Integrated Tools

Modern AI platforms often include powerful tools that extend what the AI can do:

Internet Search

• Finds current information beyond the AI's training data
• Essential for recent events, current statistics, or up-to-date curriculum changes
• Many platforms detect when search is needed and do it automatically
• Teaching use: Getting latest education policy updates, current events for case studies, recent scientific discoveries

Document Upload

• Upload PDFs, Word docs, or text files for the AI to analyse
• Ask questions about specific curriculum documents, research papers, or student work samples
• Teaching use: Summarising lengthy policy documents, analysing student essays for common themes, extracting key points from academic articles

Canvas/Artifacts

• A separate space for outputs that live alongside the chat that can be iterated on, copied or published
• Teaching use: Create documents, interactive activities, diagrams, generate visual aids, or concept maps

tip

• Start with defaults, they handle 90% of teaching tasks effectively
• Try reasoning models when working on complex rubrics, detailed sequences, or problem solving
• Use search tools when you need current information or want to fact-check content
• Upload documents when analysing curriculum materials, student work samples, or research papers
• Explore visual tools for creating diagrams, charts, or interactive content for your lessons
• Don't overthink it, focus on clear communication rather than perfect tool selection

caution

The landscape evolves rapidly, but these core capabilities will likely remain central to AI use for teachers.