How to Facilitate Using AI in Education: A Practical Guide for Teachers and Schools

Let’s face it—AI isn’t just for tech giants or sci-fi movies anymore.

It’s right here, right now, in our classrooms, lesson plans, grading systems, and even in how students write essays (whether we like it or not).

So the big question is no longer “Should we use AI in education?” but “How can we use AI responsibly, effectively, and in a way that actually supports learning?”

This article breaks down where AI is already showing up in schools, what challenges we need to keep an eye on, and how teachers, school leaders, and even parents can use AI to improve outcomes without losing the heart of education.

Let’s dive in.

AI in Education: What’s Already Happening

Whether you’ve realized it or not, AI is already part of the education ecosystem.

Here are just a few ways it’s being used right now:

1. Personalized Learning Platforms
AI is powering tools like Khan Academy’s Khanmigo, DreamBox, and Century Tech to adapt in real-time to students’ responses, giving them questions at the right level of difficulty and pace.

It’s like having a tutor who’s always watching, always adjusting.

2. AI Writing Assistants
Students are using tools like Grammarly, QuillBot, and even ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas, check grammar, summarize texts, and polish essays.

Some use it ethically, others not so much—but either way, it’s here and it’s here to stay.

3. Automated Grading and Feedback
AI is helping teachers by grading multiple-choice quizzes, suggesting feedback on essays, and flagging patterns in student performance.

Platforms like Gradescope and Turnitin are integrating AI to save hours of manual work.

4. Language Learning and Tutoring
Apps like Duolingo and Speak use AI to simulate conversations and personalize learning paths for language learners.

There are even AI-powered avatars acting as virtual tutors, giving on-demand support in math, science, and reading.

5. Predictive Analytics
Some schools use AI to analyze data and predict which students might be at risk of falling behind—helping educators intervene early and target resources more efficiently.

6. Special Education Support
AI tools can transcribe lessons, read content aloud, and convert speech to text—offering more inclusive access for students with dyslexia, ADHD, hearing impairments, or other learning differences.

7. Virtual Classrooms and Chatbots
AI is also embedded in learning management systems like Canvas and Blackboard to answer student questions, assist with scheduling, or even explain course materials in simple terms.

Bottom line: AI is already woven into the fabric of modern education—and it’s not going anywhere.

The Big Problems With AI in Education

Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing.

With all these new tools come new concerns—many of which educators are already wrestling with.

1. Plagiarism and Cheating
One of the most common worries is that students can use AI tools like ChatGPT to generate full essays or solve homework without actually learning the material.

And yes, it’s happening. A lot.

Teachers and schools are going to have to find a way to address it and how to teach AI literacy without just saying “we don’t allow AI usage”.

That would be like going back to the invention of the internet and saying we’re not going to allow students to use the internet.

It’s just not a feasible solution.

2. Equity and Access
AI can widen the digital divide if only wealthier schools have access to the best tools and training.

Students without reliable internet or personal devices may be left behind.

3. Data Privacy
AI collects data to function well.

But when that data includes student performance, attendance, and behavior, there are major concerns about how that data is stored, used, and protected.

4. Teacher Burnout
Ironically, some AI systems that are supposed to reduce workload can initially increase stress.

Teachers are asked to adopt new tools without training or support, leading to overwhelm and tech fatigue.

Schools and educational leaders need to really look at the best way to train their teachers in AI literacy.

5. Bias in AI Algorithms
AI reflects the data it’s trained on.

If those data sets are biased (and many are), the AI can perpetuate stereotypes or make unfair decisions—especially in grading, discipline prediction, or admission-related evaluations.

6. Overreliance on Automation
There’s a risk that schools start seeing AI as a replacement for human teachers instead of a support system.

But machines don’t build relationships, mentor students, or understand emotional nuance.

These challenges are real—but they’re not reasons to avoid AI altogether.

They’re reasons to be smart about how we use it.

Why AI Isn’t Going Away (and That’s Okay)

Love it or hate it, AI is not a passing fad.

Tech companies are investing billions in AI-powered edtech tools. The innovation wave isn’t slowing down.
Students are already using it. If we don’t teach them how to use it ethically and wisely, someone else—or no one—will.
AI can reduce burnout. Automating repetitive tasks gives teachers more time to do what only humans can: build relationships, mentor, and inspire.
Education needs to evolve. The world students are entering is increasingly AI-driven. Ignoring that reality does them a disservice.

So rather than resisting it, the better question is: How do we guide AI’s use so it enhances—not replaces—real learning?

How Educators Can Use AI Responsibly

Here’s a roadmap for teachers and school leaders to adopt AI tools wisely and effectively.

1. Start With Clear Goals
Don’t adopt AI just because it’s trendy.

Ask yourself: What problem am I trying to solve?

Whether it’s reducing grading time, personalizing learning, or improving writing skills—let your goal guide the tool.

2. Pilot First, Then Scale
Try new tools with small groups or volunteers before rolling them out to everyone.

Get feedback.
See what works and what doesn’t.

You don’t need to overhaul your whole curriculum on Day One.

3. Teach Students How to Use AI Ethically
Don’t ban AI—teach it.

Help students understand what’s acceptable (using AI for brainstorming or checking grammar) and what’s not (submitting full AI-generated essays as their own work).

Use this as a chance to build digital citizenship, critical thinking, and academic integrity.

4. Use AI to Save Time, Not Replace Thinking
AI is great for automating rote tasks—like generating quiz questions or summarizing readings—but it shouldn’t do the thinking for students.

Use it to enhance instruction, not outsource it.

5. Pair AI Tools With Human Insight
AI can flag struggling students—but it’s the teacher who interprets those flags and decides how to help.

Use AI for analysis, but trust your instincts and relationships.

6. Stay Transparent With Parents and Students
Let families know when and how AI is being used.

Be upfront about what data is collected, how it’s stored, and what benefits it offers.

Transparency builds trust.

7. Keep the Human Element Front and Center
Even the best AI tool can’t replace a caring teacher, a mentor’s advice, or a supportive classroom environment.

Use AI to free up more time for those human moments.

15 AI Tools Worth Exploring in Education

Ready to explore what’s out there?

Here are 15 AI tools that educators, schools, and even students can start using to enhance learning.

1. ChatGPT (OpenAI)
What it does: Writing assistance, tutoring, brainstorming
Use it for: Generating lesson ideas, helping students summarize texts, or offering writing feedback
Cost: Free or $20/month for premium
Watch out for: Overuse or replacing student effort

2. Khanmigo (Khan Academy)
What it does: AI tutor integrated with Khan Academy’s platform
Use it for: Personalized learning in math, science, and grammar
Cost: Subscription-based, but low-cost for schools
Bonus: Designed with education ethics in mind

3. MagicSchool.ai
What it does: Built specifically for teachers—generates lesson plans, IEP goals, parent emails, and more
Use it for: Saving time on admin and content prep
Cost: Free and premium options
Highly recommended for teachers feeling overwhelmed

4. Gradescope
What it does: AI-assisted grading, especially for math and science
Use it for: Speeding up grading and offering feedback
Cost: Institutional pricing
Saves hours of time on grading large batches

5. ScribeSense
What it does: Automates scanning and grading of handwritten assignments
Use it for: Grading tests or short answers without going digital
Cost: Based on school size
Great for schools transitioning from paper to tech

6. Canva Magic Write
What it does: AI writing assistant inside Canva
Use it for: Creating newsletters, student posters, classroom materials
Cost: Free and Pro versions
Easy to use and classroom-friendly

7. Diffit
What it does: Differentiates reading materials at multiple levels
Use it for: Giving the same text to struggling readers and advanced learners with different complexity
Cost: Free and paid versions
Perfect for inclusive classrooms

8. Brisk Teaching
What it does: AI-powered Chrome extension that adapts and modifies classroom materials
Use it for: Modifying existing content to fit standards or simplify language
Cost: Freemium
Helps personalize curriculum quickly

9. Duolingo
What it does: AI-powered language learning
Use it for: Independent practice, homework, or flipped classrooms
Cost: Free with optional premium
Fun and addictive for students

10. Curipod
What it does: Creates interactive presentations and lessons using AI
Use it for: Making slides, polls, and quizzes in seconds
Cost: Free for educators
Great for engaging large groups

11. Eduaide.ai
What it does: AI assistant for teachers with lesson builders and resource generators
Use it for: Creating assignments, rubrics, and even class scripts
Cost: Free with upgrade options
Boosts productivity in planning

12. SchoolAI
What it does: Chatbot designed for safe student interaction and tutoring
Use it for: In-class help without distractions
Cost: Institutional pricing
Safe and student-friendly interface

13. ReadTheory
What it does: Personalized reading comprehension practice
Use it for: Boosting literacy with adaptive quizzes
Cost: Free and premium
Good for ELA support

14. TARA (Teaching Assistant for Real-time Assistance)
What it does: AI dashboard to help manage lesson planning and classroom performance
Use it for: Admin-level oversight and support
Cost: Varies
Helpful for school leaders and coaches

15. Talk-to-Books (by Google)
What it does: Semantic search tool that lets students explore how books answer their questions
Use it for: Research and idea exploration
Cost: Free
Encourages deeper thinking

Interview With President and CEO of Educational AI Consulting Company

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Change, Guide the Journey

AI in education isn’t a gimmick.
It’s a shift.
A tool.
A new chapter.

But it’s up to us—educators, leaders, and parents—to guide how this chapter unfolds.

We can choose to panic… or we can choose to shape the future in a way that blends the best of both worlds: machine efficiency and human connection.

The secret?
Stay curious.
Stay ethical.
Stay human.

Because at the end of the day, no algorithm can replace the power of a great teacher.

AI in Education

AI and GAI are transforming education.

To help schools traverse this rapidly changing landscape, we have recently launched a company to help principals, district leaders, and states navigate all the changes.

It can be found at unlockingeducation.com.
To join the conversation on Facebook please check out our growing AI in Education Facebook Group.
If your a podcast junkie (like I am) and enjoy this topic, my wife (who is finishing her doctorate studying AI in education) has a podcast all about AI in education.
Feel free to check it out below and leave a review (if you’re so inclined).