How AI Can Save Teachers Time and Improve Learning

Oct 9, 2025

Discover how AI tools like ChatGPT can help teachers save time, support differentiated learning, and enhance student outcomes.

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into education is rapidly changing the way teachers teach and students learn. While the initial fear of losing creativity or critical thinking looms over many educators, this transformative technology is proving to be a game-changer in offering solutions for more personalized and effective teaching methods. In a recent discussion led by education experts, the incredible benefits, challenges, and future potential of AI in the classroom were explored in depth. Here’s a comprehensive look at how AI can empower teachers, engage students, and reshape the future of education.

The Power of AI to Save Teachers Time

Teachers often shoulder a heavy workload, spending hours outside of the classroom on lesson planning, grading, and differentiation to ensure every student succeeds. AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini are stepping in as invaluable "thinking partners" that help reduce this strain. As Natasha Rankin, an experienced educator and instructional technology expert, explained, AI tools can streamline tasks such as:

Lesson planning: AI can generate tailored lessons for diverse learners in moments. For example, if a teacher inputs a skill like identifying central ideas in reading, AI can design a full lesson plan aligned with academic standards.
Differentiation: Students in any classroom can vary widely in their learning levels, and designing activities for everyone is a daunting task. AI tools can adjust content to different reading or grade levels instantly. For instance, some tools allow teachers to simplify complex texts for struggling readers or create advanced activities for high-level learners.
Reducing teacher burnout: By automating routine tasks like creating warm-ups, quizzes, or summaries, AI lets teachers focus on what truly matters - teaching and connecting with their students.

Rankin emphasized, "AI is not here to take away our creativity but to support it. It’s a tool to help us bring our ideas to life and focus on the needs of our students."

AI as a Partner in Differentiation and Inclusivity

One of the most remarkable benefits of AI lies in its ability to create differentiated learning experiences. In classrooms where students range from those struggling with kindergarten-level skills to those performing well above grade level, AI can bridge the gap. Tools like ChatGPT can craft small-group activities, simplify complex word problems, and even create anchor charts with key concepts.

For instance, in a second-grade math class with word problems, some students may struggle to identify whether to add or subtract - a skill dependent on recognizing key phrases like "in all" or "how many fewer." AI can quickly generate differentiated exercises, such as:

Keyword charts that highlight common phrases associated with addition or subtraction.
Simplified problems for struggling readers, ensuring they can focus on the math rather than decoding the language.
Higher-order questions for advanced learners that extend their thinking.

The ability to adjust materials in real-time ensures all students stay engaged, learn effectively, and feel included.

Addressing Concerns: Cheating and Critical Thinking

A recurring concern among educators is whether AI could diminish students' critical thinking skills or encourage cheating. Rankin acknowledged these fears, sharing real-life examples where students used AI to complete assignments without fully understanding the material. However, she argued that instead of resisting AI, teachers should embrace it as an opportunity to teach discernment and ethics.

Strategies to Combat Cheating and Promote Critical Thinking

Teach when and how to use AI: Educators can guide students on appropriate uses of AI, such as using it for research or brainstorming ideas, while discouraging misuse for completing entire assignments.
Critique AI-generated work: Instead of banning AI, some educators ask students to generate essays or responses using tools like ChatGPT and then critique them. This encourages students to analyze the quality of the response, identify gaps, and compare it to their own understanding.
Encourage interpretation: For literature classes, students can use AI to interview characters from a book, like Macbeth, and then evaluate how accurately the AI portrays the character based on evidence from the text.

This approach ensures students engage in deeper thinking while learning to navigate AI ethically and responsibly.

Exploring AI Beyond Lesson Planning

While lesson planning and differentiation are foundational uses of AI, its potential extends even further. Rankin shared exciting developments in podcasting tools, where educators can turn class materials into audio formats for students who struggle with reading. This is particularly impactful for students with learning disabilities or English Language Learners, as they can access lessons in a more accessible format.

Other AI applications in the classroom include:

Grading and assessment analysis: AI can analyze test results and flag areas where students are struggling. Teachers can then take action by pulling small groups for targeted intervention.
Creative projects: Students can use AI to design presentations, create artwork, or even program robots, fostering creativity alongside technical skills.
Data-driven instruction: AI tools provide teachers with insights into student performance trends, enabling more informed decision-making.

Overcoming Equity Gaps in Access to AI

Although AI offers exciting opportunities, it also raises concerns about access and equity. Students in rural areas or low-income households may lack reliable internet access or devices, preventing them from benefiting equally. Rankin pointed out that even some teachers struggle with limited resources, recalling a colleague who taught from a phone during the COVID-19 pandemic due to a lack of Wi-Fi at home.

To address these gaps, schools and policymakers must prioritize providing infrastructure, such as affordable internet access and devices, so all students and teachers can benefit from AI's potential.

The Future of AI in Education

As AI technology continues to evolve, its role in education will only grow. In the next five years, we can expect:

AI-focused classes: Schools may introduce courses teaching students how to use AI tools effectively and ethically.
Greater personalization: AI will enable even more tailored learning experiences, ensuring every student can succeed.
Enhanced teacher support: AI will likely handle more administrative tasks, freeing teachers to focus on instruction and student relationships.

Rankin summed it up perfectly: "Whether we like it or not, AI is here to stay. It’s better to embrace and guide its use rather than fear it."

Key Takeaways

AI saves time: Tools like ChatGPT help teachers plan lessons, differentiate instruction, and reduce burnout.
Critical thinking matters: Educators can adapt assignments to encourage students to critique and engage with AI-generated content.
Inclusivity through differentiation: AI enables tailored learning experiences for diverse classrooms, ensuring all students can participate effectively.
Teaching ethics: Introducing students to AI must include lessons on ethical and responsible use.
Equity challenges: Access to technology is not uniform, and efforts are needed to close the digital divide.
Future possibilities: AI courses and data-driven instruction will likely become staples in schools over the next few years.

Final Thoughts

AI is not an end-all-be-all solution, but a powerful tool that, when used thoughtfully, can revolutionize education. By embracing AI while maintaining a focus on ethics, critical thinking, and inclusivity, teachers can ensure their classrooms remain spaces of growth and discovery. The future of education is indeed exciting - and with AI on our side, it’s full of possibilities to help both teachers and students thrive.

Source: "S4 E14: The Benefits of AI in the Classroom #FutureOfTeaching #TeachingWithAI" - Ronnette Branham & Educators With Oil Podcast, YouTube, Sep 24, 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-XF_DSo9IU