Explore practical ways to use AI to boost creativity, save time, and increase access—especially for learners who face barriers.
AI isn’t here to replace you — it’s here to support you
When used well, AI can free up your time, spark creativity, and personalise learning in ways that weren’t possible before. Whether it’s generating ideas, simplifying admin, or helping learners revise more effectively, AI is already enhancing teaching across the sector — without taking away what makes teaching human.
Where educators are already seeing value
Many educators in Aotearoa are starting small — and seeing big benefits. Some use ChatGPT to help draft feedback or quiz questions. Others get learners to test AI explanations and improve them. There are even AI tools that turn lesson plans into interactive materials.
| Educator Insight: “I used ChatGPT to reword assessment instructions into simpler language for my ESOL learners. They immediately looked less anxious.” |
It’s about experimenting, not perfecting
You don’t need to overhaul your teaching. Try AI as a co-pilot — not the driver. Think of it as a brainstorming partner, a research assistant, or a second pair of eyes. Encourage learners to do the same, and model safe, critical use in the classroom.
Start by asking:
- Could this task be easier with AI?
- Could AI help my learners engage more deeply?
- How do I want to model responsible use?
You don’t have to go all in. Try one thing at a time. Small, curious steps lead to real transformation.
Start Small — Where AI Can Add Value
| Planning: | Generate quiz questions, brainstorm session outlines |
| Admin: | Draft feedback, condense learning outcomes |
| Content: | Rephrase complex ideas, simplify texts, visualise processes |
Key uses you might explore:
- Brainstorming teaching activities or examples
- Generating multiple-choice questions or revision prompts
- Using AI as a digital assistant for basic admin
- Helping students summarise or paraphrase content
Start in low-risk areas where mistakes don’t carry big consequences. |
AI-Enhanced teaching ideas
Try these in class:
| Teaching Activity | AI Use Example |
| Brainstorming | “List 10 ideas for engaging learners in a budgeting topic” |
| Summarising | “Summarise this 2-page article in 5 bullet points” |
| Rewriting | “Make this feedback sound more encouraging” |
| Compare + Critique | “Give me two versions of an introduction to critique” |
| Vocabulary Builder | “What are simpler synonyms for these words?” |
| Visual Learning | Use DALL·E to visualise abstract concepts |
Prompt Ideas:
- “Simplify this explanation of osmosis for a Level 3 learner.”
- “Turn these bullet points into a short paragraph about safe lifting.”
- “Give me five reflection questions about teamwork for hospitality students.”
Student-Facing Use — With Integrity
Scaffold Their Use
- Make AI use visible, not secret
- Ask students to highlight or annotate what AI helped them with
- Use prompts that require editing, reflecting, or comparing
| Educator Tip: Let students compare their writing with AI-generated versions. Ask: “What’s missing?” or “What would you change?” |
Suggested Learner Prompts:
- “Ask ChatGPT to create a sample response — now rewrite it using your own words.”
- “Use AI to summarise this article, then compare it with your version.”
Design Tasks with Voice and Value
| Instead of… | Try… |
| Standard essay | AI-generated draft + student critique/reflection |
| Reading summary | Compare your summary with an AI one |
| Memorise and repeat definitions | Explain the concept in your own context or industry |
| Focus on tasks that blend AI use with personalisation, reasoning, or reflection. |
Resources to explore and use
Note: While some resources or tools in this section may evolve rapidly, the frameworks and guidance remain useful for supporting critical discussion and values-based decision-making.
Quick-Start Tools
Useful Reading
Videos + Walkthroughs
- Sal Khan – How to Prompt Khanmigo (AI for Education)
- EDUCAUSE – Striking a Balance: Navigating the Ethical Dilemmas of AI in Higher Education
Want to go deeper?
AI for Learning Designers – ASCILITE Resource
Jisc – AI Maturity Toolkit for Tertiary Education
This guide was part of a series, created in 2025 by Ako Aotearoa, designed to help educators explore AI in education — safely, ethically, and in ways that reflect our values in Aotearoa.
Each guide offers practical steps, real examples, and reflective tools to support your journey. Whether you’re just starting or deepening your practice, these resources are here to support your next steps — practically and purposefully.
Links were correct at the time of publish but will not be checked or updated in the future.