The role of AI in education is increasing, and changing the way we work, communicate, and learn. It’s already sparking a revolution in education in terms of personalizing teaching and automating administrative tasks. 

Being familiar with the key AI terms will help you to understand the technology better and use it more effectively in the classroom. Let’s take a look at 10 phrases to build your AI vocabulary.

1. Generative AI

Often shortened to GenAI, this term refers to any type of artificial intelligence that can create things, like images, text, or even music, on its own. It works by learning patterns and information from existing data and then creating new outputs in creative ways. Some of the most popular and well-known tools are ChatGPT, AlphaCode, Bard, Synthesia, and DALL-E. 

How is generative AI used in education? 

GenAI is breaking educational barriers for both teachers and students. As teachers, you can use GenAI to plan lessons and create classroom materials, homework assignments, and tests. You can also use it to develop creative ideas for classroom activities. 

For students, GenAI can help put together presentations, research projects, and summarize key lesson points. 

2. Predictive AI

Predictive AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can make predictions based on existing data and patterns. Unlike GenAI, it doesn’t generate anything new. Instead, it anticipates behaviors and potential outcomes.

How is predictive AI used in education? 

One of the ways you can use predictive AI for teaching is to analyze students’ past performance, study habits, and learning behaviors. 

This gives you a better understanding of how each student is likely to perform in the future. So you can customize your teaching approach, offer extra support to those who may struggle, and challenge those who are ready for more advanced material. 

3. Machine learning 

Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence. It involves making computers learn from data and previous experience, without explicitly telling them what to do.

Speech recognition, face detecting, chatbots and AI tutors are some of the applications that use machine learning.

How is Machine learning used in education? 

Machine learning can help you personalize your curriculum and feedback for each student based on their learning style, preferences, and rate of progress. 

Adaptive learning platforms also use it to adjust the difficulty of lessons in real time based on a student’s progress.

4. Deep learning

Deep learning is a type of machine learning that’s especially useful for complex problem-solving and pattern detection. It’s inspired by how our brains work and uses artificial neural networks to learn and make decisions.

How is Deep learning used in the classroom? 

Deep learning models can help you give students detailed feedback on their written work, helping them improve their skills. They can also automatically transcribe lectures and lessons for students to review and catch up on missed classes.

5. Natural Language Processing

Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a way of making computers understand human language. For example, chatbots use NLP technologies to understand what you’re saying, answer your questions, and even offer solutions in real time.

It’s also used in customer support to answer inquiries, in virtual assistants like Siri or Alexa, in AI tutors like ELSA, and in online translators.

How is NLP used in the classroom?

NLP-powered chatbots and virtual tutors help students by answering questions, making grammatical corrections, and assisting with homework.

Teachers can also use NLP technologies to detect plagiarism in students’ work and identify instances where students have copied or improperly cited sources. 

6. AI ethics

AI ethics is a field of study focused on the positive and harmful effects of AI and how individuals can use it responsibly. It addresses crucial issues like fairness, transparency, accountability, and addressing bias. 

How are AI ethics used in the classroom?

The ethical use of AI for education involves helping students develop critical thinking and reasoning skills, as they learn the benefits and risks of AI. This way, they can be aware of the impact of AI on society and use it responsibly.

You can integrate AI ethics into the classroom through various methods, like case studies, dynamic classroom discussions, role-playing, simulations, projects, and games. 

7. Adaptive learning

Adaptive learning is an educational approach that uses technologies like AI to provide students with a more tailored learning experience. It helps students learn better based on their individual learning progress, preferences, and needs. 

How is adaptive learning used in the classroom?

Students move at different paces and have unique learning styles. So it can be hard for teachers to make sure everyone’s receiving personalized attention.

But with adaptive learning technology, you can tailor instruction to each student and make sure they all have the support they need to succeed.

8. AI Accessibility 

AI accessibility refers to developing AI systems that help individuals with disabilities interact with technology effectively. This ensures that everyone gets the same opportunities.

For example, AI-powered screen readers assist visually impaired users with getting information and using online tools independently.

How is AI accessibility used in education?

AI-powered assistive technology can make educational material more accessible to students with disabilities. For example, It can convert text to speech, helping visually impaired students access course content. 

AI-driven voice recognition technology also helps students with mobility impairments interact with computers and devices using voice commands.

9. Smart content

Smart content changes based on the choices and actions users make while interacting with it. 

By using AI and data analytics, it can personalize itself based on user behavior, offer real-time updates, and provide interactive elements like quizzes, simulations, or recommendations. 

What are the uses of smart content in the classroom?

Smart content adapts to each student’s unique learning pace and style. So it can offer them customized lessons and additional learning materials based on their learning patterns, goals, and accessibility needs.

This also saves teachers valuable time searching for just the right resources to support each individual student’s growth.

10. AI tutor

AI tutors are virtual educational assistants powered by artificial intelligence. They use approaches like Machine learning and NLP to help students learn and practice in real time.

This way, students can learn at a more individualized pace and get extra support outside class hours. This type of one-to-one guidance can lead to a deeper understanding of a topic and help students to perform better in tests. It’s no surprise, then, that AI tutors are surging in popularity. 

What are the uses of AI tutors in the classroom?

Just like human tutors, AI tutors can help students learn by providing explanations, giving feedback and helping learners to practice their skills. 

One example of an AI tutor is ELSA AI. Language teachers can use ELSA AI to set roleplays for their students as homework, and even help them prepare for language tests. Just like a human tutor, ELSA AI can engage in realistic, real time roleplays with students, and give them feedback afterwards on their language and speaking skills, so they know what they need to work on in order to improve. 

AI for teachers: knowledge is power

There are already lots of AI tools out there for teachers, and it can be hard to know which tools are worth your time and effort. Learning about the technology behind these tools, and the terminology used to describe it, can help you to figure out what will be most helpful for your teaching practice and your students’ learning journey. The deeper your understanding, the more confident you will feel in assessing which tools to integrate into your teaching toolkit! 
Request a demo to learn more about using ELSA AI to help your students practice English.