Teach with expert insights on AI, curated by your trusty Teacher’s AIde

Welcome back to Teacher's AIed, where we dive deep into the world of AI in Education like an under-the-sea field trip adventure!

Math educators - this one is for you! I want to share three AI-enabled tools that might be perfect for your classrooms!

But first, let's set the scene with a handy-dandy framework, shall we?

How do we classify AI tools in Education?

Of course, there are many ways that you can do this, but one of the most useful for me has been to place tools in one of four buckets in a 2×2 matrix. On one axis, we have the users (educators vs. students), and on the other, the design-context of the tool (general AI vs. education-specific).

Let’s go quadrant by quadrant real quick:

- General AI Tools for Educators (top left): Here are tools like ChatGPT, Adobe Firefly, Gemini, Anthropic….the list goes on and on. This is the category of AI tools that most people are familiar with.

- Education-Specific Tools for Educators (bottom left): There are few education-specific AI tools geared for educators. MagicSchool.ai, Eduaide, Curipod, and Diffit are four that are top of mind. These tools mostly center around lesson planning and preparation.

- General AI Tools for Students (top right): This category is interesting because it is primarily restricted by privacy policies. For example, schools could have students use a general tool like ChatGPT, but only if the students are 13 or older and the school has their parents’ permission.

- Education-Specific Tools for Students (bottom right): These are the tools I’m interested in exploring today! What are the education-specific AI tools that teachers can get in front of students?

Three Stellar Tools to Illuminate Your Math Classroom

As we embark on this journey, let's shine a spotlight on three gems that could very well be the stars guiding your math classroom:

1. Khanmigo

1) Khanmigo: I jokingly say that “Khan Academy was my first Blended Learning love.” Khanmigo, their AI chatbot, is making me fall in love with Khan Academy all over again! I’ve already reported on Khanmigo in this post, so look there to learn more.

2. Flexi 2.0 by CK12

2) Flexi 2.0 CK12: CK12 isn’t as well known, but I think that it is a hidden gem of an education software program! When I was teaching, I loved their online textbook functionality, and now it is even better with Flexi 2.0, an AI-powered chatbot tutor. I think CK12 leans a bit more toward a high-school audience because of its interface and tone.

3. Synthesis

3) Synthesis Tutor: For those seeking a high-tech experience for the upper elementary explorers, Synthesis might just fit the bill. This tool is aimed more toward online learning than at blended learning, but I think it is still worth taking a look at for classroom teachers. From a math perspective, what Synthesis does so well are visuals and animations to explain math concepts. You can get a taste of this through this video.

The Dream Tool: A Math Problem Analyzer/Grader

As I gaze into the horizon, dreaming of what's yet to come, one can't help but imagine a tool that could revolutionize the way we approach math homework. Picture an AI capable of analyzing a student's work from just a snapshot—not only determining if the answer is correct, but pinpointing where they may have veered off course.

And as we continue to chart these waters, one thing is certain—the adventure has only just begun. Here's to the future of AI in education, where every discovery leads us to new possibilities!

Class dismissed!

Lewis Poche & Kourtney Bradshaw-Clay