AIOhioEd
January 15, 2026 Issue #1
2026: The year of meaningful integration?
AI has moved from a "latest tech trend" to historic disrupter very quickly. There is no denying the implications it will have on the future (including the significant impact on the lives and careers that await our students). K-12 districts must progress from denial or uncertainty to pragmatic solutions. Our students need to be AI fluent, yet ideally retain what it means to be human. AI does not have to touch every lesson or every facet of our mission - but it can no longer be "put aside".
2026 needs to be the year schools:
- Define their AI policy
- Create their AI vision
- Provide the framework and tools
- Build staff and student AI literacy
...at the very least.
As a result, instruction and assessment will most likely change - and that can be a good thing.
At the heart of AI fluency are core skills we've been promoting all along, but especially focusing on in the post-pandemic years: critical thinking, collaboration, communication, adaptability, tech literacy, and more.
I continue to be optimistic about the opportunity. I hope this monthly newsletter helps educators frame the AI wave, and begin integrating AI into instruction when it makes sense to do so.
Every month, you'll find strategies, concrete examples and introductions to tools that can make an immediate impact on classroom instruction.
10 ways Curipod engages your students with AI
If you're not familiar with Matt Miller's "Ditch That Textbook" website, and his AI resources in particular, you'll want to bookmark his site and sign up for his newsletter. Lots of practical information!
AI for Education Prompt Library
A variety of sample prompts to help teachers with lesson planning, assessment, student engagement, PD, differentiation and more.
Check out this page on my website for some great resources that will guide you to effective AI integration!
A great prompt to begin . . .
Most teachers experience it at some point: that tried and true, homerun lesson that has lost some luster through the years. Here's an opportunity for AI to be a collaborator behind the scenes and possibly provide a spark:
"I’m a ___ grade teacher and I’ve been teaching a unit on _______ for a number of years. It has become a little worn out and seems less effective in recent years. I’d like to improve the lessons with (plug in your goals: more student engagement, critical thinking activities, real-world connections, authentic writing pieces, increased DOK levels, etc.) by the time the unit is complete. I want to get beyond rote memorization for students to just pass a test. Assume the role of an expert instructor in _________ and list 10 recommendations I could incorporate to improve this unit in these ways. Objectives need to be connected to Ohio’s Learning standards."
Gemini or Magic School recommended. Remember to evaluate and push back on initial output. Iteration and critical analysis of AI output is essential!
Are you talking to your students about AI?
More studies are proving that transparency and honest discussions between students and teachers are beneficial. Here are some great articles to guide some of those conversations:
Students need help reasoning on their AI usage Brett Vogelsinger
How Teens Are Really Using AI - Do you know or are you assuming? Be curious!
AI vs. Cheating, Plagiarism & Academic Integrity - Matt Miller
Four Strategies to Address AI Cheating with Students - Better ways to handle uncomfortable conversations
Teachers are finding that once they "rip the band-aid off", there is less tension in the room. There may be more agreement than imagined, and student are more inclined to be open about AI usage. Figuring it out together on the front end is much preferred to working through a discipline issue on the back end!
Which one is best? What's everybody else using? I don't have time for this!
Take a breath! You don't have to be an expert on all of them. Identify your needs, explore, and go with one that feels the most comfortable for you.
Making sure - of course - that the AI tool is approved and meets your district's Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC).
For robust AI applications in teaching and learning, to be used IN school, teacher and student-facing - the main players are:
- The Google Universe - Gemini, Gems, NotebookLM , NanoBanana, Canvas, and a plethora of other tools),
- Magic School
- SchoolAI
With the next level of more specialized tools:
Other AI Chatbots (like Claude, CoPilot, ChatGPT and Perplexity) or AI apps (like Khanmigo and LOTS of others) can be useful to teachers at home for planning and such, but may have other shortcomings in education or safety issues for students. I strongly recommend staying away from Grok and Meta.
This list is not set in stone, and will undoubtedly evolve. But for those of you looking for a nudge, I hope it's helpful.
Can I Use AI on this Assignment?
AI Use Zones
Student AI Integration
Kids and Unhealthy Chat Relationships
The importance of AI literacy extends beyond the classroom. Educators can play a crucial role in recognizing social patterns and signs of digital dependency that could be critical to some of our students. Check out the articles below, and an important workshop coming up in February at SESC in partnership with Akron Children's Hospital.
- Character.AI, Google agree to mediate settlements in wrongful teen death lawsuits - AI chatbots aren’t safe for minors seeking emotional support.
- Social AI companions for teens pose too many risks - A report from Common Sense Media
- Tues. Feb. 24th - Unhealthy AI: When Chatbots Become Confidants - Summit ESC is teaming up with Children's Hospital and teen health experts to bring attendees information and strategies to support students who are too dependent on AI companions. Recommended for Counselors, Administrators, School Psychologists and student support personnel.
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 a future article!