1. What exactly is Artificial Intelligence?
The term “artificial intelligence” sounds complex, but at its core it’s simple: it refers to computer programs that perform tasks which normally require human thinking. For example: understanding language, writing texts, recognizing images, or learning from examples.
In everyday school life, you’re probably already encountering AI without consciously noticing it: automatic spell checkers, translation programs like DeepL, or Google’s search algorithms. What’s new, however, is that AI programs can now generate entire texts, worksheets, or lesson ideas—in a matter of seconds.
2. Why is AI such a hot topic for schools right now?
The rapid development of so-called “generative AIs”—programs like ChatGPT or Google Gemini—has made headlines in recent years. These systems can formulate answers independently on the basis of huge amounts of data, summarize texts, and even develop creative ideas. That makes them especially interesting for education.
At the same time, schools face major challenges: teacher shortages, heavy workloads, heterogeneous classes. AI can help here—not by replacing teachers, but by taking over routine tasks and opening up new didactic possibilities.
3. Opportunities of AI in education
3.1 Reducing workload in lesson preparation
Lesson preparation is one of the most time-intensive tasks. AI can help create drafts more quickly: it formulates learning objectives, suggests suitable methods, or creates differentiated worksheets. Teachers retain pedagogical responsibility but save time on research and wording.
3.2 Individual support for students
AI can adapt learning materials: a text in plain language, additional practice for high-achieving students, or visual aids for visual learners. Differentiation becomes easier and more efficient to implement.
3.3 Immediate feedback
With AI-powered learning platforms, students receive instant feedback on their answers. This fosters independent learning and relieves teachers of correction work on routine tasks.
3.4 Support in finding materials
Instead of searching for worksheets and sources for hours, an AI can make targeted suggestions—taking into account topics, grade level, and learning objectives.
3.5 Creative impulses
AI can not only repeat what already exists; it can also provide new ideas: role-plays, project proposals, quiz questions, or scenarios. This can enrich lesson design.
4. Risks and challenges
4.1 Quality and reliability
AI is not infallible. Some answers sound convincing but are factually wrong. Teachers must therefore always keep final control and review materials before using them in class.
4.2 Data protection
Data protection is a sensitive issue, especially in schools. Not every AI application may be used freely, particularly when student data are processed. It’s important to use only tools that comply with data-protection requirements.
4.3 Dependence and loss of competence
Another risk is that students (and teachers) may rely too heavily on AI. AI should always be seen as a complement, not a replacement for critical thinking or subject knowledge.
4.4 Unequal access
Not all schools have the same technical infrastructure. If only certain schools or students have access to modern AI, new inequalities can arise.
5. Practical examples: How AI already supports teaching today
Example 1: Automatic worksheets
Imagine you’re teaching “fractions” in grade 6. Instead of spending hours writing tasks, you enter a few keywords into an AI tool. Within seconds you receive differentiated tasks—from simple introductory exercises to more complex application problems. You review briefly, adapt, and you’re done.
Example 2: Text simplification
A historical source text is too complex for your 8th graders? With AI you can convert it into age-appropriate language without losing the core statements.
Example 3: Lesson ideas
Looking for a creative opening question on “climate change”? AI provides suggestions for discussions, role-plays, or experiments in seconds.
Example 4: Personal learning coaching
Students can use AI to ask questions, get summaries, or practice vocabulary in a targeted way. It doesn’t replace a teacher, but it complements instruction.
6. Tips for teachers: Getting started successfully
- Start small: First try simple functions like text generation or task ideas.
- Stay critical: Review results before using them in class.
- Observe data protection: Don’t enter any personally identifiable student data.
- Share experiences: Talk with colleagues about meaningful use cases.
- See AI as a tool: You remain the expert—AI only provides suggestions.
7. Looking ahead: How AI could change school
In the coming years, AI will be increasingly integrated into learning platforms, school software, and digital tools. Conceivable examples include personalized learning paths that automatically adapt to students’ progress, or intelligent tutoring systems that act like an assistant in the classroom.
For teachers, this means: less routine work, more room for pedagogical design. At the same time, it will become more important to teach students how to use AI critically and recognize its limits—a new key competence of the 21st century.
8. Conclusion: AI as an opportunity for teachers
Artificial intelligence is not a threat scenario but a tool. It can speed up lesson preparation, personalize materials, and provide new ideas. What matters is that teachers decide confidently when and how to use AI. AI does not replace the teacher—but it can reduce workload and enrich instruction.
didactAI: Your partner for AI-supported lesson preparation
With didactAI we’ve developed a platform tailored specifically to teachers’ needs. Instead of generic AI tools, you get a solution that supports lesson preparation on a solid didactic basis: from unit planning to lesson plans to worksheets. This saves time—and frees up more energy for your students.