What Research Says About AI Tutoring
November 8, 2024
AI tutoring tools are being heavily promoted to schools, often with bold promises of “personalised learning” and rapid progress. This briefing cuts through the marketing to summarise what robust research actually shows about AI tutoring: typical learning gains, which subjects and age groups benefit most, and where equity concerns are emerging. Drawing on case studies of Khan Academy’s Khanmigo, Duolingo’s AI features and large-scale efficacy trials, it outlines the implementation conditions that matter in real schools and offers a practical decision guide for leaders considering when, where and how to deploy AI tutoring.
Claude Computer Use in Schools
November 4, 2024
Anthropic’s new Claude Computer Use feature turns Claude from a chat assistant into an “agent” that can click, type and navigate on your computer. For schools, this opens powerful possibilities – and serious risks – if treated as a student toy rather than a staff tool. This playbook explores how teachers and leaders can use Claude as a safe “school systems assistant” for admin, resource curation and audits, while putting in place clear guardrails, policies and human sign-off to avoid data leaks, safeguarding issues and over-automation.
ChatGPT Voice as a Speaking Partner
October 28, 2024
Many learners lack regular, low‑pressure opportunities to speak their target language. ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode can act as an always‑available conversation partner, offering realistic dialogue, patient repetition and personalised prompts. This playbook shows language teachers how to design safe, structured routines that build fluency, pronunciation and confidence without replacing real human interaction. You will find concrete examples you can assign as homework or independent practice, plus practical guidance on safeguarding, privacy and avoiding over‑reliance on AI support.
OpenAI Canvas Drafting Guide
October 11, 2024
OpenAI Canvas is a new collaborative writing space where teachers, students and AI can draft together in real time. This guide walks you through a practical approach to introducing Canvas in your classroom. You will find clear classroom workflows, from brainstorming and outlining to peer critique and redrafting, along with firm guardrails on academic integrity, privacy and behaviour. The focus is on helping students write more thoughtfully, not outsourcing their thinking to AI.
Google NotebookLM for Students
October 3, 2024
Google NotebookLM is an AI-powered notebook that lets you turn scattered notes, PDFs and lecture slides into structured study companions. This practical guide walks secondary and university students through concrete workflows for readings, revision and exam prep, while drawing clear lines on what counts as cheating. You will learn how to organise sources, generate practice questions, and use AI explanations safely. We also cover privacy, consent, and how to align your use of NotebookLM with school or university AI policies.
OpenAI o1: reasoning models for teachers
September 13, 2024
OpenAI’s new o1 (Strawberry) model is the first “reasoning‑first” AI many teachers will encounter. It does not just answer quickly; it works through problems step by step, using deliberate chains of thought and tools along the way. This article explains what that actually looks like in practice, how it differs from GPT‑4o, and what it means for everyday classroom and assessment workflows. You will find concrete examples for modelling reasoning, generating worked solutions and supporting marking, alongside clear guidance on exams, academic integrity and practical rollout in schools.
Microsoft Copilot in Schools
September 3, 2024
Microsoft Copilot is now freely available on the web, without the need for Microsoft 365 licences or a technical rollout. Used well, it can save teachers time, support planning and differentiation, and give pupils a safe way to practise AI skills. This step‑by‑step playbook focuses on the completely free browser version, with concrete, low‑risk workflows you can use from day one. It also sets out clear guardrails around privacy, safeguarding, copyright and exams, so schools can move forward with confidence.
Google Gemini 1.5 Pro: Million‑Token Context
August 14, 2024
Google Gemini 1.5 Pro’s million‑token context window makes it possible to work with entire textbooks, course packs and reading lists in a single conversation. This playbook walks teachers step‑by‑step through safe, copyright‑aware workflows: from choosing and preparing files, to practical prompt patterns for syllabus mapping, gap analysis, differentiation and assessment design. It also sets out clear guardrails for data protection, verification and avoiding ‘black box’ teaching, so you stay firmly in control of curriculum and pedagogy.
Back to School AI Toolkit 2024
August 9, 2024
This practical back-to-school AI toolkit for 2024 gives teachers a curated list of genuinely free, low-friction tools you can set up in under 15 minutes. Organised by everyday tasks like planning, differentiation, communication, behaviour and admin, it focuses on tools that respect safety and privacy. You will find concrete classroom examples, clear “what to avoid” notes, and guidance on how to introduce AI gradually without overwhelming yourself. It is ideal for educators at any technical level who want to save time while staying in control of data and professional judgement.
Llama 3 and school budgets
July 10, 2024
Meta’s release of Llama 3, an open‑source AI model, is being hailed as a turning point for education. But for school and college leaders, the real question is not “Is this exciting?” but “Does this change our budget, risk, and data‑protection picture?” This pragmatic buyer’s guide explains what Llama 3 actually means for schools, compares total cost of ownership with closed models like GPT‑4 and Claude, and sets out realistic hosting, privacy and procurement options. It focuses on practical decision‑making rather than hype, so you can plan the next 1–3 years of AI adoption with confidence.
Claude 3.5 Sonnet vs GPT‑4o: a buyer’s guide for education
June 24, 2024
Anthropic’s Claude 3.5 Sonnet now beats GPT‑4o on many benchmarks, but what does that actually change for schools, universities, and edtech platforms? This pragmatic guide focuses on classroom practice, assessment, and product design, with concrete rollout checklists rather than technical deep‑dives.
Royalty-Free Educational Content
January 21, 2024
Explore the transformative impact of AI in the classroom, as this blog post delves into the innovative ways educators can utilise AI-generated royalty-free content. From personalised learning materials to cost-effective resource creation, AI is redefining the educational experience. Visual aids, multimedia interactivity, and language accessibility are enhanced, ensuring students remain engaged and instruction stays relevant. The post also addresses the ethical considerations of using AI in education, highlighting recent legal assurances from tech giants and the collaborative opportunities AI presents for teachers worldwide. This insightful piece is a must-read for educators looking to embrace technology and enrich their teaching methods.
Chatbots in Education
January 11, 2024
Chatbots, empowered by advanced artificial intelligence, are revolutionising the education sector by offering around-the-clock support to students. These virtual assistants are capable of tackling frequently asked questions, providing homework guidance, and even furnishing study tips to facilitate learning. By doing so, they not only enhance the educational experience for learners but also significantly reduce teachers' workloads. This blog post delves into how chatbots are shaping student support and the ways in which they are customised to meet educational demands, ultimately allowing teachers more time for personalised teaching and lesson planning. As AI continues to evolve, chatbots are set to play an increasingly vital role in education.