MODULE 3: CREATING EFFECTIVE LESSON PLANS WITH AI AND DESIGN THINKING - INTRODUCTION

 

Welcome to Module number 3 of our exploration of the future of education: Creating effective lesson plans with AI and Design Thinking. This module digs into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, specifically ChatGPT, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot, to build the English language teaching (ELT) landscape. Additionally, we explored the development of online discussions to enhance learning and class participation.

In Module 3, we jump on a journey to benefit from AI's power and design thinking principles that revolutionize our approach to lesson planning and student interaction. AI tools like ChatGPT work as intelligent assistants capable of understanding and responding to natural language; thus, providing personalized learning experiences and immediate feedback to students. This ability not only improves the efficiency of teaching but also, adapts education to meet students' individual needs in previously unimaginable ways.

Educators may create interactive classes, expedite the process of creating information, and engage students in innovative ways that encourage the involvement of students in active participation and deeper understanding involvement by utilizing AI. Having collaborative tools writing allows students to work together in real-time on creative projects, encouraging collaboration, communication skills, and peer learning.

When we started this module, our initial thoughts were filled with anticipation and curiosity about how these advanced technologies can be seamlessly integrated into educational practices. We were looking forward to learning about practical applications of AI tools to improve student engagement, how to improve learning outcomes, and foster a more inclusive learning environment.

Additionally, we are eager to explore how design thinking principles can complement these technological advances. With its focus on empathy, ideation, prototyping, and iteration, offers a structured framework for developing and adapting teaching methodologies to better meet the diverse needs of students in today's digital age.

Module 3, anticipates learning how to use effectively and integrate AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot into lesson planning to better instructional delivery and student engagement. Also, practical applications of Design Thinking concepts in developing student-centered lesson plans that promote creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among students. The strategies to promote collaborative learning environments through online discussions and collaborative projects using AI-powered tools.

From a point of view, we are excited to expand our technological knowledge and explore new ways to teach approaches that go beyond traditional methods. As a team, our goal is to enhance our pedagogical toolkit with cutting-edge strategies that prepare so that students are ready for success in a digital environment that is changing quickly.

Module 3 represents an exciting opportunity to bridge the gap between technology and education, paving the way for a more dynamic and effective learning experience. By adopting artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot, and integrating design thinking principles where educators can unlock new possibilities to engage students, foster collaboration, and foster 21st-century skills.

REFLECTION

  During the third module, I had the opportunity to explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and design thinking principles in the context of English language teaching (ELT). This module significantly broadened my perspective on how technology can improve educational practices and engage students in new and innovative ways. Adopting AI tools in education is one of the highlights of Module 3 as it introduced various AI tools designed to support educators and enrich the learning experience. Among these tools, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot stood out for their unique capabilities to improve communication, collaboration, and content creation.

ChatGPT demonstrated remarkable potential to facilitate personalized interactions with students. As an AI-powered chatbot, it not only provided immediate answers to queries but also tailored its responses based on the context and needs of the learner. This personalized feedback mechanism can revolutionize how teachers provide support and guidance, moving toward more individualized instruction tailored to each student's pace and preferences.

Gemini, a collaborative writing tool, offered an innovative platform for students to co-create content in real-time. This collaborative approach encourages teamwork, enhances peer learning, and encourages students to actively participate in building knowledge together. By using Gemini, educators can promote a cooperative learning environment where students learn not only from teachers but also from each other, thus enriching their overall learning experience.

Microsoft Copilot, another artificial intelligence tool explored in the module, showed its usefulness in helping with content generation and project development. By leveraging Copilot's capabilities, educators can streamline the process of creating lesson plans, designing activities, and developing educational materials. This not only saves time but also allows teachers to focus more on pedagogical strategies and student engagement.

Challenging traditional approaches to ELT

The integration of AI tools in Module 3 challenged traditional understandings of English language teaching in several profound ways. Historically, ELT has often been characterized by the delivery of a standardized curriculum and face-to-face interactions. However, artificial intelligence tools introduce a paradigm shift toward personalized learning experiences and differentiated instruction.

AI tools like ChatGPT allow educators to customize learning paths based on student's individual needs and learning styles. This move away from one-size-fits-all approaches recognizes the diverse strengths and challenges that students bring to the classroom, fostering a more inclusive educational environment.

Platforms like Gemini and AI-enabled online discussions challenge the notion of learning as a solitary endeavor. They promote collaborative learning experiences in which students actively interact with course content, share ideas, and build knowledge collectively. This collaborative approach not only improves students' communication skills but also prepares them for collaborative work environments in their future careers.

The concepts and strategies explored in Module 3 have immense potential for application in future teaching classes:

1. Use artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT to create personalized learning experiences taking into account students' interests and proficiency levels. By analyzing student interactions and responses, educators can adapt instructional strategies to optimize learning outcomes.

2. Implement collaborative writing tasks using Gemini to encourage peer learning and teamwork. Assign group projects that require students to exchange ideas, collaborate on document creation, and provide constructive feedback to their peers.

3. Introduce the principles of design thinking to guide students in creatively solving real-world problems. Empathize with students' needs, define challenges, devise innovative solutions, prototype ideas, and evaluate results to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

4. Stimulate asynchronous learning environments through AI-powered online discussions. Encouraging students to actively participate, sharing diverse perspectives, and engaging in reflective discourse on course topics.

5. Incorporate lessons on digital literacy and responsible use of artificial intelligence tools into the curriculum. Equip students with the skills to critically evaluate information, navigate digital resources effectively, and leverage artificial intelligence technologies ethically.

CONCLUSION AND KEY LEARNINGS

 Module 3 has been a transformative journey towards the intersection of artificial intelligence tools and design thinking principles in the field of English language teaching. By exploring tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot I have learned aplenty of invaluable insights that will shape my future teaching methods and create unforgetable learning experiences.

The integration of artificial intelligence tools like this has evolved the way educators can interact with their students. As a powerful AI assistant, ChatGPT not only provides instant feedback and support but also enables personalized interactions adapted to individual student needs. This capability opens doors to adaptive learning pathways where students can receive targeted assistance and guidance, thus promoting a more inclusive and effective learning environment.

Gemini, the collaborative writing tool, has demonstrated its potential to foster collaborative learning experiences. By allowing students to co-create content in real-time, this tool not only improves student engagement but also prepares them for collaborative work environments beyond the classroom.

Microsoft Copilot has simplified the content creation and project development process. Its AI-powered capabilities help educators design lesson plans, develop educational materials, and facilitate interactive learning activities to develop in the classroom.

The knowledge gained in Module 3 will have a great influence in my teaching methods by encouraging a shift towards more personalized, collaborative, and innovative practices.

I plan to integrate ChatGPT into my teaching to create personalized learning paths for students. By leveraging AI to analyze student responses and interactions, I can tailor content and instructional activities to address individual learning needs and preferences. Inspired by Gemini, I aim to incorporate more collaborative writing tasks into my lessons. Assigning group projects in which students collaborate on creating documents, sharing ideas, and providing constructive feedback will not only improve their writing skills but also encourage teamwork.

Implementing the principles of Design Thinking will allow students to solve real-world problems creatively. Through design thinking workshops, students will learn to empathize with end users, identify challenges, brainstorm innovative solutions, prototype ideas, and evaluate results, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the process.

An example of applying some things I have learned could be a digital storytelling project. Students could use ChatGPT to exchange story ideas and develop characters. Gemini could then be used for collaborative script writing, where students work together to outline and refine the narrative. Microsoft Copilot would help create multimedia elements, such as digital artwork or audiovisual components, to enhance the storytelling experience.

Throughout this project, AI-facilitated online discussions could serve as platforms for reflection and feedback, allowing students to refine their narratives based on constructive input from their peers. This approach not only seamlessly integrates AI tools into the lesson, but also promotes creativity, collaboration, and digital literacy skills among students.

Module 3 has given me innovative tools and methodologies that have the potential to revolutionize English language teaching. By adopting AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot, and integrating design thinking principles into my teaching practice, I am confident in my ability to create engaging, personalized, and inclusive learning experiences for students. These technologies not only improve the efficiency of instruction but also empower students to become active participants in their learning journey, preparing them for success in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. As I continue to explore and implement these strategies, I hope to foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills among my future students, thereby fostering a generation of students well-equipped to thrive.

LESSON PLA CREATED WITH AI

Here you have the link to one of the lesson plans created with an AI application (ChatGPT). It was a really good challenge for all of us because we had to put into practice and perfectionate all things learned during these modules. 

Lesson Plan - Google Drive

MODULE 2: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO ENHANCE STUDENTS' ENGLISH SKILLS - INTRODUCTION

 Improving language learning with AI by turning it into a journey beyond the classroom is a goal full of challenges to encounter and overcome.

When it comes to the evolving educational scenery, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a powerful ally for both language teachers and students. As we got deeper into Module 2: Artificial Intelligence to Improve Students' English Skills, we realized about the tremendous potential of AI-powered tools.

AI has started to reshape people's lives, work, and learning experiences. Taking into account lots of people connected through mobile devices, granting unprecedented access to data and knowledge. It is a revolution that invites us to go beyond what we already know.

When we mention AI in educational contexts, it may seem difficult to addapt to it. But the reality is that it can become the best friend of many people. The main goal is to demystify this negative context of AI. AI is not just about collecting data; it's about empowering teachers and students to try new things. It is important to refute myths and focus on practical ways to integrate AI into English Language Teaching. Believe it or not, implementing AI to it will encourage learner independence.

The tools driven in module 2 by AI permit the independence of the students. These tools cover different aspects such as Pronunciation to help students perfect their spoken English, transcribe speech, check pronunciation, and provide feedback in real-time. AI tools that allow you to see them as having a language teacher all the time. As for grammar, Grammarly's artificial intelligence algorithms detect those annoying errors, suggesting corrections and improving writing fluency. ChatGPTPoe allows us Conversations with a different touch. Such AI engages students in natural language dialogues, encouraging them to express themselves authentically. It's like having a language partner. Cody Codifies the Path to Language Mastery! Cody combines coding challenges with language learning. Students can write code snippets in English, reinforcing both programming skills and language proficiency. And so many other AI tools that provide personalized language practice. Whether it's vocabulary exercises or cultural knowledge. AI allows us to share responsibility with our students. They can address tasks traditionally performed by teachers. Develop proactive students who embrace technology, encouraging independence along the way. 

Despite all the pros AI may bring to teachers and students, it has to be remarked that all the results gotten from it have to be checked. Of course, AI has truthful information, however, there are ocassions in which it does not gives what we really need. For that, you all have to take a look on how you are using it and on all the results given.

As educators, we don't just teach; We're leading students into a future where AI-enhanced English skills open doors. Whereas, we as teachers have to explain it´s strengths and weaknesses. 

REFLECTION

 Currently, we are foreseeing how the use of AI is increasing and how it's been applied to new areas such as education. Of course, it is reshaping education. As English teachers, we can sway AI to create more engaging and effective learning experiences for our students. Module 2 enriched us with many AI tools for the different situations we may encounter in a classroom. We learned that AI-powered tools can help students to improve their pronunciation. Also about speech recognition systems that transcribe spoken language, check pronunciation, and provide feedback. 

During module 2 we learned about some educational tools that can be used by students for self-assessment and practice such as Chatbots and conversational practice. AI chatbots simulate real conversations, allowing students to practice speaking and writing. The integration of chatbots in language exercises or role-playing activities to improve fluency is one of the highlights since the use of them will have a great impact on their learning.

AI in grammar and writing assistance like Grammarly in which AI grammar checkers analyze the written text, identify errors, and suggest corrections, which is extremely helpful to both teachers and students in the writing process to improve accuracy. Also, it wuite curcial to mention that using this AI apps will save more time than expected.

Learning new vocabulary is one of the most important things when learning new languages. AI-based word games and vocabulary apps help students learn a lot of new words. In the future, assigning vocabulary development tasks using these tools can be a great support for your students.

Designing activities where students respond to scenarios generated by AI would be an great idea since it will encourage creativity and will reinforce the use of language. Artificial intelligence tools transfer some responsibilities from teachers to students. Teachers become facilitators and guide students in the effective and correct use of AI.

Regarding the use of AI, certain challenges can be deposed. Teachers will have to adapt to this new role and trust that students make the correct and responsible use of this new way of learning. Furthermore, traditional language teaching will have to be adapted to these authentic experiences.

Some future applications:

1. Blended learning:

Combine artificial intelligence tools with traditional teaching methods for a balanced approach. Using AI for personalized practice while maintaining face-to-face interactions. As a result, teachers may have interest classes and students may get better results. 

2. Adaptive learning:

AI adapts content based on individual needs and progress. Thus, you can create personalized learning paths for each student, using insights to adapt instruction and address specific learning gaps that will help them in a very efective way.

Conclusion

As AI continues evolving, to integrate it into ELT can improve students' language skills and encourage liberty. By embracing AI, we encourage learners to take a look at the digital age with confidence, security and competence.

Briefly, AI is not a science fiction concept; It is a practical tool that can revolutionize language teaching. Let's support it and try to use it because it might be the future of ELT.

CONCLUSIONS AND KEY LEARNINGS

 AI studies in ELT have been taken into account globally, with a focus on improving language learning outcomes. Students of different educational levels have been trying to take advantage from AI tools, including primary, secondary and tertiary education. AI-powered chatbots and voice recognition tools help students practice writing skills, pronunciation and fluency. When it comes to writing, automated feedback systems help them to correct grammar, gaining vocabulary, writing essays or doing some other homework assignment given. Reading based AI algorithms personalize reading materials based on students' proficiency levels. For Pedagogy, Adaptive learning platforms adapt content to individual needs, helping them to improve faster by giving what they really need. AI supports self-assessment and goal setting. Considering the challenges of AI in ELT such as data privacy, it is important to balance personalized learning with student privacy.

It is of utmost importance to take into account ethical considerations: addressing ethical dilemmas related to the use of AI. As educators, the knowledge gained in this module will impact my teaching in some important ways and they are the following: 

1-Personalization: I will use artificial intelligence tools to adapt the content to the individual needs of each of my students.

2-Engagement: Chatbots and interactive AI can make learning catchy and more engagin.

3-Efficiency: Automating certain tasks will help me to have more free time to make personalized interactions with my students.

To wrap up, AI offers a bunch of possibilities to improve language learning. By carefully using AI tools, educators can create more effective, personalized, and engaging learning experiences for their students which of course will make their life easier and funnier.