AI Tools in Schools: A Guide for Idaho Educators
There are many ways you can integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools into teaching, learning, and school administration through the use of general-purpose AI like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini. There are also many specialized AI tools for education that can help with lesson planning, accessibility, content creation, and differentiation.
This document highlights some of the most commonly used AI tools across Idaho schools today. For example:
- Brisk, or MagicSchool can help with teacher productivity.
- Khanmigo, and Grammarly can help with student productivity.
- Content creation is possible through Diffit, Curipod, and Meta AI.
- Assessment & feedback support is possible through tools like Writable, and Grading Pal.
- General purpose tools like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini can field any type of open ended question or request.
- Gemini can be simplified through the use of EduGems which are pre-made educational prompts.
Want a personalized presentation for your school or LEA?
We have presented to dozens of districts and groups on using AI tools in the classroom. We’d be happy to work with your school. Contact Dan Dyer, Assistive Technology Education Coordinator with Idaho SESTA, for more info: dyer@uidaho.edu.
General-Purpose AI Tools
ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, CoPilot, etc. These tools act as multi-purpose AI assistants. Use them for:
- Summarizing documents
- Changing text reading level
- Writing support and revision
- Image interpretation/generation
- Many other things
Tips: You can use the free versions of these tools for most things, and then swap to a different model when your free tier runs out. Choosing the tool most compatible with your device or software can have ease of use/integration advantages.
- Chrome or Android Users: Google Gemini
- Microsoft Ecosystem: Copilot
- Twitter/X users: Grok
AI in Major Device Ecosystems
Samsung, Apple, Microsoft, and Google
Modern devices are loaded with AI features such as:
- Voice transcription and summaries
- Smart replies and writing support
- Real-time captioning and screen reading
- AI chatbot integrations
Explore your system’s accessibility and productivity settings for hidden tools already available.
AI-Powered Teaching Tools
Brisk teaching
- Automatically generate Google Slides
- Create sub plans and quizzes
- Adjust reading levels of texts
- Use AI writing bots with students
Magicschool.ai Designed specifically for K-12 educators. Includes tools for:
- IEP goal writing
- Rubric and feedback generation
- Lesson plans, quizzes, and parent emails
- Student support tools for reading and writing
Curipod
Create interactive lessons and formative assessments. Get instant AI-generated feedback on student writing and discussion prompts.
Diffit.me
Paste any article or prompt, and choose the reading level you want. It will generate a version of the text that matches your students' needs.
Microsoft Reading Coach
Students create a story with AI, then read it aloud. The app gives personalized feedback on their reading fluency, accuracy, and pacing.
Creative Tools for Multimedia and Music
Suno or Gemini
Create customized songs on any topic. Great for memory aids, projects, or classroom creativity.
Meta AI
Turn written prompts into full videos with music, and visuals. You can fine-tune the output after generation.
CapCut and Heygen.com
Translate videos into other languages with lip-syncing, or create videos using AI avatars to narrate content without filming yourself.
Assistive Technology and Accessibility Tools
Seeing AI by Microsoft
An app that reads text aloud, summarizes content, identifies objects, and even explains scenes. Great for students with visual impairments or reading challenges.
Smart Glasses
Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses have integrated AI. They can answer questions about what you’re looking at, display private captions, or remember where you left items. Teleprompter-style displays are also emerging. Similarly, tools like Gemini and Co:Pilot can view your computer screen and help you perform tasks.
Speech-to-Text for Atypical Speech
- iOS 18 includes built-in support for aTypical speech (toggle on in Siri settings).
- Voiceitt offers tools for users with nonstandard speech patterns to communicate more easily via voice.
Goblin.tools
Create checklists, simplify language, and break tasks into manageable steps. Designed with neurodivergent users in mind.
Resources
- This newsletter is amazing for keeping up on AI news.
- The EduGem creator has a youtube channel where he occasionally provides AI related webinars.
- Google offers many free AI learning courses/certificates.
- Oregon State AI guidance page
- What devices do you own, and when’s the last time you checked what AI features it has? They update these constantly.
Request a Live Presentation for Your LEA
Would your school or district benefit from a hands-on introduction to AI tools for education? We offer virtual or in-person sessions tailored to your staff’s needs.
Contact:
Dan Dyer – Assistive Technology Coordinator
Idaho SESTA
dyer@uidaho.edu
idahosesta.org