Today, I want to chat about something that's creeping into my IB Business classroom: artificial intelligence. Now, I know what you're thinking - "Not another AI post!" But hear me out. This isn't about our students using AI (that's a whole other blog post for another day). This is about how I, as a teacher, have been experimenting with AI to make the classroom experience even better.
How I'm Actually Using AI in My Teaching
One of my favorite AI tricks is creating practice problems. It's been a lifesaver for extra practice in the middle of class or from one day to the next when I don’t have time to think out a thorough example and case study.
For example, the other day, I needed a worksheet on investment appraisal calculations. I just told the AI I wanted three types of problems - payback, average rate of return, and net present value - and boom! Within minutes the worksheet was ready to go. It doesn’t always get it right, though.
Many times, AI has generated problems that didn’t work for the IB Business syllabus or were way too difficult for my students. It’s about giving it enough information and the right parameters to produce what we want and need. I also play around with different platforms to see which one gives me the best results. My two favorites right now are ChatGPT and Claude.
Making Model Answers
I really enjoy making model answers for my students and having them mark them based on the markscheme or rubric. If they think I have made it they will generally give it the highest mark. Or if they are marking their classmates’ work, they are nervous to be honest. But, when they found out AI has written it, they become critical and love picking it apart. It saves me time and the students seem to enjoy it even more.
Navigating Tricky Conversations
Another way I’m using it is for those delicate interactions that I am not quite sure how to handle. Let's face it, sometimes we need to have difficult conversations with parents or students. I've found AI super helpful in drafting emails about sensitive issues or prepping for those complicated meetings. It helps me find the right words when I'm worried about what to say and how the other person will receive it. I feel so much calmer and more prepared when I have these conversations or writing tips from AI.
How Other Teachers Are Using It
There are so many other uses for AI and I’m only just getting started. But so many other teachers are jumping in head-first and are using it in so many amazing ways. I've got colleagues using it for all sorts of things like:
Planning their classes
Filling out lesson planning sheets
Writing report comments
What My Students Think About All This
Here's where it gets interesting. I had a chat with my students about AI, and their takes surprised me. They're not fans of the idea of AI marking their work or writing their report comments. What really struck me was how they struggled to come up with ways they thought teachers should use AI. They were cool with us using it for planning and creating activities, but anything more felt impersonal to them. It's got me thinking about where we draw the line.
Finding the Sweet Spot with AI
As I continue to explore AI in my IB Business classroom, I'm realizing it's all about balance. Using AI for things like creating practice materials or planning lessons? Awesome - it frees up time for what really matters: connecting with my students.
But we've got to be smart about it. AI is a tool, not a replacement for good teaching. It's about enhancing what we do, not taking over.
I'm still figuring it all out, and I bet you are too. So, I'm curious - have you tried using AI in your classroom? Any cool tricks or epic fails? Comment below and let me know what platforms you use and how it is helping you save time in your classroom.
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