Teaching with Technology

Practical Ways to Use AI in Your Teaching

Quick Wins You Can Try in 10 Minutes

Generative AI tools can support your teaching in small, practical ways - without requiring a full course redesign. When used thoughtfully, these tools can enhance learning, support student engagement, and free up time for what matters most: meaningful interaction, reflection, and growth.

The examples below are designed to help you get started quickly. Each one includes a simple prompt you can copy, adapt, and use with your preferred AI tool.

Draft a Lecture Outline

What you can do:
Generate a structured outline for an upcoming class session.

Try this prompt:
Create a 50-minute lecture outline on [topic] for undergraduate students. Include key concepts, examples, and two discussion questions.

Why this is useful:

  • Saves preparation time
  • Helps organize content in a clear, intentional way
  • Creates space to focus on student interaction and engagement

Generate Discussion Questions

What you can do:
Create questions that promote deeper thinking and meaningful dialogue.

Try this prompt:
Write five discussion questions about [topic] that focus on analysis and evaluation rather than recall.

Why this is useful:

  • Encourages thoughtful conversation and multiple perspectives
  • Supports critical thinking and reflection
  • Helps foster a more engaged learning community

Simplify Complex Concepts

What you can do:
Break down difficult material for students with varying levels of prior knowledge.

Try this prompt:
Explain [concept] in simple terms for a first-year college student. Then provide a real-world example.

Why this is useful:

  • Supports accessibility and inclusive learning
  • Helps meet students where they are (cura personalis)
  • Provides alternative ways to understand complex ideas

Create Practice Questions

What you can do:
Generate low-stakes questions for review or self-assessment.

Try this prompt:
Create five multiple-choice questions on [topic] with correct answers and brief explanations.

Why this is useful:

  • Reinforces key concepts
  • Supports student confidence and preparation
  • Encourages ongoing learning rather than high-stakes performance

Draft a Simple Rubric

What you can do:
Create evaluation criteria for an assignment.

Try this prompt:
Create a rubric for a [type of assignment] with four criteria and four performance levels.

Why this is useful:

  • Clarifies expectations for students
  • Supports fair and transparent assessment
  • Helps align evaluation with learning goals

Turn Notes into a Study Guide

What you can do:
Convert lecture notes or content into student-facing materials.

Try this prompt:
Turn the following notes into a study guide with key terms, summaries, and review questions: [paste content]

Why this is useful:

  • Supports student learning and review
  • Encourages deeper engagement with course material
  • Helps students take ownership of their learning process

Brainstorm Assignment Ideas

What you can do:
Generate new ideas for activities or assignments.

Try this prompt:
Suggest three assignment ideas for a course on [topic] that promote critical thinking and real-world application.

Why this is useful:

  • Encourages creativity in course design
  • Supports meaningful, applied learning experiences
  • Opens opportunities for reflection and real-world connection

Tips for Thoughtful AI Use

  • Be specific about your course level and learning goals
  • Use AI as a starting point, not a final product
  • Review all outputs for accuracy, quality, and alignment
  • Consider how AI use supports student learning, reflection, and integrity

Start Small

You do not need to redesign your course to begin using AI effectively. Start with one small task, adapt the results, and build from there.

Used thoughtfully, AI can support not just efficiency - but more intentional teaching, deeper learning, and the formation of students as reflective, ethical thinkers.

If you have questions or want to learn more, reach out to the Instructional Design & Technology team or browse the Teaching with Technology Generative AI Hub.

Daniel Wooddell
Sr. Instructional Technologist
Teaching with Technology Site Designer