AI in Action for Educators

Welcome to 2026!

Communication today is increasingly visual. Whether you’re creating a flyer, a newsletter, a lesson handout, or a presentation, how something looks can be just as important as what it says.

AI tools can help lower the barrier to getting started—especially for those who don’t see themselves as “designers.” Just as important, this lesson reinforces an essential theme: humans stay in charge. AI can suggest ideas and layouts, but your judgment, values, and creativity are what make the final product meaningful.

Today we’re focusing on one of the most fun uses of AI—creating.

We’ll look at how AI can help us create images and documents that are actually useful in real life. Think of this lesson as exploration, not performance—there’s no “right” outcome.

Slide 2 – Why This Lesson Matters

Communication today is very visual.
Whether you’re teaching, volunteering, writing a newsletter, or promoting an event, images and layout matter.
AI can help us get started without feeling overwhelmed or needing design experience.

Slide 3 – Today’s Focus

We’re not trying to master anything today.
The goal is simply to see what’s possible and build a little confidence using AI creatively.
Even small wins count.

Slide 4 – Reminder from Earlier Lessons

Just like with writing, AI-generated images and designs need a human check.
AI doesn’t always understand context, accuracy, or appropriateness—that’s still our job.
Think of AI as a helper, not the decision-maker.

Slide 5 – What Is Canva?

Canva is an online design tool that many schools and organizations already use.
It’s popular because it’s intuitive—and the free version is more than enough for most people.
You don’t have to be “artistic” to use it well.

Slide 6 – Canva + AI = Faster Starts

Canva uses AI behind the scenes to suggest designs, layouts, and images.
You’re never locked into one choice—you’re simply given options.
You stay in control the entire time.

Canva Dashboard:

If you haven’t tried Canva, getting started is easy. This is what I see when I’m logged into Canva: a clean dashboard that shows all of the items I can create, and everything I’ve ever made using Canva.

School account:

Visit the website at canva.com and log in with your school Google email address. Select the school where you work, and begin creating! It’s that easy. Canva has made all of its tools available and FREE for teachers. This includes over 100 million copyright-free images and animations, as well as premium features, image storage, and amazing tools appropriate for use with students and families.

Slide 7 – Creating Images with AI

With AI image tools, you describe what you want in words.
AI creates an image you can use—or revise.
This can be helpful for lessons, newsletters, flyers, or even just brainstorming ideas.

I asked Canva’s AI to create an image of two elephants in a classroom. What do you think?

Slide 8 – Why Words Matter

The more specific you are, the better results you’ll get.
Think about what you want, the style, and the mood.
And remember—you can always tweak a word or two and try again.

Slide 9 – Example Prompt

Here’s an example prompt.
Notice how it includes a place, a feeling, and a level of realism.
Small word changes can lead to very different images, which is part of the fun.

Slide 10 – Creating Documents with AI

AI doesn’t just create images—it can help format documents too.
This is especially helpful if you already have text but don’t know how to make it look polished or inviting.

I gave it a description of a school activity I’d typed up, showing all of the details. You could have ChatGPT write this up for you. I just pasted it in and asked for sample flyers to illustrate the information. Everything Canva creates is editable - so I have total control of all of the content, the colors, the layout, the design. I think it gave me some great starters to work with.

Slide 11 – Magic Design in Canva

Magic Design lets Canva suggest layouts based on your content.
You choose what works for your audience and adjust it as needed.
It’s reassuring to know you don’t have to start with a blank page.

Slide 12 – Human Touch Still Matters

AI gives us drafts and ideas.
Humans provide judgment, tone, accuracy, and care.
That balance is the theme of all these lessons.

Slide 13 – Try One Small Thing

I encourage you to try just one thing after this lesson—one image or one simple document.
Curiosity is more important than perfection.
Play first; polish later.

Slide 14 – Looking Ahead

We’ll continue building on this—using AI for classroom materials, organization work, and thoughtful evaluation.

The goal is always the same: saving time while staying true to your values and voice.