The idea of the AI-augmented technology reflects a shift away from standalone tools towards platforms that support collective work. AI does not sit on top of any job or role; instead, it is woven into the systems you already use within education.
AI is reshaping how learning is delivered, assessed and supported across all phases of education. From adaptive learning platforms to real-time feedback tools and intelligent planning assistants, AI can amplify, not replace, the expertise of teachers, leaders and support staff.
AI can add value in schools such as personalised adaptive learning, critical thinking partner, feedback and assessment, helping to build future ready skills and an AI-ready school culture.
Personalised Adaptive Learning
AI-powered adaptive learning systems adjust content, pace, scaffolding and difficulty based on each student’s real-time performance and learning behaviours. These tools use analytics and machine learning to tailor content based on each learner’s needs helping to improve engagement and accessibility.
Microsoft Examples:
Microsoft Learning Accelerators such as Reading Progress and Reading Coach provide real-time insights for teachers and feedback for students.
Immersive Reader provides personalised support that adapts to students needs e.g. dyslexia-friendly formatting, translation and read aloud.
Google Examples:
Google Classroom and Practice Sets provide AI-supported suggestions for hints and personalised feedback based on student responses.
Chromebook’s offer accessibility tools such as dictation and screen reading for personalised support through AI-enhanced accessibility settings.
AI-Powered Feedback and Assessment
Automated feedback is one of the most effective applications of AI in Education, supporting prompt, personalised, data-rich responses for learners.
Microsoft Examples:
Microsoft Forms with Insights automatically analyse quiz results, identify misconceptions and recommend follow-up tasks.
Reading Progress analytics provides both the teacher and the learner with AI-generated fluency data such as, accuracy, error patterns and mispronunciations.
Google Examples:
Google Classroom rubric insights uses patterns in marking to inform more consistent and efficient assessment.
Google Forms and Auto-marking gives instant feedback for students and performance analytics for teachers.
AI as a Critical Thinking Partner
AI tutoring tools help students question ideas, explore explanations and consider different viewpoints, especially when teachers guide and monitor the process.
Microsoft Examples:
Microsoft Copilot allows learners to ask questions, generate hypotheses or analyse texts, while teachers guide their critical evaluation of generated responses.
Search Progress and Search Coach support learners in critically thinking about their research process and skills. Encouraging them to ask better questions, evaluate source credibility and compare different perspectives.
Google Examples:
Google Gemini supports questioning prompts and inquiry tasks such as, ‘Generate counter arguments’ or ‘Explain the reasoning differently.’
Building an AI-Ready School Culture
Teacher preparation, ethical data use and strategic integration are essential to build both an AI-ready school culture and also develop future ready skills in learners. Pedagogy must lead the use of AI, not the other way around.
Data privacy, transparency and secure implementation remain central concerns and AI should help to free time for deeper instruction and collaboration.
Microsoft Examples:
Microsoft Copilot can help staff to automate and summarise documents and communications.
Microsoft 365 Admin and Education Insights provide data-driven school-wide analytics supporting staff with attendance, wellbeing indicators, etc.
Google Examples:
Google Admin Console provides centralised management of data privacy settings, app permissions and digital safeguarding.
Google Workspace for Education Plus supports generative AI tools for planning, communication and workflow automation.
| Role | AI Benefits | Useful Microsoft Tools | Useful Google Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teachers | Personalisation, faster feedback, planning support | Reading Progress, Editor, Class Insights, Copilot | Practice Sets, Docs AI writing help, Gemini for differentiation |
| Leaders | School‑wide patterns, workflow optimisation | Education Insights, Compliance Centre | Admin Console analytics, Workspace automation |
| Support Staff | Clearer needs analysis, intervention triggers | Immersive Reader, Forms Insights | Accessibility tools, auto‑marked Forms, Classroom analytics |