Thursday, July 24, 2025

AI-Generated Lessons for Learning Design and Alignment

Photo by Numan Ali on Unsplash

Project Overview

  • Purpose: Evaluate an AI-generated lesson to assess alignment, rigor and effectiveness in supporting learning outcomes
  • Audience: Early learners
  • Tools Used: MagicSchool AI, ChatGPT, Google Workspace
  • Outcome: Identified strengths and gaps in AI-generated instructional content and proposed improvements to enhance alignment, rigor and engagement

Summary

This project focuses on evaluating an AI-generated lesson to determine how well it aligns with learning standards and supports meaningful learning experiences. The evaluation highlights areas of strength, identifies gaps in rigor and technology integration and provides recommendations to improve instructional effectiveness.

Magic School AI Lesson Evaluation and Reflection

I completed three accessibility courses on the OkableTech website to learn how to improve the accessibility of my blog. Based on what I learned, I updated the color contrast to enhance text readability and chose a cleaner, more accessible font. These changes ensure that all visitors, including those using assistive technology, can engage with the content more easily.

Additionally, I used a screen reader to listen to my Week 2 blog post, which took just under five minutes to complete. The content flowed well and was easy to understand when read aloud. Moving forward, I will continue to be mindful of sentence length and structure to maintain clarity and support all types of readers and listeners.

Activity 2: Lesson Evaluation and Alignment

Part 1

🔗 Magic School AI Lesson Link: https://app.magicschool.ai/tools/lesson-plan-generator?share=cc868cc4-e6d0-444c-b409-22d56949cf33

For this assignment, I utilized Magic School AI to generate a kindergarten social studies lesson titled “Homes Around the World.” The standards addressed include Oklahoma Social Studies K.2.6, K.4.1, and ISTE 1.6 Creative Communicator.

Lesson Alignment and Rigor

The lesson aligns with the content standards and includes developmentally appropriate activities such as exploring different types of homes, engaging in discussion and participating in a drawing task. However, the level of rigor can be strengthened through additional instructional support and structure.

  • Explicitly teach needs vs. wants
  • Use a structured comparison activity (e.g., Venn diagram)
  • Include a specific picture book for guidance

Technology integration was requested but not included. Tools like Seesaw could enhance engagement by allowing learners to create and explain their thinking through audio and visuals.

Connection to Instructional Framework

This learning experience aligns with the Triple E Framework by supporting engagement and enhancement. However, the Extend component is limited, as technology is not used to connect learning beyond the classroom.

AI Tool Exploration

Tool: Worksheet Generator

The Worksheet Generator in MagicSchool AI allows for customized instructional materials based on topic, grade level and standards. It supports differentiation and can be used for practice or informal assessment.

Reflection and Insights

MagicSchool AI supports efficiency, differentiation and standards-aligned planning. However, AI-generated materials require human review to ensure quality, accuracy and alignment with learner needs.

Effective AI use also requires attention to transparency, data privacy and equitable access to ensure inclusive learning experiences.

Use of AI Tools

AI tools such as ChatGPT support communication, idea development and instructional material creation, helping streamline workflows while maintaining clarity and focus.

Skills Demonstrated

  • Instructional Design
  • AI Tool Evaluation
  • Curriculum Alignment
  • Learning Experience Design
  • Content Development
  • Critical Analysis
  • Basic HTML

Impact

This project demonstrates the ability to evaluate AI-generated instructional content and improve alignment, rigor and engagement while emphasizing the importance of human oversight.

Reference

Gura, M. (2016). Make, learn, succeed.

Kolb, L. Triple E Framework

U.S. Department of Education (2023). AI and the Future of Teaching and Learning

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Designing Learning Experiences That Support Knowledge and Reasoning

Project Overview

  • Purpose: Design a learning experience that promotes knowledge construction, reasoning and critical thinking
  • Audience: Early learners
  • Tools Used: Google Workspace, Visual Design Tools
  • Outcome: Developed an instructional resource that supports deeper learning through connections, reasoning and application

Summary

This project focuses on designing learning experiences that support knowledge construction, reasoning and critical thinking. The design draws on key concepts including the integration of prior knowledge, the role of expertise and bias and the development of inferential reasoning to promote deeper learning.

Instructional Design Framework

This design is informed by research on how learners develop knowledge and reasoning. Effective learning experiences support the integration of prior knowledge, encourage critical thinking and help learners make meaningful connections across contexts.

Adapted from How People Learn II (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2018)

Skills Demonstrated

  • Instructional Design
  • Curriculum Development
  • Learning Experience Design
  • Content Development
  • Critical Thinking
  • Visual Communication
  • Basic HTML

Impact

This project demonstrates the ability to design learning experiences that support knowledge construction, reasoning and critical thinking. It highlights how instructional design can promote deeper understanding by helping learners connect ideas, analyze information and apply learning in meaningful ways.

Reference

Adapted from How People Learn II, Chapter 5 (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2018)

Gura, M. (2020). Fostering Student Creativity.

ISTE (2016). ISTE Standards for Students.

Thursday, July 10, 2025

Designing Authentic Learning Experiences Using the AIW Framework

Project Overview

  • Purpose: Design a learning experience aligned with the Authentic Intellectual Work framework to support critical thinking and real-world application
  • Audience: Early learners
  • Tools Used: Google Workspace, Drawing Applications, Audio Recording Tools
  • Outcome: Developed a learning experience that supports knowledge construction, inquiry and real-world application through structured activities and technology integration

Summary

This project focuses on designing a learning experience aligned with the Authentic Intellectual Work framework. The design emphasizes critical thinking, meaningful engagement and real-world application by guiding learners to construct knowledge, participate in inquiry and demonstrate understanding through interactive activities.

Instructional Design Framework: Authentic Intellectual Work

Authentic Intellectual Work (AIW) supports the design of learning experiences that promote critical thinking, meaningful engagement and real-world application. This framework emphasizes moving beyond memorization by encouraging learners to apply prior knowledge, analyze information and create meaningful work.

Construction of Knowledge

Construction of knowledge focuses on developing new understanding by organizing, analyzing and applying information to solve problems. Learners move beyond memorization by engaging in higher-order thinking and applying their learning in meaningful ways.

Disciplined Inquiry

Disciplined inquiry builds on prior knowledge to support deeper understanding. It includes the development of a strong knowledge base, in-depth exploration of ideas and clear communication of understanding.

Value Beyond School

Value beyond school emphasizes designing learning experiences that have relevance outside of the classroom. Learners apply their understanding in ways that connect to real-world contexts.

Instructional Design Example

An example of this framework in practice is a learning experience focused on land and sea animals. Learners activate prior knowledge, engage in discussion and analyze how animal features support survival in different environments.

Learners then sort animals by habitat and create a digital drawing with an audio explanation describing where each animal lives and how it survives.

Alignment with Instructional Framework

This learning experience supports knowledge construction, disciplined inquiry and real-world application by encouraging learners to connect, analyze and apply their understanding.

Technology Integration and Learning Design

Digital Learning and Equity

Technology integration supports active learning by allowing learners to create and communicate their understanding. It also promotes accessibility by providing multiple ways to demonstrate learning.

Triple E Framework

This experience supports engagement, enhancement and extension through intentional use of digital tools and meaningful learning tasks.

Skills Demonstrated

  • Instructional Design
  • Curriculum Development
  • Learning Experience Design
  • Educational Technology Integration
  • Content Development
  • Critical Thinking
  • Basic HTML

Impact

This project demonstrates the ability to design meaningful learning experiences that promote critical thinking, engagement and real-world application.

Reference

Newmann et al. (2007). Authentic Instruction and Assessment

U.S. Department of Education (2021). Early Learning and EdTech

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Designing Engaging Learning Experiences Through Technology Integration

Project Overview

  • Purpose: Design a structured learning experience that supports comprehension and engagement through the use of digital tools and learner-centered strategies
  • Audience: Early learners
  • Tools Used: Google Workspace, ChatGPT
  • Outcome: Developed clear and accessible instructional materials that improved engagement and supported multiple ways for learners to demonstrate understanding

Summary

This learning experience was designed to support communication, engagement and learner choice through the use of digital tools. Learners participated in a live interaction and selected a platform to demonstrate their understanding. The design supports multiple ways of expression and promotes active participation in the learning process.

Skills Demonstrated

  • Instructional Design
  • Curriculum Development
  • Learning Experience Design
  • Educational Technology Integration
  • Content Development
  • Communication

Impact

This learning experience improved engagement by allowing learners to actively participate and choose how they demonstrate understanding. The use of digital tools supported accessibility and provided multiple ways for learners to express their ideas.

Meet Janeive

I am a Learning and Development professional with a background in curriculum design, instructional content development and early childhood education. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Primary Education from the University of the West Indies and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on reading.

My experience centers on designing structured learning experiences, developing instructional materials and supporting diverse learners. I specialize in creating clear, engaging and accessible content that helps individuals understand and apply new concepts.

I currently teach Kindergarten at Kendall Whittier Elementary School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where I design and deliver learning experiences that are responsive to student needs.

Instructional Design Example: Technology Integration

This learning experience supports communication and engagement through digital tools. Learners participate in a live interaction and choose how to demonstrate their understanding using audio, video or interactive tools.

Instructional Design Framework: Triple E Model

This experience aligns with the Triple E Framework by supporting engagement, enhancement and extension through intentional technology use and real-world connection.

Reference

Kolb, L. (2017). Learning first, technology second.

Portfolio

Hi, I’m Janeive Norman. I design clear, engaging learning experiences that support understanding, accessibility and real...