Teachers Explore AI Chatbots and Digital Tools in Education

The teachers, Petra Kanešić and Ivana Canjuga, represented the VI Elementary School in Varaždin at the Erasmus+ program in Lisbon. They joined 17 educators from various European countries to explore the possibilities of applying digital tools and artificial intelligence in teaching. During the five-day program, they learned about the ways AI can support teaching and learning, and how to use AI assistants effectively. They also discussed the importance of designing high-quality questions for chatbots and providing clear instructions and context to get useful answers.

The teachers discovered specific tools that can help with lesson preparation, such as Google Gemini, MagicSchool.ai, and ElevenLabs. They learned how to design interactive educational games and use platforms to support lesson planning and presentation creation. They also explored tools for working with sound and voice, which can engage students more actively in learning.

The teachers emphasized that AI chatbots and tools are meant to assist, not replace, teachers. They can suggest ideas, facilitate material preparation, or offer new ways to present content, but teachers still choose what aligns with their teaching goals and verify information. The teachers also highlighted the importance of encouraging students to critically evaluate the answers they receive and develop a responsible attitude towards technology.