Teacher’s Brain

The Robo-Grader in the Classroom: How AI Is Changing Teaching

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is making its way into the classroom in the form of automated grading and feedback systems. These “robo-graders” use natural language processing to analyze student work, check for plagiarism, and provide personalized feedback. Though not without controversy, the rise of AI in education has the potential to transform teaching in profound ways.

Monitoring Student Progress With 24/7 Vigilance

AI systems like software platform WriteLab perform rapid analysis of student essays, providing feedback on grammar, structure, coherence, and other writing dimensions. Advanced algorithms can identify complex semantic relationships within texts, allowing for more meaningful feedback than traditional computerized grading systems focused solely on surface features.

Unlike human graders prone to fatigue or bias, AI can deliver instant, detailed, and unerringly consistent evaluations of student work around the clock. This not only helps teachers monitor student progress; it also enables students to receive rapid feedback critical for improvement according to their zone of proximal development without overburdening the teacher. Teachers can also leverage the AI checker for teachers, allowing them to determine whether an assignment is composed by an AI or a human.

Accelerating High-Quality Feedback to Students

Instructing a class of thirty students—not to mention 100 or more—makes delivering timely, individualized feedback incredibly taxing for teachers. Yet research shows prompt and personalized feedback is one of the most significant drivers of student learning.

AI EdTech tools leverage automated workflows to critique student work and serve up targeted recommendations at scale. Students get the type of high-quality, prompt feedback essential for growth without teachers killing themselves to grade hundreds of papers and provide comments. This frees up time for instructors to focus on higher-order instructional tasks AI currently cannot match, like engaging students in deeper conversations around what they have learned.

Enriching Evaluation With Data and Analytics

Unlike humans, AI grading platforms can capture incredible amounts of data from student work that offers insights into learning effectiveness. EdTech startups are beginning to integrate analytical modules that help teachers make data-driven decisions about instruction.

Writing analysis tools can aggregate information on student writing issues across an entire class, pinpointing problem areas for targeted lessons. These could include addressing tone and style deficiencies or misunderstandings related to thesis statements across a cohort.

Datasets could also reveal surprises, like more students struggling with supporting claims than teachers anticipated. Access to such analytics empowers teachers to take remedial actions tailored specifically to learner needs.

Questions About Accuracy and Fairness

The use of automated grading technologies raises vital questions. Chief among these are concerns about the accuracy, fairness, and transparency of AI scoring algorithms. Critics point out that most automated essay-scoring programs in use by EdTech companies were developed primarily using by

by white, native English speakers. Such a homogeneous dataset risks encoding cultural, racial, linguistic, and other biases within algorithms, potentially leading to score variations along demographic lines.

Ensuring AI scoring tools undergo rigorous validation using representative datasets is critical. AI should enhance human grading, not replace the nuanced judgments of experienced teachers. Students also have a right to understand how automated systems evaluate their work. Clear explanations of assessment approaches are key to user acceptance and trust.

Striking the right balance between automated efficiency and human judgment remains an open research question when incorporating AI in the classroom.

Preparing Students for an Algorithmic World

As much as AI promises to augment teaching capacities, perhaps its most profound impact will be in reshaping student learning for life in datified societies. Understanding how algorithms parse language, create knowledge, and potentially perpetuate biases is an increasingly vital capability. Students adept at navigating automated systems and critically questioning underlying models will have a distinct advantage in the 21st-century job market.

Forward-looking programs like the University of Helsinki’s “Elements of AI” course directly tackle this new imperative. By teaching learners of all ages the core principles behind machine intelligence, such offerings help demystify AI through first-hand experience. Students grasp concepts like data bias and can apply such knowledge when encountering algorithmic systems in the real world.

Knowing how automated technologies work empowers the next generation of workers, thinkers, and engaged citizens by revealing AI’s powers and limitations.

The Robo-Revolution Is Coming

AI technologies are steadily making advances into the classroom. Automated student evaluation and analysis capabilities have the potential to radically transform teaching practices for the better—if implemented conscientiously.

Along with boosting educators’ capabilities and enriching learning data, AI introduces new ethical complexities around accuracy, fairness, and transparency educators must grapple with. One thing is for sure: teaching students fluency in the age of intelligent machines is a vital new literacy. The robo-revolution in education has only just begun.


5 Engaging Activities To Celebrate Valentine’s Day In Your Elementary Classroom

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, now is a great time to sprinkle some love and joy in the classroom. 

Wondering what your little cupids can do to celebrate the holiday? Or maybe you’re looking for ways to make the day extra special for your kiddos? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! If you’re looking for Valentine’s Day activities for students or Valentine’s Day for the classroom, you’re in the right place. 

Valentine's Day activities

What do students do on Valentine’s Day?

There are lots of things you can do to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your little learners. You can spread the love with some cards, create some crafts made with love, share sweet treats with your students, celebrate Friendship, and even share some heartfelt stories. 

How do you make Valentine’s Day fun for kids? Here’s some ideas to get you started!

Themed Dress-Up Day

Add an extra layer of excitement by having a themed dress-up day. Encourage students to wear red, pink, and white, or even dress up as their favorite storybook characters.

Dance Party Extravaganza

Crank up the tunes and let the kiddos boogie down with a dance party. Create a playlist of fun, upbeat songs, and watch as the classroom transforms into a dance floor filled with laughter and joy.

Love Scavenger Hunt

Turn the classroom into a treasure trove of love with a scavenger hunt. Create clues that lead students to various hidden treasures, like small treats or festive decorations. It’s a playful way to keep them engaged and excited.

Heartfelt Games and Activities

Plan a variety of themed games and activities. From “Pin the Arrow on Cupid” to a heart-shaped bean bag toss, there are countless options to keep the kiddos entertained and smiling.

Classroom Decor Galore

Transform your classroom into a love-filled haven with simple decorations. Think heart garlands, cupid cutouts, and splashes of red and pink. A festive atmosphere can do wonders in making the day extra special.

So, there you have it, my fellow teachers! With a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of love, you can make Valentine’s Day a memorable celebration for your elementary students. Here’s to a day filled with joy, laughter, and heartwarming moments in your lovely classroom!

Valentine’s Day Activities and Crafts

Valentine's Day craft for kids

Are you looking for some Valentine’s Day-themed Math and Language Arts printables to help your students to be engaged while learning? I have you covered with these worksheets and engaging activities for K-2 students. Students can sort conversational hearts, graph them, write about friendship, write poems, solve heart themed math problems, make a heart bee, and so much more!

Valentine’s Day Escape Room

Valentine's Day escape room

Looking for an ENGAGING Valentine’s Day activity for your students to help them review sentence structure, counting, and problem-solving? Digital Escapes™ are a fun way to get students to learn without even realizing it. NO Printing and No Prep needed for this digital escape! Super EASY for in-person or Distance Learning.

Digital Valentine’s Day Cards

digital Valentine's Day activity

WOW! You don’t have to miss out on the fun tradition of exchanging Valentine’s Cards this year! These digital Google Slides make it easy for your students to personalize and move editable conversational hearts to give virtually or in person! There is even a name grid provided so students can keep track of who got one and how to spell classmate’s names!

Valentine’s Day Hat and Writing Craft

Looking for a print-and-go activity for your class? Use this Valentine’s Day Heart Hat to engage your students in the celebration of the holiday tradition of the holiday. Writing Prompts on primary and intermediate lined paper are included.

Valentine’s I Spy Activity 

valentine"s day activity for kids

Want to make sure your students are engaged with writing in February? Check out these hidden Valentine-themed word searches! Students use a magnifying glass to find hidden (small) words on the printable. Then they use the words in their writing. 

Looking for more Valentine’s fun? Check out my post here! 

10 Inspiring New Year’s Resolution Ideasand Activities for Students


Hey friend! Can you believe it’s that time again – the transition from one year to the next? Have you been thinking about New Year resolution ideas? I know I have! I’ve been thinking a lot about how we can make the upcoming year special for our kiddos. You know, sprinkle in a little magic and set the stage for growth. 

new year's resolution ideas for kids

So, I thought, why not get our students excited about some New Year’s resolutions? If you’ve been looking for the perfect New Year activities for kids or New Year activities for students, you’re in the right place. Let’s help them stride into the New Year with purpose and a sprinkle of fun.

What is the best New Year’s resolution for kids? Here are some ideas to get you started! 

Read More Books

Encourage a love for reading by setting a goal for the number of books to read in the upcoming year. Create a reading log or a fun book tracker where students can mark off each book they complete.

Practice Kindness

Foster a caring and supportive classroom environment by encouraging students to set resolutions focused on kindness. Whether it’s helping a classmate, being a good listener, or performing random acts of kindness, these resolutions contribute to a positive classroom culture.

Healthy Habits

Teach the importance of physical well-being by setting resolutions related to health. This could include goals like eating more fruits and vegetables, drinking more water, or engaging in regular physical activity.

Organize Schoolwork

Help students develop valuable organizational skills by setting resolutions related to their school materials. Whether it’s keeping a tidy desk, organizing their backpack, or turning in assignments on time, these resolutions promote responsibility.

Learn Something New

Encourage a love for continuous learning by having students set resolutions to acquire new skills or knowledge. This could involve learning a musical instrument, mastering a new language, or exploring a particular subject in-depth.

Mindful Moments

Introduce the practice of mindfulness by encouraging students to set resolutions focused on being present and self-aware. Simple activities like deep breathing exercises or short moments of reflection can make a big difference in promoting a positive mindset.

Goal-setting Galore

Teach the importance of setting achievable goals. Have students break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. This not only helps in achieving success but also instills a sense of accomplishment.

Family Bonding

Foster strong family connections by encouraging resolutions centered around spending quality time with loved ones. Whether it’s a weekly family game night, cooking together, or sharing stories, these resolutions strengthen family ties.

Environmental Stewardship

Instill a sense of responsibility for the environment by setting resolutions related to sustainability. This could involve reducing waste, recycling, or participating in a community clean-up project.

Gratitude Journaling

Foster a positive outlook by encouraging students to keep a gratitude journal. Have them write down one thing they are thankful for each day. This simple practice can enhance their overall well-being and perspective on life.

If you’re looking or New Year activities for students that you can easily do with little to no prep, I have you covered! 

Check Out This New Year’s Resolution Writing Craft

new year's ideas for kids

Are you looking for a New Year’s writing activity to help students understand resolutions and goals? This NO PREP activity is great to use in both boy and girl versions to create goals for the new year and an easy bulletin board!

What is in the download?

  • a vocabulary poster for the word /RESOLUTION/
  • 3 Boy Options
  • 5 Girl Options
  • 1 Blank head to create your own (add a face and hair)
  • 4 different writing prompt pages (With and without hands on the side, Primary and Intermediate lined)
  • 2 Rough Drafts (Primary and Intermediate lined)
new year's resolution ideas for kids

Looking for more New Year fun? Check out my post here! 

3 Delightful New Year’s Activities for Students

Ready to add some extra sparkle to your New Year celebrations in the classroom? Try out some fun New Year’s activities for kids!

If you’re looking for adorable New Year’s activities for students that will capture their attention and bring the festive spirit to the classroom, I have you covered! 

New year's activities for kids

Join me in exploring three fabulous New Year’s crafts and activities for students that will make the transition into the new year a blast for your elementary students! 🥳

Plus, a bonus at the end!

New Year’s Glasses Craft

New Year's craft for kids

Celebrate the New Year and beyond with our playful and versatile Glasses! Perfect for students, these glasses add a burst of fun to your festivities, doubling as a creative coloring activity. 

With four types to choose from and years spanning 2022 to 2050, these glasses are not just a one-time joy but a timeless keepsake for unforgettable moments. 

New Year’s Writing Craftivity

New year's activities for kids craft

Fuel creativity and goal-setting in your classroom with our New Year’s Resolutions Craftivity! Choose a boy or girl character for an adorable craft, featuring adjective and resolution writing. Amp up the excitement with a 3D effect by adding a party horn.

 It’s the perfect way to kick off the new year with a blend of creativity and positive intention. Grab yours now and inspire a year of growth and achievement in your class!

New Year’s Bulletin Board Set

New Years bulletin board set for kids

Elevate your bulletin board with our easy-to-use “Gnomies” New Year celebration activity! Simply print and go with 6 adorable gnome designs for coloring, each featuring a space for goals or resolutions. 

The download includes the black and white title words “RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH MY GNOMIES,” easily customizable with colored construction paper. Perfect for winter writing assignments, or use “MY GNOMIES” as a festive title throughout the season. 

Bonus- New Year’s Coloring Pages!

New year's coloring pages

Are you looking for some engaging New Year coloring pages for your kids or students? I have you covered with these humorous celebration pages to create a coloring book! These are great for early finishers, morning work, indoor recess, rewards, developing fine motor skills, or JUST FOR FUN!

If you’re still in the holiday spirit, check out my post for digital Christmas activities your students will love! 

What are your favorite New Year’s activities for your elementary students? Share in the comments below!