Enter, Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Not as a magic solution, but as a practical tool to help educators reclaim time, personalise learning, and work smarter.
Yet, for many, AI still feels overwhelming. The headlines are big, and the risks feel real. With so many tools out there, it’s hard to know where to begin.
This is the first in a series of articles, designed to provide some practical tips on how teachers can harness AI.
Let’s break it down - no hype, no jargon - just a starting point that makes sense for our schools.
First, what is AI really?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is when computers are designed to think and learn in ways that are similar to humans. This means they can look at information, spot patterns, and use what they’ve learned to make decisions or offer helpful suggestions. Before, you jump in, it’s important to understand the following points:
- Safety: AI can make mistakes, so don’t rely on it alone for important decisions.
- Privacy: Avoid sharing private or confidential info, especially on free or public platforms.
- Bias: AI can reflect unfair biases from its data, so be cautious of one-sided results.
- Accuracy: AI isn’t always correct. Check important facts with trusted sources.
In education, AI tools can support us in meaningful, time-saving ways, for example:
- Lesson planning & resource creation: Generate worksheets, assessments, and learning activities.
- Admin automation: Draft newsletters and meeting minutes.
- Professional development: Summarise research articles, recommend strategies or provide virtual coaching prompts.
- Communication: Draft or critique the copy for parent emails, whanau updates, or team messages more efficiently.
- Library & resource management: Sort and suggest learning resources.
AI in real life: What it Can - and Can’t do
Educators are right to ask questions. Here’s a balanced view based on what we’re seeing in schools:
What AI can do:
- Save time on repetitive tasks
- Provide quick inspiration or drafts for planning
- Make it easier to communicate or collaborate across teams
- Suggest new ideas based on current evidence-informed practices
What AI can’t do:
- Replace teacher judgment, empathy, or relationship-building
- Guarantee accuracy (it can "hallucinate" or make things up!)
- Eliminate bias - some tools reflect bias in their training data
- Make decisions about your learners - it still needs your expertise
The key? Think of AI as a teaching assistant.
So, where should you begin?
Identify your pain points; start by reflecting on where you need support. Ask yourself:
- Are lesson plans taking too long?
- Is admin creeping into your evenings?
- Do you need support with communication, planning, or learning design?
Here is a simple check list on how to Use AI Responsibly
- Don’t enter sensitive data unless you trust the platform.
- Always double-check AI’s answers before acting on them.
- Watch for signs of bias or unfairness.
- Use AI as a helper, not the final decision-maker.
- Try to use tools that explain how they work and protect your data.
Use what you already have access to
Many schools in Aotearoa already have AI tools built into existing platforms. You don’t always need to download something new.
Google Schools: Try Google Gemini
- Works within Docs, Slides, Gmail
- Great for summarising articles, drafting documents, and generating ideas
Microsoft Schools: Try Microsoft Copilot
- Embedded in Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams
- Helpful for email writing, meeting notes, and summarising information
General use: Try ChatGPT
- Think of it as a brainstorming partner or content helper
- Use it for unit plans, presentations, parent comms, or behaviour strategies
Tip: Always review and personalise the output. AI gives you a head start, not a finished product.
Start Small and Talk About It
Choose one small task this week to try with AI - writing a parent update, summarising a reading, or creating a Kahoot quiz.
Then korero. Share your experience with colleagues, ask what they’ve tried, and learn together. Courage and curiosity are contagious.
In our next article we’ll cover:
• What is a prompt
• How to build effective prompts
• Provide you with a few examples relevant to teachers in Aotearoa that will help to get you started.
For further insights into AI's role in education, explore these resources on generative AI policies, online safety, and AI tools from Google and Microsoft:
About the Author
Amy Croxford is the National Learning Consultant at OfficeMax. With 22 years of experience as an educator and leader in Aotearoa, New Zealand, Amy is known for her expertise in educational innovation. As a Google Certified Innovator (SYD’13) and holder of a Generative AI for Educators Certificate, she is passionate about bringing the latest technology into classrooms and keeping pace with current educational research and global trends.