AI Isn’t Replacing Teachers — It’s Helping Us Teach Better

August 26, 2025August 20, 2025Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

Guest blog post by Matthew Mawn,@matthew_mawn

If you’ve ever heard the phrase “AI is coming for your job,” you’re not alone. That may be true in some professions. But when I hear it applied to education, I think back to 2020–2021, when the world learned from kitchen tables and bedroom desks. We all saw, in real time, how irreplaceable teachers are, and the immense value they bring to millions of students every day.

Will AI replace teachers? Not from what I can see. Will it help them reach more students and raise achievement for all learners while saving them time on the backend? Absolutely.

Time Saved is Time Invested in Students

What do teachers want? MORE TIME! When do they want it? NOW!

Ask any teacher what they wish they had more of (besides a higher salary), and the answer is almost always the same: time. Time to prepare lessons, to modify materials for all learners, to provide meaningful feedback, to take a full 30-minute lunch break, and actually enjoy it.

U.S. teachers work an average of 53 hours per week, far beyond their contracted hours. Much of that time is consumed by planning, grading, paperwork, and administrative tasks, exactly the kind of work that pulls teachers away from direct interaction with students. It’s such a recognized problem that the New Jersey Department of Education created a grant program called Expanding Innovations in Teacher Climate and Culture, with the sole goal of finding ways to reduce these burdens.

The world of AI is evolving daily, with new tools designed to take these repetitive tasks off teachers’ plates. AI can generate draft lesson plans, create differentiated practice questions in seconds, summarize student performance data into actionable insights, and even draft parent emails. Teachers who use AI at least once a week report saving an average of 5.9 hours each week, adding up to the equivalent of six full weeks over a standard 37.4-week school year.

Take the math teacher who went from spending 90 minutes a week creating Do Now and Closure Google Forms for her three different preps to crafting them in under 10 minutes, letting the AI do the heavy lifting while she simply reviewed, edited, and published. This saved time not only allowed her to do more with less, it also helped alleviate the burnout that comes from teaching multiple preps day in and day out, all while trying to differentiate and create high-quality materials for every learner. AI gives teachers more time both in and outside the classroom, helping restore the work–life balance that’s so hard to maintain during the school year and providing the breathing room they need to give their all to their students.

Turning Time Saved Into Better Learning

AI can save teachers time, but what can that time be used for (besides taking a breath)? For most of us, it means redirecting energy into the parts of teaching that made us want to pursue this profession in the first place: connecting with our students and helping them grow academically.

Differentiation

Every classroom has students with different readiness levels, language needs, and learning preferences. AI tools like Diffit or MagicSchool can instantly create multiple versions of a passage or assignment, differentiated by grade level, complexity, or language. This allows every student to engage with the same core concept, moving together as one cohesive class. Instead of spending an evening retyping and rephrasing, teachers can review and tweak AI drafts in minutes, ready for the next lesson.

Feedback

Timely, specific feedback drives learning but can easily consume hours of a teacher’s time. AI tools such as FeedbackFruits or Rooted Learning can summarize student work or auto-grade Google Forms and release feedback instantly. Teachers can then refine and personalize those comments, giving students actionable guidance while avoiding burnout.

Relationship Building

Extra time also means more one-on-one moments with students and far fewer late nights creating instructional materials for the next day. Will this also mean less coffee consumption? That’s up for debate.

AI isn’t just saving time, it’s giving teachers the capacity to teach better, connect more deeply, and respond to students’ needs in ways that matter most.

Guardrails for Responsible AI Use

AI is making headlines in every industry, but it’s important to remember that not every tool is created equal, and not every use is risk-free. When evaluating AI tools, pay close attention to your students’ data privacy. Many of these tools request student names, work samples, or other information that could violate FERPA or district policies. Always review the privacy policy before moving forward with a tool.

Accuracy is another factor. AI can and does make mistakes, so it’s essential to review the work before sharing it with students. AI is a great starting point, but the final product always needs a teacher’s eyes.

AI is here to stay, and it has the ability to remove time drains, expand access to differentiated materials, and give teachers the time they need to get back to what matters most, their students. It’s not about replacing teachers, it’s about giving them more room to thrive.

About Matt

Matt Mawn, EdD, is the founder of Rooted Learning, an AI-powered platform that generates standards-aligned, differentiated assessments in minutes. He has over 13 years in K–12 leadership, higher education, and edtech. Connect with him on X or visit Rooted Learning.

About Rachelle

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is a Spanish and STEAM: What’s Next in Emerging Technology Teacher at Riverview High School in Oakmont, PA. Rachelle is also an attorney with a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law and a Master’s in Instructional Technology. Rachelle received her Doctorate in Instructional Technology, and her research focus was on AI and Professional Development. In addition to teaching, she is a full-time consultant and works with companies and organizations to provide PD, speaking, and consulting services. Contact Rachelle for your event!

Rachelle is an ISTE-certified educator and community leader who served as president of the ISTE Teacher Education Network. By EdTech Digest, she was named the EdTech Trendsetter of 2024, one of 30 K-12 IT Influencers to follow in 2021, and one of 150 Women Global EdTech Thought Leaders in 2022.

She is the author of ten books, including ‘What The Tech? An Educator’s Guide to AI, AR/VR, the Metaverse and More” and ‘How To Teach AI’. In addition, other books include, “In Other Words: Quotes That Push Our Thinking,” “Unconventional Ways to Thrive in EDU,” “The Future is Now: Looking Back to Move Ahead,” “Chart A New Course: A Guide to Teaching Essential Skills for Tomorrow’s World, “True Story: Lessons That One Kid Taught Us,” “Things I Wish […] Knew” and her newest “How To Teach AI” is available from ISTE or on Amazon.

Contact Rachelle to schedule sessions about Artificial Intelligence, Coding, AR/VR, and more for your school or event! Submit the Contact Form.

Follow Rachelle on Bluesky, Instagram, and X at @Rdene915

**Interested in writing a guest blog for my site? Would love to share your ideas! Submit your post here. Looking for a new book to read? Find these available at bit.ly/Pothbooks

************ Also, check out my THRIVEinEDU Podcast Here!

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The Lessons College Students Can Learn From Studying eGames Coding Methods

August 19, 2025August 18, 2025Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

Photo by Christopher Gower on Unsplash

Contributed post by Alexa Gardner

In recent years, coding has shifted from being a niche skill set to one of the most in-demand competencies in the modern workforce. Once confined to computer science classrooms, programming is now being taught in a variety of contexts, including business programs, design courses, and even the humanities.

This broader adoption is largely due to innovative teaching methods that make coding more approachable and engaging. One such method is gamification—the integration of game-like elements into learning. By turning the learning process into an interactive and competitive experience, gamification has proven to significantly boost student engagement, motivation, and retention of knowledge. It transforms coding from a sometimes abstract or intimidating subject into an activity that feels more like play than work.

The Expanding World of eGames

The world of eGames—short for electronic games—offers an especially rich field for applying gamified learning to coding education. eGames are a rapidly expanding subgenre of the gaming industry that combines competitive gameplay with digital interactivity. They range from fast-paced multiplayer arenas to strategy-based simulations, all of which require sophisticated programming under the hood. What makes them particularly relevant to college students is that they are both familiar and aspirational: students have often played them in their own leisure time, and many harbor an interest in understanding how they are built.

Diversity and Appeal: Lessons from Solaire eGames

A prime example of the diversity and appeal of eGames can be found in the offerings hosted by Solaire Online, where the variety of electronic games draws players from all walks of life. The platform’s eGames include a wide range of interesting genres, well-designed themes, and gameplay styles optimized for all devices. Some are rooted in strategy, requiring players to think ahead and plan moves with precision, while others emphasize reflexes, pattern recognition, or quick decision-making. The variety mirrors the diversity of coding itself, where different problems require different logical structures, algorithms, and approaches. The audience for eGames is equally broad, ranging from casual participants to competitive players. This inclusivity provides a relatable gateway for students who might otherwise feel alienated by traditional, purely academic approaches to learning programming.

Technical Lessons from eGames Development

Studying how eGames are coded exposes students to a blend of technical and creative problem-solving that mirrors the demands of modern tech careers. Unlike simple, static coding projects, the development of an eGame requires programmers to manage dynamic interactions in real time. Every action a player takes must be instantly processed, evaluated, and responded to by the game’s system. This involves understanding algorithms for collision detection, state management, and random number generation, among other core concepts. It also demands the optimization of code to ensure that the game runs smoothly, even when handling complex graphics and multiple simultaneous player inputs.

Multidisciplinary Integration and Creativity

In addition to these technical considerations, eGames coding is inherently multidisciplinary. It involves the integration of art, sound design, narrative elements, and user interface principles—all of which must harmonize within the framework created by the code. For students, seeing how these diverse components interact can spark an appreciation for how coding connects to creative fields. This is particularly valuable for learners who may not be purely technical in their interests but are drawn to coding because of its potential to bring artistic visions to life.

Learning from Iterative Development

Another significant lesson students can draw from studying eGames is the importance of iterative development. In the gaming industry, no product is perfect in its first version. Developers release prototypes, conduct testing, collect feedback, and make adjustments based on how players interact with the game. This iterative loop mirrors best practices in software engineering, where agile development cycles prioritize adaptability and continuous improvement. By studying this process, students can learn not only to code but also to think like developers—anticipating user needs, spotting flaws, and making swift corrections.

Data Analysis and Performance Monitoring

The competitive nature of many eGames also offers insights into data handling and performance analytics. To maintain fair and engaging gameplay, developers must collect and analyze vast amounts of player data. This could range from tracking win-loss ratios to identifying gameplay bottlenecks or even monitoring network latency. Learning how to manage and interpret such data equips students with skills that are increasingly in demand across industries, from finance to healthcare to marketing.

Understanding Networked Systems

Moreover, the social dimension of eGames teaches lessons about networked systems and real-time communication protocols. Multiplayer eGames rely on complex backend infrastructures to synchronize gameplay across different locations, often in milliseconds. Understanding how servers, clients, and peer-to-peer networks function in this context helps students appreciate the challenges of building reliable, scalable online applications. This kind of knowledge is directly transferable to other areas of tech development, such as social media platforms, cloud-based collaboration tools, and real-time data dashboards.

Encouraging Resilience and Experimentation

The appeal of learning through eGames coding methods also lies in their ability to encourage resilience and experimentation. Game development is full of trial and error—programmers frequently write code that does not work as intended, requiring them to debug creatively and persistently. In a classroom setting, this translates into a safe space for students to fail, learn, and try again without the pressure of high-stakes assessment. It also nurtures problem-solving skills that extend far beyond coding, fostering a mindset that embraces challenges as opportunities for growth.

Incorporating Inclusivity and Accessibility

The lessons extend beyond technical skills. Studying eGames can highlight the value of user experience design, inclusivity, and accessibility. Modern eGames strive to appeal to a global audience, meaning developers must consider players with different cultural backgrounds, languages, and abilities. Incorporating these considerations into the coding process teaches students empathy in design—understanding that technology should be adaptable and inclusive. These are crucial perspectives for anyone entering the tech industry, where products are increasingly expected to meet the needs of diverse user bases.

A Practical, Engaging Path to Coding Mastery

Ultimately, by blending the familiarity and excitement of gameplay with the rigor of programming concepts, eGames coding offers an educational experience that is both immersive and practical. Students learn to write efficient, functional code while simultaneously understanding how that code creates interactive systems that people enjoy. They also gain exposure to the collaborative nature of real-world tech projects, as game development typically involves teams of programmers, designers, artists, and testers working toward a shared vision.

As more colleges explore gamified approaches to teaching, the study of eGames coding stands out as a particularly effective way to engage students and prepare them for the evolving demands of the workforce. Whether a student dreams of becoming a game developer, a software engineer, a UX designer, or a data analyst, the lessons embedded in eGames development are broadly applicable. They encompass not only technical mastery but also creativity, adaptability, and an understanding of human behavior.

In a world where the boundaries between work, play, and learning are increasingly blurred, eGames coding offers a model for education that feels as rewarding as it is instructive. For college students, diving into the mechanics of these digital arenas is more than an academic exercise—it is a preparation for thriving in the interactive, interconnected, and constantly evolving digital landscapes of the future.

About Rachelle

Contact Rachelle to schedule sessions about Artificial Intelligence, Coding, AR/VR, and more for your school or event! Submit the Contact Form.

Follow Rachelle on Bluesky, Instagram, and X at @Rdene915

**Interested in writing a guest blog for my site? Would love to share your ideas! Submit your post here. Looking for a new book to read? Find these available at bit.ly/Pothbooks

************ Also, check out my THRIVEinEDU Podcast Here!

Join my show on THRIVEinEDU on Facebook. Join the group here.

Back to School: Building Skills for the Future Starts Now

August 12, 2025August 9, 2025Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

As we head into a new school year, there’s always a familiar pattern—new schedules, maybe new students, seating charts, lesson planning, and so much more. We all have our usual back-to-school routines, but what if instead we took some time to learn more about our students and brought in opportunities that will prepare them with essential skills they’ll need for the future?

In our classrooms, we are teaching the next generation of creators, innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders. As the world continues to evolve rapidly, largely shaped by AI and other emerging technologies, our methods and maybe even our approach to education may need to be adjusted

Here are a few practical, engaging ways to kick off a new school year that will help students build future-ready or future-focused skills.

1. Foster Curiosity with a Future-Forward Inquiry Project

One of my favorite ways to begin the year is with a “What If…” inquiry activity. Present an open-ended question to students:

What if school took place in the metaverse?
What if every job used AI in some way?
What if we had to solve global problems using only local resources?

Then give students an opportunity to explore and discuss. They can brainstorm, sketch ideas, conduct research, or even collaborate in small groups. An activity like this will not only spark creativity and critical thinking, but it’s also a great way to gather insight into their interests, comfort level with tech, and their ability to think in different ways.

Bonus: You can ask this same question later in the year to compare or even to use it as a focus for a full project or assessment to see how their thinking has evolved.

2. Practice Communication Skills

Our students need to be able to communicate clearly across digital platforms, cultural contexts, and group dynamics. Early in the year, try giving students a prompt like:

“What would you want the world to know about your generation?”

Have them respond however they choose, whether sharing out loud, creating a short video, an infographic, or even a podcast clip. Another way to boost communication is by making time for a gallery walk or student showcase. Getting students to share their ideas and discuss them with one another is great for building the classroom community.

It also builds media literacy, student confidence, and fosters collaboration. And another benefit is that for us as educators, we have truly authentic artifacts of student voice and that helps students to feel that their work is more meaningful and valued in our classrooms.

3. Use AI Tools to Teach Digital Literacy and Responsibility

I have long been saying that whether we’re ready or not, we have to be willing to embrace the changes in technology. Over the past few years, we have experience so many changes because of AI. Our students will grow up and work in an AI-powered world. To prepare them, and ourselves, we need to focus on AI literacy, which is more than just explaining how tools like ChatGPT or Google Gemini or another LLM works. We also need to help them understand the when, why, and how to use these tools responsibly.

Start simple. Involve students in generating text with an AI tool and then ask them to fact-check it. Another idea is to generate a paragraph and ask students about the tone, does it sound human, and other questions that get them to really think about the output that is generated.

What I love about doing these activities in my classroom and when I am training educators, is that they open up important discussions about ethics, bias, and considerations of how to evaluate the information received. creativity.

4. Build Collaboration and Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving is most effective when students are working together to brainstorm ideas and iterate solutions.

One idea is to try a design challenge in the first weeks of school that connect to your content area. For example:

In science: Build a prototype for a sustainable invention.
In social studies: Redesign your community for accessibility.
In language arts: Create a character who solves a major future problem.

I sometimes only offer basic overviews with minimal instructions and encourage students to lead the way. I emphasize the process itself by asking them, “How did they approach the task? What obstacles did they face? What did they learn?”

An activity like this promotes real-world teamwork, growth mindset, and building resilience—all skills that will benefit our students far beyond our classroom.

5. Focus on SEL and Identity as a Foundation

Before students can engage deeply in learning, they need to feel seen, heard, and safe. The beginning of the year is the ideal time to promote social-emotional learning (SEL) by helping students explore who they are and what they care about.

Some activities that I have used and that colleagues have shared, include:

“My Learning Superpower” profiles
Vision boards for the year ahead
Journaling about strengths and challenges
Weekly gratitude or goal-setting circles
Beginning of the year “About Me” and a revisit of the responses later in the year.

Activities like these suggestions help students build self-awareness, empathy, and regulation, which are essential for pushing through both academic and personal challenges in a changing world.

When students better understand themselves, they will be more prepared to set their own goals, advocate for their needs, and engage in learning with purpose.

6. Introduce Real-World Problem Scenarios

One of the most exciting ways to build future-ready skills is through project-based learning based on real-world issues. Even in the first few weeks of school, you can get started by suggesting scenarios like:

A local water crisis that needs data analysis and a communication plan
A new social media platform that students must market ethically
A schoolwide challenge to reduce waste or carbon emissions

These activities tie directly to critical thinking, civic engagement, and applied learning which gives students a chance to make meaningful connections between what they know and where they live.

7. Create Space for Reflection and Metacognition

Helping students understand how they learn and not just what they learn is a game-changer.

In the classroom, build in short reflection prompts such as:

“What challenged you today?”
“What’s one mistake that taught you something?”
“How did you show persistence?”
“What did you try that was new?”
“What is something that you could do better tomorrow?”

Use tools like Padlet, Wakelet, a mind-mapping tool, even podcasting tools or traditional notebooks like I did years ago, to give students a space to share their voice during their learning journey. Over time, these reflections can shape stronger self-regulation, grit, and ownership.

The start of the school year is a time when culture is built, expectations are set, and curiosity is at its peak. It’s also when students begin to decide:

“Is this a place where I will be welcome?”

“Will I improve over the year?
“Will my ideas matter?”
“Can I shape my future here?”

Classrooms should be a space that reflect the world our students are preparing for, and not the world that we grew up in. The future is a place where AI literacy, collaboration, ethical thinking, creativity, and resilience are woven into our classrooms, starting from the first day and continuing throughout the year. It just takes one step forward to begin.

About Rachelle

Contact Rachelle to schedule sessions about Artificial Intelligence, Coding, AR/VR, and more for your school or event! Submit the Contact Form.

Follow Rachelle on Bluesky, Instagram, and X at @Rdene915