A reading specialist, who had just undergone intensive training on a new phonics-based program, recently contacted me, her voice thick with frustration. The program was solid and promised impressive results, but the workload was immense. Individualized lesson plans for each student, meticulously aligned to the intricate scope and sequence of the program, seemed like an insurmountable mountain. She had hoped that ai could be her magic wand, that she could create these detailed plans with a few keystrokes. However, the reality was far from enchanting.
Time saving but mediocre
The ai-generated plans, while technically aligned with the program, lacked the nuance and depth she desired. They were generic, standardized outlines that failed to capture the unique needs and learning styles of her diverse students. The magic she had hoped for felt more like a mirage, leaving her disheartened and wondering if the effort to integrate ai was worth it.
This experience is not unique. Many educators long for ai to be a shortcut, a time-saving miracle. But the truth is that ai is not a mind reader. It cannot understand the subtleties of a specific program or the individual needs of each student without explicit guidance.
It turns out that the magic lies not in the ai itself, but in the teacher's experience.
Teaching takes time and experience
By investing time and effort into crafting detailed prompts that capture the essence of the program, each student’s specific needs, and desired learning outcomes, educators can transform ai from a generic content generator to a personalized learning tool. This process requires patience, a deep understanding of the curriculum/program/teaching practices, and a willingness to experiment and iterate. But the results can be significant: lesson plans that are not only aligned with the scope and sequence of the program, but also tailored to the individual needs of each student, fostering deeper engagement and, ultimately, better learning outcomes.
