Educators and school staff juggle multiple responsibilities, from preparing lessons and grading to managing meetings and administrative tasks. These duties often leave little room for strategic focus or creativity. Artificial Intelligence (AI), however, is beginning to reshape the educational landscape, offering solutions to reduce time-consuming workloads and boost overall productivity.
AI Integration Through Copilot+ PCs
New developments in AI technology, particularly AI-ready devices such as Copilot+ PCs, are offering promising support to schools. These PCs are equipped with neural processing units (NPUs), enabling them to handle up to 40 trillion operations per second—far surpassing standard computers. This allows educators to access real-time assistance with brainstorming, content generation, summarisation, and task organisation.
The battery life of these devices also suits dynamic classroom settings, allowing over 20 hours of usage without charging. Built-in AI agents embedded in Microsoft 365 and Windows environments further simplify daily routines, enabling users to track pending tasks, automate reminders, and create lesson plans.
Project Spark and Content Generation
Microsoft’s Project Spark, currently in private preview, serves as a dedicated platform for educators to generate lesson plans and quizzes aligned with curriculum standards. The system utilises AI to scan existing content stored within the user’s environment, efficiently building customised educational material.
Windows 11 and Future-Ready Devices
Schools currently operating on Windows 10 must prepare for the upcoming end of security updates by October. With Windows 11 offering integrated AI features and enhanced security, upgrading devices becomes crucial. The Edge browser includes a free version of Copilot, enabling access to core AI features without additional software.
Upskilling for the AI Era
To fully leverage AI in classrooms, training for educators is essential. Numerous free courses are available on AI fundamentals, including prompt engineering and task automation. Investing in AI-capable devices, coupled with staff training, positions schools to harness AI’s full potential.
