MagicSchool is the latest addition to our AI toolkit for teachers. I’ve spent considerable time exploring its features, testing its various functionalities, and poring over teacher testimonials. The educational potential this tool offers to both teachers and students is truly astounding. The aim of this post is to introduce MagicSchool, highlight some of its key features, and discuss how you can integrate it into your teaching.
Photo: Magicschool.ai
What is MagicSchool?
What is MagicSchool? It’s an AI-powered platform providing a vast array of resources aimed at making the best of AI in education. Developed by a team of teachers and principals, its popularity among educators likely stems from this very fact. My support for edtech initiatives created by educators for educators goes beyond personal preference; it’s rooted in a conviction that shared experiences and challenges are crucial in crafting tools that genuinely meet our educational needs.
Instead of only creating tools that address commonly understood aspects of teaching, we’ve drawn from research-based best practices, feedback from educators, as well as our own experiences in the classroom, to create tools that will save time on repetitive, tedious behind-the-scenes tasks that only teachers understand require tons of effort… things like generating relevant content, writing IEPs, differentiation, creating assessments, and supporting school discipline. That way, teachers can spend their time on the uniquely human, creative aspects of their work.
MagicSchool Team
MagicSchool Tools
MagicSchool offers access to a wide array of over 60 AI tools designed particularly for teachers and students. Among these tools, the 5E Model Science Lesson Plan Generator stands out, offering educators the ability to craft detailed lesson plans based on the Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate framework, tailor-made for science classes.
The AI-Resistant Assignment Suggestions is another powerful AI tool, providing strategies to enhance assignments in ways that encourage critical thinking and resilience against AI-generated content. Furthermore, the Academic Content Generator and Accommodation Suggestion Generator simplify the creation of customized academic materials and support strategies for students with diverse learning needs, including those with 504 plans, IEPs, or BIPs.
Additionally, MagicSchool’s suite includes innovative tools like the Assignment Scaffolder, which breaks down assignments into manageable steps for students, and the BIP Suggestion Generator, offering insights for behavior intervention plans. The platform also introduces the Choice Board Generator, aligning with Universal Design for Learning principles to create diverse and engaging assignment options. From generating class newsletters to providing clear, concise directions, MagicSchool empowers educators with practical solutions to everyday challenges.
Related: Twee – Enhance Your Teaching Using AI
Integrating MagicSchool AI Tools in Teaching
MagicSchool’s AI tools can significantly enhance teaching and learning experiences in various innovative ways. The following are some illustrative examples showcasing how some of these tools can be integrated into everyday classroom activities:
- 5E Model Science Lesson Plan Generator: Imagine you’re starting a unit on ecosystems. Use this tool to generate a comprehensive lesson plan that actively engages students through the 5E model phases. For instance, in the “Engage” phase, you might introduce an intriguing question about local ecosystems, followed by an “Explore” activity where students investigate different types of ecosystems through interactive online resources. The tool can help outline subsequent phases, ensuring a structured yet flexible approach to learning.
- AI-Resistant Assignment Suggestions: To challenge your students in a literature class and encourage original thinking, input your assignment description into this tool. It might suggest asking students to analyze a character’s development through personal reflection rather than standard analysis, making it harder for students to rely on generic AI-generated content and promoting deeper engagement with the material.
- Accommodation Suggestion Generator: When you have a student who requires specific learning accommodations, this tool can provide tailored suggestions. For example, if a student struggles with reading comprehension, the tool might recommend allowing extra time for assignments or providing text-to-speech options, ensuring you can offer the right support at the right time.
- Class Newsletter Tool: Keep families informed and engaged by using this tool to generate a weekly newsletter. Highlight upcoming events, share photos from recent class activities, and include tips for how parents can support their child’s learning at home. This not only strengthens the home-school connection but also saves you valuable preparation time.
- Math Story Word Problems: For a more engaging approach to math, input the concepts you’re teaching, and let the tool craft custom story problems. If you’re teaching fractions, the tool could generate a story problem about dividing a pizza among friends, making the abstract concept more concrete and relatable for students.
- Project-Based Learning (PBL) Generator: If you’re planning a project on sustainable living, this tool can help design a comprehensive PBL plan. It can suggest activities such as researching local recycling programs, designing a minimal waste home, and presenting findings to the class, ensuring that your project is aligned with educational standards and engaging for students.
- Text Scaffolder Tool: Use this tool to adapt complex texts for students who need extra support. If your class is reading a challenging historical document, the Text Scaffolder can redefine difficult vocabulary and pose comprehension questions, making the text more accessible to all learners.
- Rubric Generator: Simplify assessment by inputting the criteria of an upcoming project and letting the tool generate a detailed rubric. This ensures that students understand the expectations and grading standards from the start, and it provides you with a clear, consistent framework for evaluation.
Watch this video to learn more about MagicSchool
MagicSchool AI Pricing?
MagicSchool is available at no cost for educators, providing access to a selection of its powerful tools with some functionality restrictions. For those looking to unlock the platform’s full potential, MagicSchool Plus offers an enhanced suite of features. With a subscription priced at $12.99 per month or an annual fee of $99.96.
Final thoughts
MagicSchool is a platform worth exploring for any educator looking to leverage the power of AI in their teaching practices. Its comprehensive suite of tools, designed with input from teachers and principals, offers a unique opportunity to enhance educational experiences in a manner that is both innovative and grounded in pedagogical principles. Whether you’re utilizing the free version or opting for the expanded capabilities of MagicSchool Plus, the platform provides a valuable resource for customizing learning experiences, streamlining lesson planning, and engaging students in meaningful ways.
