Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping many aspects of education, including how we create, deliver, and evaluate learning content. When combined with AI, SoftChalk can help elevate course creation and teaching methodologies. As Lisa Russell, a speaker at the recent SoftChalk Summit and Assistant Dean of English & Fine Arts, pointed out, AI brings both opportunities and challenges that educators must navigate. “You know, when AI came out, it really freaked most English teachers, I think,” says Lisa Russell. This is a common fear that AI might replace traditional methods of teaching or even render educators less important. However, AI should be seen as a tool to enhance teaching, not replace it. Instead of resisting AI, educators can harness its potential to make their teaching more effective and creative.
The Importance of Adapting to AI
Lisa also shared how her team prepared for the AI shift: “We came up with a way how the GNTC (Georgia Northwestern Technical College) English department would handle AI. What are we going to do? We’re not just going to say we’re not going to use it.” This underscores the need for proactive strategies. As AI continues to evolve, institutions and departments must develop policies and guidelines that help teachers and students use AI responsibly. This same mindset can be applied when using SoftChalk to build courses—by embracing the evolving nature of AI, educators can continually improve their course offerings.
Teaching Students to Use AI Wisely
One of the most valuable lessons Lisa highlights is teaching students how to use AI effectively. “But, you know, that doesn’t help them. Really, what you should teach them is how to use it.” For educators using SoftChalk, AI can assist students in overcoming hurdles such as brainstorming topics or organizing research. For example, an assignment created in SoftChalk could ask students to use AI tools to generate a thesis or outline, helping them tackle the often challenging first steps of academic writing. This approach encourages students to see AI as an aid, much like calculators are for math, as Lisa noted: “I still want to teach them how to do it. But you know, it’s like a math teacher not using a calculator.”
Leveraging AI in SoftChalk for Content Creation
AI can also streamline content creation for educators using SoftChalk. Lisa further illustrates this by saying, “I’m starting to use AI for my teaching for my students, and how you can add it to a SoftChalk.” AI can help automate many aspects of course design, such as creating assessments, quizzes, and presentations—freeing up valuable time for educators to focus on higher-level tasks like personalizing learning experiences.
To use AI effectively, it’s important to provide clear and precise prompts to achieve the desired results. Here are some example prompts that can assist with your course creation:
“How can I structure a lesson on [topic] to ensure students achieve [specific outcome]?”
“What are some engaging multimedia resources (videos, articles, podcasts) I can include in a lesson on [specific topic]?”
“What are strategies to refine course content based on previous student performance?”
“Generate a list of quiz questions to assess knowledge of [specific topic].”
“How can I structure an online course on [subject] to maximize engagement?”
Enhancing Course Quality with AI
One of the key roles AI can play in SoftChalk course creation is helping to improve the quality of content. “I’ll put it in AI, and I’ll check and make sure it’s right, but yet I use it a lot,” Lisa shares, emphasizing the importance of editing and reviewing AI-generated content.
AI is a great tool for drafting course materials or creating interactive elements, but as Lisa cautions, it requires human oversight to ensure the information is accurate and the presentation is coherent.
With AI, educators can quickly adapt their SoftChalk lessons to reflect the latest research, trends, and tools—ensuring that their courses remain relevant and effective.
Conclusion: AI and SoftChalk Together
For educators, the key is not to fear AI but to integrate it thoughtfully into their teaching practice. When used alongside tools like SoftChalk, AI can create engaging, up-to-date, and interactive learning experiences that benefit both teachers and students. Rather than avoiding AI, harness its power to enhance course development, streamline content delivery, and prepare students for the future of learning.
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