learning in the Classroom

Introduction

When Artificial Intelligence (AI) first started becoming popular I was very hesitant. I had so many questions and concerns about using anything AI. However I have found that AI is transforming education by providing innovative tools that enhance teaching and learning experiences. From personalized learning platforms to intelligent tutoring systems, AI has made my classroom more interactive, efficient, and accessible. 

1. AI Simplifies Lesson Planning and Resource Development

AI-powered platforms have made my lesson planning quicker and more effective. I started with simple standards I was familiar with. I wanted to see how accurate and solid these different AI lesson planning tools were. I found that I was pleasantly surprised as they were spot on. Not only did it create my lesson plans but allowed me to add my own resources and provided me with other new resources I found helpful. 

Teachers can now create customized lesson plans, locate age-appropriate materials, and design differentiated resources for students at various skill levels in just minutes. For instance, generative AI tools can align lessons with curriculum standards and recommend relevant content, allowing teachers to spend more time engaging with students and offering personalized support.

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2. Revolutionizing Assessment and Feedback

As a teacher I constantly found it a challenge to get through all my student essays in a timely manner and provide them with helpful feedback. AI is changing this by:

• Automatically grading assignments and delivering instant, actionable feedback.
• Analyzing student data to spot trends and learning gaps.
• Using adaptive assessments that adjust question difficulty in real time, giving a clearer picture of each student’s abilities.

AI-driven rubrics also help standardize grading, minimize bias, and ensure consistency, freeing teachers to focus on meaningful interventions. 

3. The Value of Human-AI Collaboration

I now believe that while AI excels at processing data and delivering personalized feedback, teachers provide empathy, mentorship, and social understanding. The most effective classrooms blend these strengths: AI manages routine and data-driven tasks, while teachers focus on building relationships and nurturing critical thinking.

“The real magic happens when these strengths are combined… This has allowed teachers to focus on providing meaningful feedback and facilitating group discussions.”

Conclusion

AI is transforming education by streamlining tasks, personalizing instruction, and supporting teachers in innovative ways. By embracing AI as a helpful partner, educators can focus on what matters most: inspiring students, fostering growth, and building inclusive, dynamic learning environments. The future of teaching isn’t about replacing educators—it’s about empowering them to do their best work with the support of intelligent, adaptive technology.

Lisa Mashburn, K-8 Classroom Teacher Lakeland School District 272

15 years in Education, Degree in Elementary education for the University of Northern Colorado and Master Degree from Northcentral University.