🎬 Video coming soon for this module.
Intro
The honest picture of AI in classrooms right now. Mode one vs mode two - why the difference is everything.
Module 1 Check-In: What Your Students Are Actually Using
1. What is the key difference between Mode 1 and Mode 2 AI use in education?
2. Why is the calculator analogy useful for thinking about AI in classrooms?
3. According to the course, what is the more important question than "did my student use AI?"
4. The "new learning contract" in education means:
Did my student use AI?
A student submitted an essay on [topic]. I suspect it was AI-generated. I need to: (1) assess whether the work represents what the student actually knows, (2) ask one diagnostic question that would reveal whether they understand their own argument. What question should I ask and why?
► TRY IT NOW: > > Think of a recent assignment submission > > Apply the "Can you explain it?" test — ask one diagnostic question > > Write down what the student's answer would tell you > > Decide: integrity concern or teaching moment?
Did my student use AI?
A student submitted an essay on [topic]. I suspect it was AI-generated. I need to: (1) assess whether the work represents what the student actually knows, (2) ask one diagnostic question that would reveal whether they understand their own argument. What question should I ask and why?
What is Mode 2 AI use?
I teach [subject] to [grade level]. Explain Mode 1 vs. Mode 2 AI use. Give three Mode 2 examples for: homework help, test prep, and projects. For each: student role vs. AI role.
► TRY IT NOW: > > Identify one assignment to redesign for Mode 2 > > Apply the test: can AI do it for the student? > > Redesign one element > > Write your redesign rationale
What is Mode 2 AI use?
I teach [subject] to [grade level]. Explain Mode 1 vs. Mode 2 AI use. Give three Mode 2 examples for homework help, test prep, and projects. Student role vs. AI role for each.
Practice Scenarios
You're a high school English teacher. A student submits an essay. Design a Mode 2 version of the same assignment.
Design a Mode 2 version of a standard essay assignment. The student does the thinking — AI helps at specific checkpoints. Describe: what the student does, what AI does, how you assess it.
You're a history teacher. Use AI to generate 10 practice questions on [historical event]. Then run them through a fact-check.
Generate 10 practice questions on [historical event] for [grade level]. Include 2 questions that test whether students can identify bias in sources. I'll verify accuracy.
AI as a Teaching Assistant
Lesson plans, differentiation, assessment design, and parent emails - the workflows that give your time back.
Module 2 Check-In: AI for Lesson Planning & Admin
1. What is the recommended workflow when using AI for lesson planning?
2. What makes AI especially valuable for differentiation?
3. When AI generates wrong-answer options in multiple-choice questions, what makes this particularly useful?
4. Which of the following is a good use of AI for administrative tasks?
Write a lesson plan
Write a 45-minute lesson plan on [topic] for [grade level]. Standard: [your standard]. Students have [prior knowledge]. Include: a hook, 15 min direct instruction, a hands-on activity, and an exit ticket. Differentiate for below-level readers. This is for [subject].
► TRY IT NOW: > > Choose one lesson you're planning this week > > Fill in the pro prompt template > > Run it and review the output > > What will you change, add, or remove? Estimate the time saved.
Write a lesson plan
Write a 45-minute lesson plan on [topic] for [grade level]. Standard: [your standard]. Students have [prior knowledge]. Include: a hook, 15 min direct instruction, a hands-on activity, and an exit ticket. Differentiate for below-level readers.
Practice Scenarios
You're a 7th grade math teacher. Use AI to create three versions of the same worksheet.
Create three versions of a worksheet on [topic] for 7th grade math: below level, on level, and advanced. Each ~20 minutes. Include answer key.
You're a teacher with last-minute sub plans. Use AI to write a one-day substitute lesson.
Write a one-day substitute lesson plan for [subject], [grade level]. Include timing, materials, and instructions a non-specialist can follow. Topic: [topic].
Student-Facing AI Use
Delegate, Describe, Discern, Diligence - your mental model for intentional AI use in and out of the classroom.
Module 3 Check-In: The 4D Framework for Educators
1. Which of the following best describes the "Describe" element of the 4D Framework in an education context?
2. A teacher pastes an entire student's essay (including the student's name and grade) into a public AI tool for feedback. Which D of the 4D Framework did they violate?
3. The "Discern" step is especially important in education because:
What should I delegate to AI?
I'm a [role] at [school/institution]. Apply the 4D Framework to my weekly tasks. For each task: (1) Delegate — is this language/reasoning? (2) Describe — what context to give AI? (3) Discern — how to verify output? (4) Diligence — any privacy concerns?
► TRY IT NOW: > > List three tasks you do every week as an educator > > Apply the 4D test to each > > Write your answers > > Pick one task to try with AI today
What should I delegate to AI?
I'm a [role] at [school/institution]. Apply the 4D Framework to my weekly tasks. For each: (1) Delegate, (2) Describe, (3) Discern, (4) Diligence — privacy concerns. Rank tasks by AI-fit.
Screen this job applicant with AI
I'm screening resumes for a [role] at [institution]. Flag: (1) gaps/inconsistencies, (2) interview questions, (3) bias risks. Keep bias-awareness in mind throughout. [resumes]
► TRY IT NOW: > > Think of a real screening task you do > > Apply the 4D test > > Diligence check: any student data risk? > > Write your Diligence assessment
Screen this job applicant with AI
I'm screening resumes for a [role] at [institution]. Flag: gaps, interview questions, bias risks. Bias-awareness throughout. [resumes]
Practice Scenarios
You're a special education coordinator. Prepare talking points for an IEP meeting, applying the Diligence test.
Prepare IEP meeting talking points. Student: [description]. Goals: [IEP goals]. Concerns: [family concerns]. Include highlights and prepared responses. Diligence check: what student data is safe to share with AI?
You're an elementary teacher. Draft a strengths-based progress report for a struggling student.
Draft a progress report for [student name], [grade], [subject]. Struggling with [X], strong in [Y]. Tone: strengths-based and honest. Include next steps.
Academic Integrity
Assignment principles that work in an AI world. Process portfolios, formative feedback, and the "can you explain it?" test.
Module 4 Check-In: AI-Proof & AI-Enhanced Assignments
1. Which assignment design principle is most effective at requiring something AI cannot easily replicate?
2. What is the "process portfolio" approach to assignments?
3. AI detectors (like those built into Turnitin) should be used as:
4. The "Can you explain it?" test for academic integrity means:
Redesign this assignment
I have this assignment: [describe]. What can AI replicate? Apply three redesign principles — process over product, voice and specificity, synthesis over summary — to redesign it for an AI world. Give three options with tradeoffs.
► TRY IT NOW: > > Take one assignment you give students > > Ask AI: what can you easily replicate about this? > > Apply the three redesign principles > > Choose your favorite and explain why
Redesign this assignment
I have this assignment: [describe]. What can AI easily replicate? Redesign it for an AI world. Apply: (1) process over product, (2) voice and specificity, (3) synthesis over summary. Three options with tradeoffs.
Write a parent email
Draft an email to parents of [grade level] students about [topic]. Tone: warm and professional. 200 words. What changed, why it matters, how parents can help. For [school type].
► TRY IT NOW: > > Pick a communication you need this week > > Use the pro prompt with your context > > Review and edit for your voice > > Send it
Write a parent email
Draft an email to parents of [grade level] students about [topic]. Tone: warm and professional. 200 words. What changed, why it matters, how parents can help. For [school type].
Practice Scenarios
You're a social studies teacher. Generate 8 discussion questions on a controversial historical event.
Generate 8 Socratic seminar questions on [historical event]. Mix factual and interpretive. Label: F (factual), I (interpretive), C (controversial). I'll verify facts.
You're a science fair coordinator. Create a rubric for an AI-enhanced science project.
Create a rubric for an AI-enhanced science fair project for [grade level]. AI is a tool — must show original student thinking. Criteria: research process, AI disclosure, data analysis, presentation.
Classroom Management with AI
From confusion to clarity. A practical framework for setting expectations, teaching disclosure, and your 30-day plan.
Module 5 Check-In: Building Your Classroom AI Policy
1. Why should teachers explicitly teach students how to disclose AI use?
2. According to the 30-day implementation plan, what is the recommended starting point for Week 1?
3. Which best describes the shift in what skills matter most in an AI world?
Write an AI policy for my classroom
I teach [subject] to [grade level] students. Draft a one-page classroom AI policy covering: (1) permitted AI use, (2) what counts as misrepresentation, (3) how to disclose AI use, (4) how I'll assess real understanding. Tone: clear and fair for [grade level].
► TRY IT NOW: > > Fill in: I teach [subject] to [grade level] at [school type] > > Run the pro prompt > > Edit to match your voice and context > > Share with one colleague for feedback
Write an AI policy for my classroom
I teach [subject] to [grade level] students. Draft a one-page classroom AI policy covering: (1) permitted use, (2) misrepresentation definition, (3) disclosure requirements, (4) assessment beyond text. Tone: clear and fair.
Practice Scenarios
You're a department head. Draft a department-wide AI policy, then run it through the 4D test.
Draft a department-wide AI policy for [department] at [school type]. Cover: permitted use, disclosure, misuse handling, assessment in AI world.
You're an IT coordinator. Draft slides for a parent night on AI in the classroom.
Draft a 10-slide parent night presentation on "AI in Our Classrooms." Cover: AI tools students use, policies, how parents can support. Audience: parents of [grade level] students.
Closing
Wrap up, reflect on your learning, and plan your next steps.
Final Assessment
10 questions covering all 6 modules. Score 70% or above to pass and earn your certificate.
1. What is "Mode 2" AI use in an educational context?
2. A teacher wants to create three reading-level versions of a lesson on the American Revolution. What is the most efficient approach using AI?
3. Which of the following is the best application of AI for formative feedback?
4. The 4D Framework element of "Diligence" reminds educators to:
5. Which assignment design principle most effectively requires something AI cannot easily replicate?
6. A student submits an excellent essay but cannot answer basic questions about it in class. According to the course, this indicates:
7. What did research (including a 2023 Stanford study) find about AI writing detectors and non-native English speakers?
8. According to the 30-day implementation plan, what is the goal by the end of Week 4?
9. What is the most valuable reason to teach students explicit AI disclosure language?
10. What does the course identify as the fundamental shift in what it means to be educated in an AI world?
Your Certificate
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Certificate of Completion
AI for Teachers & Educators
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Issued by Stephen Thorn, AI Trainer
www.stephenthorn.com
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Reference materials, guides, and next steps for educators.
4D Framework Cheat Sheet
Quick-reference card for Delegate, Describe, Discern, Diligence.
AI Tool Comparison Guide
ChatGPT vs Claude vs Gemini - which tool for which job in education.
Student Data & AI Safety Guide
What student information to keep out of public AI tools.
Download Slide Template
Customise the presentation for your own school or department.
Get in Touch →
Questions about coaching, team training, or workshops.
15 educator-specific prompts. Copy, paste, and customize the [bracketed] sections for your subject, grade level, and context.
📚 Lesson Planning & Prep
Full Lesson Plan
Write a [X]-minute lesson plan on [topic] for [grade level]. Standard: [paste standard]. Students have [describe prior knowledge]. Include a hook, direct instruction, a hands-on activity, and an exit ticket. Differentiate for below-level readers. Differentiated Versions
Take this lesson content: [paste content]. Create three versions - one for students reading two years below grade level, one at grade level, and one for advanced learners. Keep the same core content; adjust vocabulary, analysis depth, and scaffolding. Diagnostic Assessment Builder
Generate [X] multiple-choice questions on [topic] where the wrong answers represent specific student misconceptions - not random distractors. For each wrong answer, name the misconception it represents and what it tells me about the student's understanding. Real-World Hook Generator
I'm teaching [topic] to [grade level] students. Give me five real-world examples that would genuinely interest a [age]-year-old. Each example should take under two minutes to explain and connect to something students encounter in daily life. ✍️ Assignment Design
AI-World Assignment Redesign
I have this assignment: [describe it]. What can AI easily replicate about this? Apply the principles of process over product, voice and specificity, and synthesis over summary to redesign it for an AI world. Give me three specific redesign options. Process Portfolio Structure
Help me design a process portfolio assignment on [topic] for [grade level] students. It should require: a first draft written without AI, a reflection on their struggles, evidence of how AI was used for feedback, a revised draft, and a final reflection on what changed and why. Rubric Critic
Here is my draft rubric for [assignment type]: [paste rubric]. What's missing? What's too vague to assess consistently? What criteria should be weighted differently? What would make this rubric more diagnostic and harder to game? Student Formative Feedback Prompt
A student submitted this [essay/thesis/argument]: [paste student work]. Evaluate it against these criteria: [list criteria]. Give three specific, actionable improvements - one for structure, one for evidence, one for clarity. Be direct, not vague. 🎓 Student Guidance & Policy
Classroom AI Policy Draft
I teach [subject] to [grade level] students. Draft a one-page classroom AI policy covering: what AI use is permitted and for what purposes, what counts as misrepresenting your work, how students should disclose AI use, and how I will assess understanding beyond submitted text. Tone: clear, fair, age-appropriate. Student Disclosure Examples
Give me three examples of strong AI disclosure statements a [grade level] student might write - showing different types of appropriate AI use: AI as quiz generator, AI as feedback tool, and AI for brainstorming. Then show two examples of weak or evasive disclosure language for comparison. Mode 2 Prompt for Students
I'm studying [topic]. Don't write the essay for me. Ask me five questions that help me identify what I know and what I'm missing about this topic, then help me build an outline from my own answers. Push back if my answers are vague. Study Partner Setup
Act as a study partner helping me prepare for [exam/assessment] on [topic]. Quiz me with [X] questions ranging from basic recall to application. After each answer, tell me if I'm right, what I missed, and what I should review. Keep going until I've answered all questions. 📊 Admin & Communication
Parent Email Response
A parent emailed asking [describe their concern]. Write a response that [addresses the specific concern], acknowledges the parent's perspective, and invites a follow-up conversation. Tone: warm and professional. The key context is: [provide relevant details]. Max 150 words. Meeting Prep
I'm meeting with [student's parents / admin / department] tomorrow about [topic]. Prepare me with: three specific positive observations to open with, three concerns to address honestly, and two suggested next steps. The key context is: [provide relevant details]. Progress Summary
Here are this student's recent assignments and grades: [paste data]. Here are their relevant goals or areas of focus: [list goals]. Write a professional progress summary that connects the data to each goal and identifies the clearest areas for next steps. Do not include the student's name or any identifying information. Your Educator Quick-Reference Guide
Fast-access prompts for common classroom and planning situations. Customize the bracketed sections.
📝 Lesson Planning
Write a [X]-minute lesson on [topic] for [grade]. Include: hook, instruction, activity, exit ticket.Give me 5 real-world examples of [concept] a [age]-year-old would find interesting.Generate 10 practice problems on [topic], ranging from basic to challenging. Include an answer key.
✍️ Assignment & Assessment
Redesign this assignment for an AI world: [describe it]. Apply: process over product, voice, synthesis over summary.Review this rubric and tell me what's vague, what's missing, and what to weight differently: [paste rubric]Generate [X] multiple-choice questions on [topic] where wrong answers are common student misconceptions.
💬 Student Feedback
A student wrote this thesis: [paste it]. Is it specific and arguable? What are the two most important improvements?Give this draft [essay/paragraph] three specific improvements: one for structure, one for evidence, one for clarity: [paste]What questions should I ask a student who cannot explain their own submitted work, to understand what happened?
📧 Communication & Admin
Draft a warm professional reply to a parent who asked why their child got a [grade] on [assignment]: [context]Prepare me for a parent meeting about [student situation]: positives, concerns, next steps.Write a progress note connecting these grades and assignments to these learning goals: [data] / [goals]