AI Tools & Support
A practical guide to widely used AI tools for planning, research, writing, creative work, and classroom support. Start with the task you need to accomplish, then choose the tool that fits.
Everyday AI assistants
These broad tools can help explain, brainstorm, organize, write, analyze, and create. Their strengths overlap, so the best choice often depends on your school’s existing accounts and policies.
ChatGPT
A flexible assistant for brainstorming, explaining concepts, drafting materials, analyzing files, and working across text and images.
Best for: idea development, revision, planning, and step-by-step support.
Open ChatGPTGoogle Gemini
An AI assistant that works well with Google services and supports writing, planning, research, images, and uploaded materials.
Best for: schools already using Google Workspace and multimodal prompts.
Open GeminiMicrosoft Copilot
An AI assistant connected to web sources and Microsoft tools. It can summarize, draft, create images, and work alongside Microsoft 365.
Best for: web-grounded support and Microsoft-based workflows.
Open CopilotClaude
A thoughtful assistant for writing, document analysis, research synthesis, coding, and guided learning conversations.
Best for: long documents, careful revision, and structured thinking.
Open ClaudeResearch and source-grounded support
Use these tools when the quality and visibility of source material matter. Always open the cited sources and confirm that they support the response.
NotebookLM
Build a focused notebook from your own documents, websites, slides, and other sources. Responses stay grounded in the material you provide and include citations.
Best for: source-based research, study guides, summaries, and lesson preparation.
Open NotebookLMPerplexity
A research assistant that answers questions with linked web sources so you can open and evaluate the evidence behind a response.
Best for: finding starting points, comparing sources, and current-topic research.
Open PerplexityEducation-focused support
These platforms are designed around common educator tasks such as planning, differentiation, feedback, and adapting materials.
MagicSchool
A school-focused platform with teacher tools for lesson planning, rubrics, differentiation, feedback, communication, and instructional materials.
Best for: classroom preparation and adapting resources for learners.
Explore MagicSchoolBrisk Teaching
A browser-based education assistant that works inside common web, Google, and Microsoft tools to create materials, adjust reading levels, and support feedback.
Best for: improving existing materials without leaving your usual workflow.
Explore BriskCreative production
Use these resources to turn ideas into visual materials while keeping accessibility, copyright, school policy, and appropriate attribution in mind.
Canva AI
Creative tools inside Canva for presentations, layouts, writing, images, and other visual materials.
Best for: polished classroom visuals, handouts, presentations, and creative projects.
Explore Canva AIAdobe Firefly
Adobe’s generative creative workspace for producing and editing images, video, audio, and design elements.
Best for: visual exploration and creative media workflows.
Explore FireflyFeatures, access levels, and terms can change. Review each provider’s current information and your organization’s policies before classroom use.