A to Z of lesson planning using ChatGPT

Prompt Engineering is an extremely important part of integrating generative AI into the design of the curriculum and lesson planning. Following my previous post on "The Alphabet of Prompt Engineering in Curriculum Design (https://lnkd.in/ejCzVEDv), I have now completed the A of Prompt Engineering in Lesson Planning.

 

A-Z of Prompt Engineering for lesson planning

Prompt engineering plays a fundamental role in the era of generative AI, especially in educational settings. It's similar to a personal assistant skilfully shaping and moulding raw material (here, the raw material is the AI's vast repository of information, knowledge and capabilities). For educators, prompt engineering is more than just a tool—it's a transformative tool to elevate and enhance their teaching methods.

Effective time management is a significant advantage of this approach. Educators often struggle to balance their workload (lesson planning, marking, student engagement, etc.). Generative AI, when guided by well-crafted prompts, can efficiently handle tasks like creating lesson materials, generating examples, or even providing personalised feedback. This saves time and allows educators to concentrate on the more human-centric aspects of teaching that require a human touch, such as fostering critical thinking and emotional intelligence in their students.

Moreover, prompt engineering in generative AI relieves the workload. Instead of spending hours creating presentations, researching materials, or drafting multiple versions of a lesson plan, educators can delegate these tasks to AI. This delegation isn't just about getting the job done; it's about getting it done with a level of customisation and precision that matches well with the session’s learning objectives.

Having AI as an assistant in education is not about replacing the human element; it's about augmenting it[1]. With AI handling the more routine or data-intensive aspects of teaching, educators can elevate their lessons to higher levels. They can delve deeper into subjects, create more interactive and engaging learning experiences, and even personalise learning paths for students based on their unique needs and learning styles.

The transformative aspect of AI in education lies in its ability to present concepts in diverse and innovative ways. For example, an AI tool can generate visual aids, simulate historical events, or create interactive scenarios that bring abstract concepts to life and make them tangible. This approach improves understanding and makes learning a more engaging and enjoyable experience for students.

Generative AI's role in education is not just to provide information but to enhance the learning experience, offering educators a dynamic, versatile tool that adapts to their teaching styles and the diverse needs of their students.

 

Prompt Engineering Alphabet for Lesson Planning
Item	Description	Prompt Example
Assessment Creation	This involves using AI to design quizzes, tests, or other forms of assessment that accurately gauge student understanding.	Example 1: Design a quiz to assess understanding of the basic (Concept you intend to teach) suitable for students of (the level/year of the students). Example 2: Create an evaluation form for a presentation on environmental issues.
Brainstorming Topics	Use AI to create creative and engaging topics for lessons, projects, or discussions.	Example 1: Suggest five engaging project ideas for the (Concept you intend to teach) suitable for students of (the level/year of the students). Example 2: List potential debate topics suitable for students (the level/year of the students) covering current global issues.
Curriculum Development	Here, AI helps create comprehensive curriculum plans, ensuring all necessary topics are covered in an organised manner.	Example 1: Outline a year-long curriculum for (the module/programme you are developing) suitable for students (the level/year of the students). Example 2: Develop a six-week mini-course curriculum on digital marketing suitable for students (the level/year of the students).
Diagram Illustration	AI can be employed to create visual aids like diagrams and charts that help explain complex concepts.	Example 1: Create a detailed diagram showing the parts of a cell suitable for students (the level/year of the students). Example 2: Generate an infographic explaining the different types of governments for a civics class.
Example Generation	AI can provide relevant examples to illustrate a point or concept in various subjects.	Example 1: Provide examples to illustrate supply and demand in economics. Example 2: Generate real-world scenarios to demonstrate ethical dilemmas in healthcare.
Feedback Creation	AI can assist in generating personalised feedback on student assignments or tests tailored to their individual performance.	Example 1: Create personalised feedback comments for students' essays (specific essay titles related to the topic). Example 2: Develop feedback templates for lab reports in the (topic you intend to teach).
Game & Activity Design	AI can help design educational games and activities that are fun and informative.	Example 1: Create a team-building activity for a leadership workshop. Example 2: Create a game that is suitable for students of (the level/year of the students) to learn and practice the (topic you intend to teach).
Hands-on Experiment Design	This involves using AI to design practical, hands-on experiments or activities that enhance learning through direct experience and interaction.	Example 1: Plan a simple physics experiment to demonstrate the (topic you intend to teach). Example 2: Create a detailed plan for a hands-on experiment to demonstrate the (topic you intend to teach), including safety guidelines and required materials suitable for students of (the level/year of the students).
Interactive Content Creation	This involves creating interactive lessons or digital content that actively engages students.	Example 1: Create an interactive timeline of the (topic you intend to teach). Example 2: Create an interactive quiz on the (topic you intend to teach) suitable for students of (the level/year of the students).
Journal Prompt Ideas	AI can suggest creative writing prompts for student journals or reflective writing assignments.	Example 1: Suggest journal prompts for reflecting on personal goals. Example 2: Suggest five journal prompts to encourage self-reflection suitable for students of (the level/year of the students) about their future goals.
Knowledge Check Questions	AI can formulate quick questions to check students' understanding of a lesson or concept.	Example 1: Create five knowledge check questions for a lesson on the basics of the (topic you intend to teach). Example 2: Generate quick quiz questions to test understanding of the (topic you intend to teach).
Lesson Planning	AI assists in designing detailed lesson plans that cover objectives, materials, activities, and assessments.	Example 1: Design a lesson plan for a 45-minute class on the (topic you intend to teach) suitable for students of (the level/year of the students). Example 2: Outline a lesson plan for teaching basic programming concepts in Python suitable for students of (the level/year of the students).
Material Compilation	AI can help gather and compile teaching materials such as reading texts, worksheets, or multimedia resources.	Example 1: Compile a list of resources and reading materials for a unit on the (topic you intend to teach) for students of (the level/year of the students). Example 2: Gather engaging multimedia resources to supplement a lesson on the (topic you intend to teach) suitable for students of (the level/year of the students).
Narrative Development	This involves creating engaging stories or scenarios to make lessons more captivating.	Example 1: Develop a narrative about a journey through the (topic you intend to teach) suitable for students of (the level/year of the students). Example 2: Create a historical fiction scenario to help students understand the (Topic you intend to teach).
Online Resource Compilation	AI can assist in integrating online resources and digital tools into the curriculum.	Example 1: Identify online simulations for the (topic you intend to teach) suitable for students of (the level/year of the students). Example 2: Suggest websites and online platforms for interactive learning suitable for students (the level/year of the students).
Project-Based Learning Ideas	Generate ideas for project-based learning activities that encourage hands-on experience and in-depth exploration.	Example 1: Propose a project idea for high school students to study the (topic you intend to teach). Example 2: Design a group project suitable for students of (the level/year of the students) to create a business plan for a small startup.
Question Formulation for Discussion	AI helps craft thought-provoking questions to stimulate class discussions or debates.	Example 1: List five open-ended questions to spark a discussion on climate change suitable for students (the level/year of the students). Example 2: Create engaging questions for a debate on the ethics of artificial intelligence suitable for students of (the level/year of the students).
Research Paper Topics	AI can suggest unique and interesting research paper topics for students at various educational levels.	Example 1: Provide five research topic ideas related to the (topic you intend to teach) suitable for students of (the level/year of the students). Example 2: Suggest a research paper suitable for students of (the level/year of the students) focusing on the (topic you intend to teach).
Study Guide Creation	AI can assist in creating comprehensive study guides that summarise key concepts and information.	Example 1: Create a study guide that covers the major themes of the (topic you intend to teach) suitable for students of (the level/year of the students). Example 2: "Develop a guide summarising the main principles of the (topic you intend to teach) suitable for students of (the level/year of the students).
Technology Integration	This involves using AI to develop strategies and methods for integrating technology effectively into the curriculum, enhancing learning experiences.	Example 1: Develop a lesson plan for the (topic you intend to teach) that incorporates virtual reality technology suitable for students of (the level/year of the students). Example 2: Create a guide for university educators on integrating interactive digital tools into a remote learning environment for an engaging online education experience.
Understanding Complex Concepts	AI can break down complex concepts into simpler, more understandable components.	Example 1: Explain the concept of the (topic you intend to teach)  in simple terms for students of (the level/year of the students). Example 2: Describe the theory of relativity in an accessible way for students of (the level/year of the students).
Visual Aid Creation	AI can be used to create visual aids like charts, graphs, and illustrations to enhance learning.	Example 1: Generate an infographic explaining the (topic you intend to teach) suitable for students of (the level/year of the students). Example 2: Create a series of charts to illustrate different types of government systems for a social studies class.
World Real Examples	Incorporating real-world examples and case studies to make lessons more relevant and engaging.	Example 1: Provide examples of successful entrepreneurial ventures in the tech industry for a business studies class. Example 2: Discuss the impact of climate change on different ecosystems around the world suitable for students of (the level/year of the students).
eXploratory Learning	AI can suggest exploratory and inquiry-based learning activities that encourage critical thinking.	Example 1: Design an exploratory activity for students (the level/year of the students) to investigate the (topic you intend to teach). Example 2: Suggest an inquiry-based project on the topic of renewable energy sources for students (the level/year of the students).
Year Review and Recap	AI can help create comprehensive reviews of the year's curriculum, aiding in revision and recapitulation.	Example 1: Develop an end-of-year review packet covering key concepts of the (topic you intend to teach) suitable for students of (the level/year of the students). Example 2: Create a recap quiz for an end-of-year session in a mathematics class.
Zooming In	This concept entails using AI to 'zoom in' on specific details or aspects of a broader topic, offering a more focused and in-depth understanding.	Example 1: Zoom in on the impact of microplastics on marine life in the Pacific Ocean suitable for students of (the level/year of the students). Example 2: Focus in detail on the architectural innovations of the Roman Empire and their influence on modern architecture for a university-level art history class.

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[1] See A element in the SAMR model (S-Substitution, A-Augmentation, M-Modification, and R-Redefinition)

Image source: AI Can Now Write Your Lesson Plans - by David Weller (barefootteflteacher.com)

hashtag#ai hashtag#chatgpt hashtag#chatbots hashtag#lessonplanning hashtag#curriculumdevelopment hashtag#promptengineering

The Alphabet of Prompt Engineering in Education

 Happy New Year Everyone!

Here is my New Year's Gift for you:

Prompt Engineering is one of the most important tasks in employing AI in your curriculum design.

I have listed some areas we must consider to design proper questions based on the pedagogic purpose. 

Prompt Engineering Alphabet in Education
Assessment	Design prompts that assess students' understanding and application of course material.
Bloom’s Taxonomy	Utilise this framework to create prompts that target different cognitive levels: knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
Critical Thinking	Craft prompts that encourage students to think critically and analytically.
Discussion	Use prompts to stimulate discussion and debate in classroom settings.
Engagement	Develop prompts that actively engage students with the material.
Feedback	Create prompts that facilitate meaningful feedback from both educators and peers.
Grading	Align prompts with grading rubrics to ensure clear and fair evaluation criteria.
Higher-Order Thinking	Encourage higher-order thinking through complex and challenging prompts.
Inclusivity	Ensure prompts are inclusive and considerate of diverse student backgrounds.
Journaling	Incorporate journaling prompts to encourage reflection and personal connection to the material.
Knowledge Acquisition	Use prompts to gauge and facilitate knowledge acquisition.
Learning Outcomes	Align prompts with specific learning outcomes for the course.
Motivation	Design prompts that motivate students to engage deeply with the content.
Novelty	Introduce novel and unique prompts to maintain student interest.
Open-Ended Questions	Use open-ended questions to allow for a range of responses.
Problem-Solving	Develop prompts that require students to apply problem-solving skills.
Questioning Techniques	Employ various questioning techniques to cover a range of topics and skills.
Research	Include prompts that encourage students to conduct independent research.
Skills Development	Focus on prompts that aid in developing specific academic and professional skills.
Technology Integration	Utilise technology to enhance and deliver prompts effectively.
Understanding	Ensure prompts are clear and understandable to all students.
Variety	Offer a variety of prompts to cater to different learning styles and interests.
Work-Related Topics	Incorporate prompts that improve students' writing and communication skills.
eXperimentation	Encourage experimentation with different types of prompts to find what works best.
Yield	Evaluate the effectiveness of prompts in yielding the desired learning outcomes.
Zeal	Instil zeal and enthusiasm in students through engaging and thought-provoking prompts.

Image Source: Why Robotics And Artificial Intelligence Are The Future Of Mankind (forbes.com)

SDGs and Authentic Curriculum in Higher Education

Sustainable Development Goals

 UN SDGs (Agenda 2030): Seven years left! Following Sustainable development goals was established after a successful and most-needed global collaboration to eradicate poverty, protect children, women, and vulnerable people, societies, and, more importantly, protect our planet. The SDGs, or Sustainable Development Goals, were established by the United Nations in 2015 

HE sector in general and higher education institutes in particular have a great responsibility in disseminating these ambitious goals. HEIs, by embedding them into the university curriculum, provide opportunities for students to become ambassadors of sustainable development across the globe.

Three-Step Model for Embedding the Goals into the Curriculum

I have created a model to embed the goals into the university curriculum in three simple and straightforward steps. 

Step One:

Considering the module/program of study learning objectives/outcomes

Step Two: 

On a light touch, go over those 17 goals and pick the most relevant goals to the module/program learning objectives. Depending on the subject discipline, educators might come up with a handful number of goals. Thus, they could reduce 17 SDGs into a handful number of relevant goals to their module/program, which in turn reduces 169 targets to a maximum of 30-40. Not all of these indicators are relevant to the module/program learning objectives, which again reduces the number. 

Step Three: 

Now, educators need to consider Social, Economic, and Environmental dimensions to design appropriate activities/classroom tasks for their students. 

This three-step model allows educators to create opportunities to promote soft skills alongside the subject knowledge. This provides opportunities for students to develop those skills and competencies they need to be able to tackle, engage and solve real-world complex problems. 

Authentic Curriculum and SDGs

Integrating the SDGs into the University curriculum makes the curriculum authentic for the following clear reasons:

1- Links the curriculum to the real-life

The SDGs, by nature, are related to those issues and problems that countries across the globe are struggling with. No single country can resolve them on their own, and it needs a collective and collaborative approach. 

2- Cognitively challenges the students:

By engaging students with tasks related to socio-economics and environmental activities, educators could cognitively challenge their students and push them out of their comfort zones.

3- Evaluative judgement and making feedback central:

Educators, by designing rubrics and appropriate instructions, could provide opportunities for students to evaluate the quality of their own work and also assess the quality of their peers. This approach makes feedback central and sustainable in students' learning journey. 

Two Waves and the Fifth Industrial Revolution

Two Waves and the Fifth Industrial Revolution

This morning I spoke about the future of higher education and new paradigms in the era of generative AI and the 5th industrial revolution today at the University of Sunderland in London Teaching & Learning Symposium 2023.

Soon I will share the slides.

#WeAreSunLon #UoSiL #TeachingandLearningSymposium2023

Slides are available here.

AI and HE Assessment - (Part 3) Continuous Assessment

Continuous Assessment

Following the previous two posts, the advent of Chatbots and their impact on traditional high-stake written submissions in higher education assessment left HEIs with no choice but to refresh and revisit assessments across university curricula. The sector has been reluctant and even lethargic to modernise the evaluation system appropriately in response to the wants and needs of the 21st century. ChatGPT in November 2022 delivered a wake-up shock to the plodding evaluation system in higher education to think about more exciting and meaningful methods of assessments. 

Assessment Distribution

In the previous post, I highlighted the importance of putting more emphasis on Formative assessments in the design and administration of assessment in higher education. In this post, I draw your attention to the distribution of assessment tasks as a combination of low, medium and high-stake assessment points. 

Distributed Assessment greatly elevates the quality of students' learning and reduces their anxiety and stress. It promotes students' evaluative judgement skills, bringing more elements of authenticity in the design and implementation of assessment as a part of the student learning journey. 

To be continued.

Are we ready?

 Are we ready? Artificial intelligence from scientific and research labs has stepped into everyday life since the early 1970s. Seymour Pappert's AI and Media lab at MIT was an excellent example of early research on AI. Artificial Intelligence has rapid and imperceptible growth in industry and business, and we have been using AI innovations in various applications of digital devices. Ironically, sometimes we are unaware that we use an AI product.  Until November this year, the sudden presence of ChatGPT and Chatbots in education was a shock for HE's traditional long-run approaches to assessment.  The sector has no option to revisit and refresh assessment and evaluation methods.  HE sector, businesses, developers and expert communities will also need to consider if we allow the machine to be unlimited to continue learning. It is not so far from the line we are progressing on that the machine will take control. 

Are we ready for this? 

Do we really want this to happen?

                                                                                   Image source: The Age of AI has begun | Bill Gates (gatesnotes.com)