Sometimes I feel my longevity in teaching, having started in 1997, really revolves around creativity rather than curiosity.
My ideal working day starts as early as possible (after adequate time breakfasting and getting ready), with the only real task being to make my lessons for that day as good as possible. That doesn’t just mean a three-part lesson that makes sense – I want appropriate differentiation; up-to-date references; a chance for independent learning; lessons that grab you as soon as you’re into my domain; purposeful home learning and everything else I can cram into the time I have to develop the thinking of young minds.
As idealistic as I am, I generally run out of time and compromise, stunting my creativity so I can get the rest of the day done. However, in the last two years or so I have enjoyed exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can help me teach. In some ways, it has felt like discovering a limitless cheat sheet. I’d like to share some thoughts on AI, my use of ChatGPT and a few associated points.
The appeal of AI
A while ago, I needed to put together a range of generic worksheets for Years 9, 10 and 11. Sometimes classes had to double up for ‘Supercover’, so the work set had to have as much engagement as I could get out of two sides of A4. I didn’t much like the sound of that challenge, but ChatGPT created the basis of what I needed in seconds.