Using AI in the Chemistry Classroom – Tips, Tricks, and Failures!

The National Mathematics and Science College, Warwickshire, UK.  

This presentation, aimed at practicing secondary school chemistry teachers, discussed the integration of AI tools in the chemistry classroom to enhance teaching efficiency and effectiveness. The focus was on how / if AI can save time for busy teachers, allowing them more opportunities for impactful teaching, through the automation of tasks like marking and lesson planning. 

The session highlighted several AI tools and techniques that have been integrated into everyday teaching practices, automating routine tasks which traditionally consume a significant amount of a teacher's time. Examples from real-life applications were shared where AI has been used for GCSE and A-level chemistry. 

The presentation discussed some of the pitfalls associated with the use of AI in education. It shared some failures alongside the successes to give teachers a realistic picture of what to expect, to help users anticipate potential challenges and strategies to overcome them. Those prompts are so important! 

The session covered practical examples of how AI has been employed from planning new staff inductions, writing detailed personalised reports, communication with parents, and assisting with job applications. The use of AI in generating multiple-choice questions and assisting in personal tutor sessions was used to demonstrate the versatility and potential to support personalised learning for students. 

An important aspect discussed is the teachers' concern that despite the promise of AI to reduce workload, a significant percentage still find it does not lessen their work burden, and the need to set realistic expectations when incorporating AI technologies into educational practices. 

The aims of the session were to provide an overview of practical uses of AI in teaching, the successes and limitations of these with insights for attendees to implement AI effectively in their own classrooms. It encouraged an open dialogue about the integration of technology in education, aiming to pave the way for more refined and beneficial use of AI in teaching in the future.