Getting Started with AI in Education

Dear Educator,

You are receiving this email because you signed up for CourseGenie's complimentary plan. We aim to support your teaching journey by sharing practical insights on integrating AI into education.

Understanding AI Misconceptions:

Many people face barriers when using AI, and it often starts with misconceptions. One of the biggest misconceptions is Algorithmic Aversion. People tend to mistrust AI, especially when its recommendations conflict with their own judgment. This resistance, called algorithmic aversion, often prevents people from getting the most out of AI tools. Educators, in particular, may hesitate to accept AI's suggestions if they feel it challenges their expertise or teaching style, leading to missed opportunities for effective collaboration.

Another common misconception is the Search Engine Mentality (Connor Grennan calls this “The Google Brain”). Many people approach AI as if it were just another search engine, expecting it to provide straightforward factual answers. This mindset significantly limits AI's true potential. Unlike Google, AI doesn’t always deliver consistent or reliable responses—its strength lies in conversation, creativity, and reasoning. To fully benefit from AI, educators need to move beyond this search engine mentality, viewing AI as a partner in exploration, problem-solving, and generating new ideas.

Why "Good Enough" is the Key:

You don't need to be an AI expert to get value out of it—often, "good enough" is all you need to start seeing results. The idea of mastering prompt engineering can be intimidating, but the good news is, you don't need to start with complex techniques. The key is to simply engage with AI and get comfortable using it. Some people go as far as saying that AI will become so good at understanding what we mean, that prompting techniques will become obsolete in the next couple of years.

This is where the 10-Hour Rule comes into play. Spending around 10 hours experimenting with AI will help you understand what it can do for you. This hands-on experience is more valuable than studying prompting theory. By dedicating time to use AI, you will naturally develop an understanding of how it can support your work.

Good Enough Task Prompting:

One effective way to start using AI is by treating it as a helpful coworker. Imagine AI as an infinitely patient coworker who forgets everything after each conversation. It's there to assist you, not to judge. By approaching AI in this way, you can interact with it more naturally and get more meaningful results.

1. Start with tasks and topics that you are already familiar with and have significant expertise. This will help you identify any false information the AI might provide

2. Provide enough context so that AI understands what you need - don’t worry about crafting perfect prompts.

3. Be clear about your expectations and, if possible, provide a sequence of steps for the AI to follow.

Good Enough Thinking Prompting:

AI isn’t just a tool for accomplishing tasks—it can also be your thinking partner. AI can play this role for educators by helping them think through challenges, brainstorm ideas, or see problems from a new perspective.

You could use AI for brainstorming strategic ideas, generating lesson plans, or even providing a different perspective on a teaching problem. Engaging in this type of dialogue with AI can spark creativity and help you move forward, even if the AI's suggestions aren't perfect. The key is to use AI as a partner that encourages you to think more deeply and creatively.

Breaking Down Barriers:

One of the biggest advantages of working with AI is its infinite patience. Unlike human colleagues, AI doesn’t get annoyed, frustrated, or bored, which means you can experiment without fear of judgment. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes—AI is a space where you can try different approaches and see what works best for you.

Abundance in Practice is another advantage. AI can generate multiple versions of a response, which can be incredibly helpful when you're stuck or need inspiration. Ask it for five different drafts or thirty unique ideas—this abundance can help you find the right solution or unlock new creative possibilities. The more you experiment, the more comfortable you will become with using AI as a creative partner.

The best way to understand AI is to use it. Don’t get bogged down by fears of getting it wrong or intimidated by complexity—just start. Set a goal of spending 10 hours using AI for tasks that matter to you, and you will develop a natural sense of how it fits into your workflow. Have it open in a browser window and use it for everything. Use a post it note on your screen to remind you if necessary.

The key takeaway is that "good enough" prompting is all you need to unlock the value of AI. It’s about experimenting, learning, and making AI your partner in everyday tasks. Start small, keep experimenting, and soon you'll see how AI can transform your teaching and make your work easier and more impactful.

A Free Alternative for Everyday AI Tasks

ChatGPT has limits on usage, and switching between platforms like Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini isn’t practical for seamless conversations. Mistral.ai offers a free AI chatbot that’s worth considering. While it may not match ChatGPT for every task, it performs well for everyday use. It also provides free tools like website search and image generation, making it a valuable option.