Using Edtech and AI to Personalize the Classroom

Edtech Throwdown
Episode 182: Using Edtech and AI to Personalize the Classroom
Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown. This is Episode 182 called, “Using Edtech and AI to Personalize the Classroom” In this episode, we’ll talk about how edtech an AI can personalize both your classroom physical space AND content creation and delivery. This is another episode you don’t want to miss. Check it out.
Segment 1:
Narrative: With all the AI and the COVID days behind us, have we lost the focus of personalizing learning for students in the classroom?
Segment 2: Edtech/AI Tools for Personalizing the Classroom
How can we use Edtech/AI to personalize the physical appearance of the classroom to be a more inviting place to learn?
• Interest-Driven Decor:
• Survey students about their favorite movies, games, and hobbies using tools like Google Forms (www.google.com...) or Mentimeter (www.mentimeter...) .
• Use the results to create themed areas, posters, or bulletin boards that reflect their interests.
• Digital Displays:
• Incorporate smart displays or projectors (e.g., Promethean boards) to showcase rotating slideshows of student artwork, photos, or inspirational quotes.
• Use Canva (www.canva.com/) templates to make slides visually appealing and personalized.
• Interactive Wall Art:
• Use AR tools like QuiverVision (quivervision.com/) to create augmented reality wall displays. Students can scan wall art to see animations or interact with digital layers.
• Mood Lighting:
• Integrate smart lighting systems to adjust classroom lighting based on the mood or theme of the lesson.
• Collaborative Space Design:
• Use Edtech tools like RoomSketcher (www.roomsketch...) to co-create the classroom layout with students. Allow them to choose how desks, chairs, or collaboration spaces are arranged.
• Personalized Name Tags:
• Create digital name tags with platforms like Adobe Express (www.adobe.com/...) , incorporating students' chosen colors, symbols, or avatars.
• Digital Soundscapes:
• Use tools like Noisli (www.noisli.com/) or Spotify (open.spotify.com/) to set background sounds (e.g., nature, coffee shop ambiance) that align with classroom themes.
• Spotify Collaborative Playlists (support.spotif...)
• Digital Vision Boards:
• Have students create personal or classroom vision boards using platforms like Padlet (padlet.com/) or Figjam (www.figma.com/...) , which can be displayed on a digital screen.
• Interactive Check-In Boards:
• Use tools like ClassDojo (www.classdojo....) to create a digital check-in system where students can indicate their mood or share a "fun fact" as they enter the classroom.
• Themed QR Code Stations:
• Create QR codes using a generator (like QR Code Monkey (www.qrcode-mon...) ) that link to personalized student projects, fun facts, or favorite classroom activities.
How can we use Edtech/AI to personalize our content in the classroom?
• Adaptive Learning Platforms:
• Use platforms like Khan Academy (www.khanacadem...) , IXL (www.ixl.com/) , or DreamBox (www.dreambox.com/) to provide personalized practice tailored to each student’s proficiency level.
• AI-Driven Content Creation:
• Tools like ChatGPT (openai.com/ind...) or Canva Magic Write (www.canva.com/...) can help craft custom lesson plans, study guides, or quiz questions aligned with individual learning needs.
• Student-Generated Playlists:
• Allow students to create playlists of educational videos or podcasts using RUclips (www.youtube.com/) or Edpuzzle (edpuzzle.com/) that align with their interests or learning goals.
• Gamification of Lessons:
• Use platforms like Kahoot! (kahoot.com/) or Quizizz (quizizz.com/) to create custom quizzes or games featuring content and themes relevant to students’ lives.
• Individualized Feedback Tools:
• Use AI tools like Grammarly (www.grammarly....) or Turnitin’s Revision Assistant (www.turnitin.c...) to provide personalized writing feedback and improvement suggestions.
• Virtual Field Trips:
• Use tools like Google Earth (earth.google.com/) , Nearpod (nearpod.com/) , or Discovery Education (www.discoverye...) to take students on virtual field trips tied to their personal interests or course content.
• AI-Assisted Reading Recommendations:
• Tools like Epic! (www.getepic.com/) or Lexia (www.lexialearn...) can recommend reading materials tailored to individual students’ interests and reading levels.
• Project-Based Learning Platforms:
• Platforms like PBLWorks (www.pblworks.org/) or Tr...