AIOhioEd
January 15, 2026 Issue #1
The articles and social media posts are flooding our feeds! Are you a "pro-tech" futurist or old-school "back to the basics" educator?
It doesn't have to be one or the other.
In all of my sessions and training, I stress that I don't advocate for AI - or any type of tech - in every lesson. Purpose and balance matter. The most effective teaching and learning processes are human at their core, and fundamental skills are as crucial as ever, especially at the elementary levels.
However - we can't ignore the impact AI will have on the future of our students. They need AI literacy skills.
A healthy dose of skepticism is appropriate. So reading up on both sides often leads to productive conversations, balanced frameworks and more trust and willingness from our teachers to try new tech.
Here are a few articles worth reading:
Reverting to Pen And Paper Won’t Improve Learning. Better Learning Design Will
IPads in kindergarten, YouTube videos at snack time: Parents are pushing back on screens in the early grades
Ed tech industry scrambles to fight a wave of bills to limit screen time in schools
"Ed tech proponents describe potential outcomes of the bills in dire terms, arguing that they would set education back decades, tie schools up in bureaucracy and leave high school graduates unprepared for the modern workforce."
This elementary school banned screens in the middle of the year. Will it solve their reading crisis?
“It’s like taking a hammer when you need a scalpel,” he said. “A lot of the use of technology in schools is not appropriate. But rather than sitting down and thinking about, ‘What are appropriate uses of technology in classrooms serving young children,’ this approach would just obliterate all uses.”
How districts are experimenting with outcomes-based contracts in ed tech
As school leaders try to get a handle on ed tech investments, some are looking to make payments contingent upon student achievement.
And - the latest studies from Magic School and SchoolAI. Yes, they are vendor-based, but they offer some compelling stats and evidence from leading tech-integration models:
Strengthening teaching and learning with AI: MagicSchool’s impact
AI Isn't Replacing Thinking. Teachers are using SchoolAI to deepen it and boost engagement
PROMPT AND PONDER
April's "Prompt of the Month" comes from the recently published AI Literacy in Any Class by Matt Miller, which I HIGHLY recommend. Matt sets up this prompt with an hypothetical reaction from a teacher who may be hesitant to integrate AI into their lessons.
(Teacher) "Okay Matt.....I have to be honest. I'm still skeptical. I don't really think AI literacy applies to me. I'm not a technology teacher. I can barely keep up with my email. I'm supposed to teach kids about AI?"
Matt then takes the second chapter to make his compelling argument. But the prompt to get started is an excellent exercise for any educator to walk through:
"I want to reflect on how the AI revolution impacts my specific corner of the education world. I'd like you to act as a facilitative thought partner to guide me through a deep-dive conversation. First, ask me what subject and grade level I teach, along with a few core concepts I am currently teaching or am most passionate about. Once I share those, guide me through a multi-step reflection. Start by helping me analyze how AI might change the way those concepts are 'done' in the professional world. Then, gradually pull the lens back to discuss the broader implications: if AI can handle the technical work of our subjects, what does that mean for the fundamental purpose of school and the role of an educator in our society? Ask me only one question at a time so we can have a focused, meaningful dialogue."
Make sure you have the time set aside to put the necessary thought into the conversation. As always, it would be interesting to use Gemini, Claude and Chat to compare output. Remember, it's not about the AI providing some "magical answer". It's really about the introspective nature of the interaction that will bring your true thoughts to the surface!
Every month, you'll find strategies, concrete examples and introductions to tools that can make an immediate impact on classroom instruction.
10 Tips for Teachers Using AI in Class
Struggling to find your entry point with AI in your teaching? This article provides some great tips.
What is Most Likely Machine and How Can I Use It To Teach?
"...a free teaching tool designed to help educate 10-14 year-olds about algorithms. This is not only about how these are made and used, but also the effects that these can have in our daily lives. That should help empower young people to make more balanced decisions in the future."
A special shout-out to elementary teacher, Brittany Terry, in Clover, South Carolina! One of my colleagues shared Brittany's idea for a Magic School customized chatbot that is an outstanding example of effective AI integration, personalized learning and student engagement. While it is set up for intermediate math, it can be adjusted to fit a broader range of subjects and grade levels.
Here is the tool description:
Idea Generator
This tool creates personalized math learning experiences. By gathering information on student interests, the math standard you want them to practice, and their preferred project style, the generator produces customized project ideas that connect math concepts to real-world, creative, or hands-on activities. It helps students build ownership of their learning while allowing teachers to offer differentiated, engaging options for every learner.
AND
Here is a link to the step-by-step instructions to set up the customized chatbot.
It seems Google releases updates to NLM every time you turn around. If you haven't had your "A-HA" moment with it as an educator, I encourage you to set some time aside to dive in. I also feel it will soon be seen as a valuable tool in upper grades used on a regular basis, as the structure, safety, intuitive interaction and - especially - the studio outputs, set it aside from many other AI tools.
A focus on AI integration with upper levels this month.
The importance of student conversations cannot be emphasized enough. Here is an insightful piece from veteran HS teacher Stephen Fitzpatrick.
What Students Want Teachers to Know About AI
" Across different students, different grade levels, and different levels of AI sophistication, they were all saying versions of the same thing: they want help understanding this new technology and how to use it for learning. Telling us not to use it and just punishing us when we do is not a long-term solution. Give us a space where we can be honest about what we’re doing without fear that honesty becomes a way to indict us."
- AND -
From Education Week: This article reinforces the urgent need for teachers to begin modeling best practices for AI integration, and providing specific levels of "no AI" to "full AI" guidelines for assignments:
Students Are Worried That AI Will Hurt Their Critical Thinking Skills
Through AI Fluency, Ohio State is setting a new standard for AI-infused education
Ohio State is leading a bold, groundbreaking initiative to integrate artificial intelligence into the undergraduate educational experience. The initiative will ensure that every Ohio State student, beginning with the class of 2029, will graduate being AI fluent — fluent in their field of study, and fluent in the application of AI in that field.UM Generative Artificial Intelligence Resources
Check out the whole page, including toward the bottom where the News and Resource sections have a lot to offer. (You're welcome Mrs. Lower!)
AI for Education has been a leader in AI in K-12 on many fronts, but especially in promoting the importance of teachers and students developing skills for critically analyzing and evaluating AI output. While lessons and teachable moments may look a little different between subjects and grade levels, we can always lean on trustworthy websites as well. Here's a recent article with some great resources:
Data everywhere suggests that many more teachers are now using AI as a teacher tool compared to the start of the school year.
(See: Teachers Move Beyond AI Basics to More Sophisticated Instructional Uses among numerous other articles and research)
Whether it's assisting with lesson plans, creating resources, engaging as a thought partner, finding new ways for hooks and engagement, etc. - the barriers are quickly dissolving and trickling into student-facing lessons.
Share your experience!
Thanks for reading!
Please reach out with questions or ideas for future newsletters. Also, if you know of a teacher who is leading the way with AI integration, let me know so they can be featured in the "Teacher Spotlight"!
