A grounded look at AI applications in education
This discussion builds on Diane’s article, “How Teachers Can Adopt AI the Right Way”, which explores practical, teacher-led approaches to AI in education. Her focus is on what genuinely works, not what is most talked about.
Diane highlights several key areas:
- Why AI should support, not replace, teacher thinking
- How teachers can use AI in the classroom to save time and boost creativity
- The ethical questions schools should consider before adoption
- Why professional judgement is still essential
Her approach captures what AI applications in education should really be about: helping teachers spend more time teaching, inspiring, and connecting with students.
Practical examples of how teachers are using AI
Across schools, we are seeing a growing number of practical AI applications for teachers. Here are a few ways educators are already putting AI to work in classrooms:
1. Lesson planning and resource creation
AI tools can help teachers design lessons, generate worksheets, and adapt materials for different ability levels. These AI applications in education save hours of preparation time while allowing teachers to tailor content to individual needs.
2. Marking and feedback
Teachers are using AI to speed up grading and spot learning gaps. AI systems can suggest initial comments, leaving teachers to refine and personalise the feedback. This shows how teachers are using AI to make assessment more consistent and efficient.
3. Adaptive learning platforms
These tools adjust content in real time based on student progress, giving teachers valuable insights into how students are learning. It’s one of the most effective examples of AI in the classroom supporting personalised learning.
4. Administrative support
AI can handle time-consuming tasks such as generating reports or analysing attendance data. This is a simple but powerful AI application in education that helps teachers reclaim valuable time for teaching.
5. Supporting inclusion and wellbeing
Some AI tools track engagement or flag potential learning barriers, helping teachers identify students who may need extra support. Used responsibly, these AI applications for teachers can make classrooms more inclusive.
Keeping teachers central to AI in the classroom
While technology offers huge potential, Diane’s message is clear: teachers must remain in control. Professional judgement, empathy, and critical thinking are what make teaching effective. AI should enhance those strengths, not replace them.
She encourages educators to ask important questions: Who created this tool? How does it handle data? How transparent are its decisions? When teachers lead these conversations, AI in the classroom becomes a tool for empowerment rather than automation.
Access Education: Supporting safe and confident use of AI applications in education
At Access Education, we’re proud to support educators like Diane who are leading the way in AI adoption. Our own article, “AI in the Classroom: 5 Ways Schools Are Embracing Artificial Intelligence”, explores how schools across the UK are adopting AI to save time and enhance learning.
We believe AI applications in education work best when teachers are confident, informed, and supported. That is why we have created our AI in Education Hub which brings together resources, insights, and examples to help schools move forward safely and effectively.
Start exploring AI in your school
Whether you are just beginning to explore how teachers are using AI or already experimenting with new tools, there are plenty of ways to get started:
- Visit our AI in Education Hub
- Read Diane’s full article on TeachingTimes
- Discover 5 Ways Schools Are Embracing AI
With the right approach, AI applications in education can help teachers personalise learning, reduce workload, and create more engaging lessons. By asking how teachers can use AI in the classroom thoughtfully and keeping professional judgement at the centre, schools can make technology work for both teachers and students.

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