A Summer Skill to Help Your Classroom Work With You — Not Against You
If your brain is buzzing with ideas for how to make your classroom more manageable this September, now’s the perfect time to skill up with AI tools that can make teaching easier, more effective — and even a little more enjoyable.
Artificial Intelligence in education is no longer just hype. It’s being used across UK schools, colleges and top universities like Cambridge, which now offers training on Microsoft Copilot to help educators amplify their expertise — not replace it.
This blog explores practical, teacher-approved AI tools to try this summer, plus creative add-ons from SuperStickers.com to bring your AI-powered classroom to life. Seamlessly blending digital and physical learning tools.
Why This Summer Is the Time to Embrace AI in Education
With just a few hours of learning over the holidays, AI can help you:
• Cut planning time in half
• Simplify marking
• Develop student engagement
• Reclaim your evenings
When used thoughtfully, tools like Microsoft Copilot, Gamma, ChatGPT and Canva can reduce admin, inspire creativity and personalise learning — helping you think with your students, not for them.
Tools to Explore This Summer
Gamma App
Turn text-heavy content into sleek, visual slide decks in minutes.
Used by UK educator @teachwithmrsf_, Gamma makes it easy to create modern, interactive lessons.
Pair it with Customised Praise Stickers to celebrate student contributions during presentations.
Microsoft Copilot (via M365 Education)
Copilot helps generate lesson starters, differentiated questions and entire unit plans.
Recommended by the University of Cambridge and available through upcoming training sessions, such as "Introduction to Microsoft Copilot" on 30 July 2025.
Use Star of the Day Badges to reward learners who take initiative using Copilot.
ChatGPT can act as your debate partner, marking assistant, or planning aide.
With thoughtful prompts, it becomes a flexible teaching assistant.
Help students master prompt writing with “Prompt Champion” customised certificates.
Canva for Education
Canva’s free teacher accounts allow you to design engaging slides, printables, worksheets and classroom visuals.
Print your Canva designs using Custom Posters or pair them with custom designs and upload your new logo to custom stickers or stampers on SuperStickers.
AI as a Cognitive Partner — Not a Shortcut
The Higher Education Policy Institute encourages educators to “use AI to think with students, not for them.” In this model, AI becomes a support tool that promotes ideation, analysis and reflection — not a shortcut around deep thinking.
Ways to apply this in your classroom:
• Use ChatGPT as a classroom debate partner or idea generator
• Use Copilot to co-plan starter questions, quizzes and scaffolded tasks
• Ask students to critique and improve AI-generated content as part of critical thinking exercises
Reinforce positive digital behaviour with Effort Stickers as students navigate tech-integrated learning.
What the Experts Are Saying
Here’s a selection of key reading for teachers interested in AI integration and educational technology:
• From Hype to Reality: Navigating AI Integration in Education – ICTEvangelist
• #ThreeQuestions on Technology – ICTEvangelist
• The Future of Assessment: Embracing AI and EdTech – Jisc
• AI in Schools and Colleges: What You Need to Know – The Education Hub
• Generative AI in Education: Reshaping the Future of Learning – GOV.UK
Quick Wins for September
|
Goal |
Tool |
Outcome |
|
Plan a unit in half the time |
Copilot / ChatGPT |
Generate schemes of work from curriculum objectives |
|
Upgrade your visuals |
Gamma |
Create clean, modern slide decks |
|
Support differentiation |
ChatGPT prompts |
Generate tiered questions or activities |
|
Save time on admin |
AI email summarisers |
Sort inboxes and prioritise messages |
Final Thought
You don’t need to become a tech expert overnight. Just a small investment in AI tools this summer can help you:
• Save time
• Strengthen lesson quality
• Empower student learning
Have a favourite AI tip or tool that’s working for you? Share your ideas with us — we can feature teacher voices next term to showcase how AI is shaping classrooms across the UK.
Stay informed. Stay empowered, and remember — the best AI tool in any classroom is still the teacher.
