The Language of AI: E14 - 5 levels of AI Integration in your Classroom

Fellow Educators,

AI isn’t just the future—it’s happening now, shaping how we teach, learn, and interact in classrooms worldwide. But how deeply is AI embedded in your teaching practice? Are you using it for simple tasks, or is it driving personalized learning for your students?

Wherever you stand, AI integration isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. It happens in stages, and understanding these levels can help you harness AI’s full potential in education. Below are five levels of AI integration in the classroom, let’s see where you land!

The 5 Levels of AI Integration in the Classroom

Level 1: Awareness & Exploration

At this stage, AI is acknowledged but used sparingly. Teachers may discuss AI in theory or introduce it in small ways, but it’s not actively shaping learning.

📌 Examples:

• Classroom conversations about ChatGPT, Siri, or Alexa.

• AI-powered search tools like Google Assistant.

• Basic exposure to AI concepts through lessons or activities.

💡 First Step: Start small! Encourage students to explore AI ethics or experiment with AI-driven research tools.

Now, there needs to be processes in place and discernment. Yes, I’m giving a process for how you could use and integrate AI but you need to make sure that what you do it allowed and approved by your board and or principal - as well as Age appropriate. I personally (at this point) do not think that grade school students should be using AI in general - there is a whole discussion I will cover about this in future editions.

Level 2: Enhancement

Here, AI tools are incorporated to improve traditional teaching methods. Educators begin using AI to streamline tasks, provide feedback, and enhance engagement.

📌 Examples:

• Grammarly or chat-gpt for grammar and writing support.

• AI-generated quizzes and flashcards.

• Speech-to-text tools to support accessibility.

💡 Next Step: Identify repetitive tasks AI can handle, freeing up more time for student engagement.

As this stage, we need to have a process and framework for this to be successful - not simply using AI for AI use. You need to understand where AI fits in your workflow, why it is there, what you gain from using it, what you loose by using it and what might the overall impact be as a result of using AI. - Yes I know deeper and important questions.

Level 3: Personalization

At this level, AI plays an active role in tailoring learning experiences. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, AI adjusts content to meet individual student needs.

📌 Examples:

• Adaptive learning platforms (e.g., Khan Academy’s AI-driven recommendations).

• AI tutoring assistants providing real-time support.

• Smart learning analytics to track student progress and suggest personalized learning paths.

💡 Growth Opportunity: Explore AI-powered differentiation—how can you use AI to support diverse learners in your classroom?

This is a stage that is really interesting and I can see the benefits for using specialized tools like Khan’s Academy or other education specific AI related tools. What is really important to understand is that, if you enable or teach with these tools, students will then start to understand where this tool (AI) fits in their learning process. The problem is once we start to teach how to use AI and the impact from it, there is not controlling what they do once you go home or on their own computers.

Level 4: Collaboration & Co-Creation

AI is no longer just a tool—it’s a learning partner. Students and teachers collaborate with AI to generate new content, analyze data, and explore creative problem-solving.

📌 Examples:

• AI-assisted project-based learning.

• AI-generated creative writing prompts and storytelling assistance.

• AI-driven classroom debates, where students interact with AI for deeper analysis.

💡 Challenge: Encourage students to use AI as a creative assistant—what can they build with AI?

This is an exciting and apprehensive phase for me as it can lead to the most diverse and exciting learning but also lends to incorrect use and potential dependency of AI for tasks.

Level 5: Autonomous AI-Driven Learning

At this highest level, AI operates as an independent learning facilitator. It’s fully embedded in teaching, assessment, and classroom management.

📌 Examples:

• AI-led courses that adapt in real time based on student interactions.

• Virtual AI tutors providing on-demand support.

• AI-powered classroom insights that predict student needs and suggest interventions.

💡 Future Vision: What if AI could track each student’s learning journey and offer customized pathways? The possibilities are endless!

This last phase is one of the “future” but in reality it is here in some senses. With this section or level, the concept leads to a lot of questions such as, will I be replaced as a teacher or is the learning process simply a knowledge transfer? In reality it is more complex and dynamic than answering those questions. I will do some newsletters processing through this with you.

How to Progress to the Next Level

No matter where you are on this journey, there’s always room to explore. Here’s how to move forward or stay in the same lane but improve:

Assess Your Current AI Usage – Identify your current level and set a goal for deeper integration.
Experiment with AI Tools – Try AI-driven platforms that fit your teaching style.
Encourage Student Engagement – Let students explore AI responsibly, creatively and safely.
Stay Informed – AI is evolving! Keep up with new tools and best practices.

AI is Here—Are You Ready?

AI isn’t replacing educators—it’s empowering them. Whether you’re just starting or already co-creating with AI, every step forward enriches the learning experience.

So, where are you on this journey? More importantly—where do you want to be? 🚀

Thanks for taking the time to be part of a positive change in education compared to simply burying your heads in the sand.

Cheers,
Matthew