How to make the most of AI in the classroom

Charlotte Guest
Reading time: 5 minutes

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept confined to science fiction. It has become an integral part of various sectors, including education. As educators, integrating AI into your classroom practices can enhance teaching and learning experiences, making them more personalized, efficient and engaging. Here’s how you can make the most of AI in your classroom.

Ways to use AI in teaching
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree Pearson can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

Activities chatbots can build/aid teachers with

Here are some ideas to help get you started with how you can prompt chatbots to help you:

Personalized prompts/stories

Use a chatbot to generate customized writing prompts tailored to the interests and skill levels of individual students. This encourages creative writing and critical thinking skills.

Example: "Write me a story about a professional gamer who finds a portal to another world, for a teenage English learner at A2 level."

Quizzes and assessments

Chatbots can create quizzes that adapt to the student’s level of understanding. These quizzes provide instant feedback, helping students learn from their mistakes and improve their knowledge in real-time. Note: Make sure you fact-check these quizzes before giving them to your class to ensure factual accuracy.

Example: "Create me a 10-question quiz to find the grammatical issue for learners of English who are at B1 level."

Lesson plan ideas

Teachers can ask chatbots to suggest new and innovative lesson plan ideas. The chatbot can incorporate multimedia elements and interactive components to make lessons more engaging.

Example: "Provide me with lesson plan ideas for teenagers learning about English verbs at a B2 level, involving videos."

Debates and discussions

Facilitate virtual debates or discussions where the chatbot presents different points of view on a topic. This helps students develop their argumentation and critical thinking skills.

Example: "Provide me some starting discussion points and opinions about which country has the best food."

Homework help and study assistance

Chatbots can serve as students' round-the-clock homework assistants, answering their questions and providing explanations on various topics. This is especially beneficial for students who might need extra help outside of classroom hours. Also, you might come across a topic or concept that is a challenge to explain to a certain knowledge level, and this can be a great way to get ideas on how to explain it.

Example: "Explain the water cycle to a ten-year-old student."

Reading recommendations

Chatbots can provide tailored reading suggestions based on each student’s reading level and interests, fostering a love for reading and improving literacy skills.

Example: "Recommend five books for a 12-year-old interested in space exploration, who reads at a B1 level."

Classroom management

AI can help manage classroom logistics, such as taking attendance, organizing group activities, and tracking student progress. This allows teachers to focus more on instruction and less on administrative tasks.

Example: "Create a seating chart for a class of 25 students, grouping them by their learning preferences."

Get in touch to learn how we can support your teaching

Making content accessible for diverse learners

AI can be incredibly effective in helping to reword or reformat content so it is easier to read and understand for students who learn differently. This can be particularly useful for students with learning disabilities, non-fluent speakers, or those who simply have different learning preferences.

  • Speech recognition: Tools like Voiceitt help students with speech impairments communicate more effectively.
  • Simplifying language: AI tools can rephrase complex sentences into simpler language, making the content more accessible. For example, a chatbot can take a scientific text and break it down into more straightforward, jargon-free language that is easier for students to comprehend.
  • Visual representations: AI can generate visual aids such as diagrams, charts and infographics to represent information more clearly. Visual content can often make abstract concepts easier to grasp, especially for visual learners.
  • Multisensory learning: Tools powered by AI can convert text into audio, allowing students to listen to the content instead of reading it. This is particularly beneficial for auditory learners and students with visual impairments. Additionally, these tools can highlight text as it reads aloud, creating a multisensory learning experience.
  • Customized explanations: Chatbots can offer different explanations of the same concept, catering to various learning styles. If a student doesn’t understand the initial explanation, the AI can provide alternative ways to explain the concept, ensuring better comprehension.

By using AI to adapt content to meet individual learning needs, educators can create a more inclusive and effective learning environment for all students.

A platform to support your teaching needs

As well as AI tools, MyEnglishLab (MEL) can also help support your teaching. MEL is an online platform designed to support English language learning and teaching. It delivers personalized learning experiences for students and provides educators with a suite of tools to manage and enhance classroom learning.

Immediate feedback: This immediate evaluation helps students understand their mistakes and learn from them swiftly, reinforcing the correct usage of language concepts.

Progress tracking: Both students and teachers benefit from detailed progress tracking. Educators can monitor individual and class performance, identifying areas where students may need additional support. Students can track their own progress, set personal goals and take ownership of their learning journey.

Teacher resources: These resources include ready-made exercises, lesson ideas and multimedia content that can be easily integrated into the classroom setting.

Flexibility and convenience: The platform offers the flexibility to learn anytime, anywhere. This is particularly beneficial for students who may need to balance their studies with other commitments. Teachers can also manage coursework and communicate with students outside traditional classroom hours.

Explore MyEnglishLab

Conclusion

Artificial Intelligence holds significant potential to revolutionize the classroom, making teaching more efficient and learning more personalized and engaging. By automating administrative tasks, enhancing student engagement and supporting special educational needs, AI provides invaluable assistance to educators.

However, it's crucial to remember that AI should be viewed as a supplementary tool that enhances and inspires, not as a replacement for the essential role of human teachers. The unique value that teachers bring through their experience, emotional intelligence and personal interaction is irreplaceable. By thoughtfully integrating AI into the educational process, educators can harness its strengths while maintaining the heart and soul of teaching.

Read more of our language learning blog posts

More blogs from Pearson

  • University students stood in a class together working on tablets
    How PTE Express helps agents beat admissions deadlines
    Di Alice Bazzi
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    For students applying to US universities, timing is everything. Admissions deadlines can be tight, and delays in English proficiency scores can lead to missed opportunities. Your reputation as an agent depends on helping students have a seamless process, which includes meeting timelines.

    Why speed matters for US admissions

    US institutions often require English test scores before issuing offers or processing visas. Traditional testing methods can take days or even weeks for results, creating stress for students and agents. PTE Express changes the game by delivering certified results within 48 hours, ensuring students can submit scores quickly and confidently.

  • University students sitting outside together smiling
    Which English test should I take? Pearson test comparison
    Di Abi Fordham
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Searching for the best English test can be challenging with so many options available. How do you choose the one that suits your needs?

    At Pearson, we provide a range of leading English tests, including PTE Academic and the PTE Express. Both tests are tailored for specific goals, supported by decades of experience, trusted by thousands of institutions worldwide, and designed to help you achieve success.

    Let’s break it down.

    PTE Academic: For global study and migration

    PTE Academic is a leading English proficiency test designed for students and professionals seeking to study or migrate internationally. Recognized by over 3,500 universities and government bodies worldwide, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the UK. It offers global acceptance.

    • Test center delivery: Conducted at official Pearson VUE centers for secure and reliable testing.
    • Comprehensive format: A 2-hour exam assessing all four language skills with 20 question types.
    • Global recognition: Perfect for applications related to study, work and migration in various countries.
    • Trusted reputation: Accepted by top universities such as Harvard and Yale, as well as governments worldwide.

    If you are applying to multiple countries or require a recognized English test for visa purposes, PTE Academic is the ideal choice.

    PTE Express: For fast, flexible US Study

    The PTE Express is a fast, reliable, and flexible online English proficiency test specifically designed for students applying to universities in the USA. Take the test securely from home, without the stress of travel arrangements or appointments.

    • 100% online: Conveniently complete the test from anywhere, at any time.
    • Quick results: Receive unofficial scores within minutes and official certified results in just 48 hours.
    • Affordable: Priced at a fixed $70 USD, regardless of your location.
    • Smart scoring: Utilizes AI technology and remote security review to ensure fairness and accuracy.
    • Student-focused: Measures real-world academic readiness in just one hour.

    This test is the ideal choice for students seeking a quick, secure and recognized English assessment for US university applications. 

    Why Pearson tests stand out

    Discover why Pearson tests are the top choice for English assessment:

    • Trusted expertise: With over 30 years of education leadership, Pearson is recognized worldwide for research, innovation and global partnerships.
    • Comprehensive support: Access clear score guides, preparation materials and a dedicated support team to help you succeed.
    • Reliable security: Pearson tests are designed with robust security measures, ensuring your results are accurate and trustworthy.

    Which English exam should you choose?

  • Group of four young adults collaboratively working on a laptop in a casual, modern indoor setting.
    From couch to campus in 48 hours: meet the test that speeds things up
    Di Abi Fordham
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    Need to prove your English skills fast? If you’re applying to a US university, the PTE Express is here to help you go from couch to campus in record time. Why wait weeks for results when you can be certified in just 48 hours?

    PTE Express is designed for students who want a fast, flexible and reliable way to demonstrate English proficiency. It’s ideal for anyone looking to study in the USA without the hassle of traditional testing systems.

    Why PTE Express is perfect for you

    Fast results

    Get your uncertified scores in minutes and your official certified results in just 48 hours. No more waiting weeks for test centers to release results – this is English certification on your schedule.

    Flexible testing

    Take the test from home, anytime. Whether you’re in a different time zone or balancing work and study, the test works around your life.

    Affordable

    One of the most cost-effective English tests for US university applications, it gives you high-quality results without breaking the bank.

    Recognized by US institutions

    Your PTE Express test scores are accepted by a growing number of colleges and universities in the United States, helping you move forward with your application quickly.

    Who should take this test?

    PTE Express is ideal for people who:

    • Need to prove English ability to study in the USA

    • Want a simple, fast and fair online test

    • Are ready to start their journey to a US university immediately

    Take your test from the comfort of your home

    No travel, no long waits, no stress. This AI-scored online English test fits into your life seamlessly. Whether you’re applying to a US college or university, the test helps you get certified quickly and move your application forward.

    It’s true: this test is built for momentum. If you have big plans for studying in the United States and don’t want to be held back by traditional testing systems, PTE Express is for you. Fast, flexible, and reliable – your path from couch to campus starts here.

    Get certified now

    Ready to get certified in just 48 hours? Take the PTE Express today and fast-track your US university application.