Overview

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This course is designed for K–12 educators who want to understand how generative AI works, use it responsibly, and bring it into their practice in meaningful ways. You’ll explore real-world tools and strategies that help you differentiate instruction, streamline classroom tasks, and talk to families about what AI means for education. Through hands-on activities and reflection, you’ll build your own AI Integration Plan: a personalized teaching strategy that includes an AI-powered lesson plan, a student-facing activity, and a parent communication approach. Along the way, we’ll center ethical and responsible use because using AI in the classroom is about modeling critical thinking and setting the tone for a future-ready learning environment. This course is self-paced and practical. You can start where you are, no technical background needed.

Syllabus

Welcome to AI-Powered K-12 Teaching & Learning

This module introduces the course, its objectives, and the project you will be working on. It also covers the course's approach to AI and the learner code of conduct.

Foundations of Generative AI

In this module, we will review what generative AI is and how it works. We will also discuss important ethical concerns and considerations to acknowledge when working with and integrating AI into any kind of work context. You’ll also create an account and begin collaborating with ChatGPT, who will act as your thought partner throughout the course.

Defining Ethical AI Use in Education

Before we start experimenting with tools, let’s talk about responsibility. In this module, we'll extend our discussion of ethics from the previous module, and you’ll explore what it means to use AI ethically in a K–12 classroom. Together, we’ll unpack common concerns—like bias, privacy and academic integrity—and consider how to create a classroom culture where AI supports learning and doesn’t shortcut it. You’ll also begin drafting your own AI Acceptable Use Policy to set the tone for safe and responsible use in your learning environment.

AI for Student Engagement & Personalized Learning

Now that you’ve defined responsible AI use in your classroom, this module explores how AI can help you meet students where they are. We’ll look at how generative AI can support differentiation, real-time feedback and student-centered learning without replacing the role of the teacher. You’ll have the chance to test tools that adapt content to different needs, support multilingual learners and offer personalized scaffolding.

AI for Lesson Planning

In this module, we shift from designing for students to designing with support. Lesson planning is one of the most time-consuming parts of teaching. However, AI can serve as a creative, efficient partner in your workflow. You’ll explore how to use AI to brainstorm ideas, generate resources, and align your plans with learning goals without losing your professional voice or intention.

AI for Assessment, Feedback and Communication

In this module, we shift our focus to the everyday work of keeping a classroom running smoothly. You’ll explore how AI can support key operational tasks—like giving feedback, tracking progress, automating reminders and communicating with students and families.

Talking to Parents About AI

This module focuses on one of the most important parts of using AI in the classroom: helping parents and caregivers understand what you’re doing and why. You’ve built a purposeful approach to AI that supports student learning, safeguards well-being and reflects your classroom values. Now it’s time to communicate that clearly and with care.

Final Project: Your AI Integration Plan

You’ve built a thoughtful, values-driven approach to using AI in your classroom. Now it’s time to zoom out, reflect on what you’ve created and polish your work into a cohesive, communicable plan.

Course Conclusion

This module provides a wrap-up of the course, congratulates learners on their completion, and outlines next steps such as completing the course evaluation and claiming their badge.