AI Online Teaching Tools For Teachers To Boost Term Two Engagement

The future of education is here now and is powered by artificial intelligence and digital learning tools. Across Australian classrooms, forward-thinking teachers are starting to experiment more intensively with AI in education to engage students in meaningful ways. But many educators still feel unsure about where to begin. We have seen a huge increase in Australian teachers starting to embrace AI and Classroom Technology. If you're a primary teacher in Victoria, Term 2 is the perfect time to try simple, low-prep EdTech tools that can spark student curiosity and lift classroom energy, without needing to be a tech expert. You can introduce AI and other trending technologies into your teaching in fun, student-friendly ways. Here are four easy tech strategies you can start using this week to improve learning outcomes.

1. Use ChatGPT for Story Starters and Creative Writing Prompts

AI writing tools like ChatGPT are transforming literacy education, especially in primary schools. These technologies allow educators to create personalised learning experiences. With simple prompts, teachers can generate customised story starters for students in Years 3 to 6, boosting engagement and creativity. For example, teachers might ask the AI to “Generate 5 writing prompts for Year 5 students about time travel and Australian animals,” encouraging imaginative exploration of themes. Or a prompt like: “Create a fun story starter for Year 4 about a robot who loses its voice,” prompting students to think critically and develop narratives. AI-generated prompts offer versatility, enabling students to craft endings and express creativity. Collaboration is vital; students can work in groups, sharing ideas and develop their communication skills. Engaging with AI-generated text allows them to revise content, improving writing skills and language understanding. These tools are fast becoming essential in developing the next generation of creative thinkers.

2. Create Student Projects Easily with Canva for Education

Canva for Education is a top free classroom presentation tool designed for educators and students, enabling them to use visual communication effectively. It allows the creation of digital content like portfolios, reflections, and posters through intuitive drag-and-drop templates.

Canva facilitates creative classroom ideas, such as digital book reviews and All About Me posters, helping students express themselves and their learning creatively. It also supports visual reflections on learning goals, promoting self-assessment and goal-setting skills. Students can design class newsletters, fostering ownership, responsibility, and communication skills.

Using Canva for Education equips students with critical skills like design thinking, media literacy, and visual storytelling, essential for future success as AI becomes a staple in every real-life business model.

Students engage collaboratively with AI tools on tablets, enhancing their learning experience in a modern classroom setting.

3. Try Free Digital Escape Rooms to Reinforce AI online teaching tools for teachers

For teachers seeking interactive learning activities that resemble play, digital escape rooms are ideal for exploring more in Term 2 when students require additional motivation. These engaging activities promote teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while integrating various subjects. Consider exploring the following options:

Breakout EDU offers a variety of free versions that include puzzles aligned with the curriculum. These digital escape rooms encourage students to work collaboratively to solve challenges and unlock clues. You can find more information and access the resources on their official website: Breakout EDU.

Another excellent option is to create or utilize Google Forms escape rooms. You can easily find free templates by searching for “free escape room templates for Year 3–6.” These activities can be customised to integrate literacy, numeracy, and other subject areas, making them versatile for different learning objectives. They are perfect for whole-class challenges or to use in rotation stations, allowing for a dynamic learning experience.

4. Record Voice Journals to Promote Reflection and Speaking Skills

There are some new and great AI tools designed to boost student confidence in oral reflections by using innovative voice recording tools that cater to diverse learning needs. These tools aid in expressing thoughts and building communication skills in a supportive setting.

We all loved Flip, but if you're looking for a safe and effective alternative to Flip (formerly Flipgrid) in your classroom, here are three teacher-recommended tools that support student voice, creativity, and reflection.

Seesaw is designed to amplify student voices, build digital portfolios, and engage families. It is especially popular in Australian primary schools, allowing students to record audio or video reflections. The platform supports various learning methods such as drawings, typing, voice, and images. Teachers can easily share students' work with families under supervision. Seesaw integrates with Google Classroom and is free for teachers, with optional premium upgrades available for schools.

Padlet is a collaboration tool that facilitates brainstorming and visible thinking. Students can upload videos, voice notes, or text, making it ideal for collaborative reflections or exit tickets. Its user-friendly interface ensures that it can be used effectively across different year levels.

Book Creator is perfect for project-based learning, storytelling, and boosting creativity. Students can create digital books that incorporate voice and video, enhancing their communication skills. It integrates with Google Drive and supports ICT capabilities in Australian Curriculum.

Consider starting with just one AI or EdTech tool at a time. There's no need to learn everything simultaneously, as it can seem overwhelming, and the learning curve may deter teachers who already have busy schedules. However, we have discovered that choosing one new digital tool this week and testing it in a single lesson can make the process much more exciting. By integrating technology to boost engagement, you're helping your students develop important digital skills while also making your classroom more dynamic and enjoyable.

Using AI online teaching tools for teachers in a classroom setting can cause concern with teachers trying to master new AI tools quickly, yet it's crucial to understand that these tools are becoming more intuitive and are advancing quickly. Keeping up with these developments is vital, particularly as your students will naturally encounter more AI tools as they advance through their school years.

The staff at SOS Teacher Agency will be staying on top of the latest tools that are free, simple to use, and tailored to align with the Australian curriculum. Please contact us if you are interested in a Professional Development day focusing on AI tools in the classroom.