Module 2: Getting Creative with AI in the Classroom

This second module invites you to explore creativity in practice — not as something purely artistic or abstract, but as a mindset for flexible, learner-centred teaching.

🛠️ Section 2: Where to Start - AI in Planning and Preparation

You’ve likely already used AI in simple ways - generating a prompt, asking a question, simplifying a phrase. Here are some everyday ways to start using AI to support your behind-the-scenes teaching work:

Lesson Planning - Generate ideas for activities, assessments, or resources based on your learning objectives.

Brainstorm session ideas - topics, themes, or projects
Draft outlines for topics or learning outcomes - create a structured plan
Generate discussion questions - thought-provoking questions to engage learners

Assessment Design - Create varied assessment items aligned with learning goals.

Suggest question variations - multiple-choice, short answer, essay prompts
Draft formative feedback - provide constructive comments for student work
Rewrite rubrics in learner-friendly language - make criteria clear and accessible

Simplifying Content - Make complex information more understandable for diverse learners.

Reword dense content - break down jargon or technical language
Create summaries - condense lengthy texts into key points
Generate examples or analogies - illustrate concepts in relatable ways
Convert formal text into plain language - enhance comprehension for all learners

💬 “I asked ChatGPT (or Copilot) to simplify our internal moderation template. The tone became more friendly - and easier to explain to my team.” These uses are low-risk and high-reward. You stay in control - but gain a thinking partner for prep tasks that often eat time and energy.

🪶 Kaupapa Māori Lens

Manaakitanga | Hospitality, Kindness, Generosity, Care

Manaakitanga is the practice of showing respect, care, and hospitality towards others, fostering a sense of belonging and community. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships and supporting one another, reflecting core Māori values of empathy and collective wellbeing.

Manaakitanga reminds us that preparation is an act of aroha - when we plan with care and intention, we create space for our ākonga to thrive.

In educational contexts, manaakitanga encourages kaiako to create inclusive and supportive learning environments where all learners feel valued and cared for.

AI can help lighten the load of preparation, but the kaiako remains the kaitiaki of learning design and cultural integrity.

Te Whakarite Akoranga | Lesson Planning

Brainstorm ideas with cultural context in mind - ensure relevance to learners’ backgrounds
Draft outlines that honour learning outcomes and mātauranga Māori - integrate indigenous knowledge and perspectives
Generate discussion questions that promote critical thinking and cultural awareness - encourage learners to explore diverse viewpoints

Ngā Mahi Whakaako | Practical Prompt:

“I’m teaching [topic] to Year [level] ākonga. Suggest three lesson hooks that connect to local places, stories, or experiences - grounded in our community, not generic content.”

💭 Whaiwhakaaro | Reflection:

Does this plan create space for my ākonga to see themselves and their whānau in the learning?

Te Waihanga Aromatawai | Assessment Design

Tino Rangatiratanga | Empowerment through Meaningful Feedback - Assessment should reflect mana and growth, not just measure performance. AI can support us in creating flexible, learner-centred aromatawai that recognises different ways of knowing and showing.

Nga Mihi | In Practice

Suggest question variations that honour diverse learning styles
Draft formative feedback that uplifts and guides
Rewrite rubrics in learner-friendly, accessible language

Ngā Mahi Whakaako | Practical Prompt:

“Rewrite this rubric in plain language that a Year 9 ākonga and their whānau can understand. Include examples of what success looks like at each level.”

💭 Whaiwhakaaro | Reflection

Does this assessment recognise the many ways ākonga can demonstrate their mātauranga?

🧾 Te Whakamāmā i te Kōrero | Simplifying Content

Whanaungatanga | Connection through Clear Communication

Clear communication is an act of whanaungatanga - it removes barriers and invites participation. When we simplify complex content, we make space for more ākonga to engage with confidence.

Ngā Mahi | In Practice:

Reword dense or complex text - break down jargon or technical language
Create accessible summaries - condense lengthy texts into key points
Generate relatable examples or analogies - illustrate concepts in familiar ways
Convert formal text into plain, warm language - enhance comprehension for all learners

Ngā Mahi Whakaako | Practical Prompt:

“Take this [policy/document/template] and rewrite it in warm, accessible language - as if you’re speaking directly to a whānau member who cares deeply but isn’t familiar with education jargon.”

💬 Reflection from Kaiako

“I asked ChatGPT to simplify our internal moderation template. The tone became more friendly - and easier to explain to my team. I checked every line to make sure it still carried mana - the authority and legitimacy needed to serve its purpose and honour our relationships. AI did the first draft; my whakaaro shaped the final version.”