Title: Navigating Uncharted Waters: Using Generative Artificial Intelligence for Differentiation and Individualization in Middle Schools
Authors: Hilary Dack, Daniel G. Maxwell, Paige Lane
Journal Issue: Spring 2025 36(1)
Abstract: Generative AI (GenAI) can provide middle grades educators with tools that streamline instructional planning and save volumes of time. Among their broad offerings, GenAI tools afford many potential ways to support teachers' responsive instruction, or instruction that proactively anticipates and responds to learners' varied strengths, preferences, and growth areas. Differentiated and individualized instruction are two forms of responsive instruction commonly used by middle school educators, which can be time-consuming to plan. In this article, we explain how teachers of young adolescents can use three popular GenAI tools - MagicSchool, Diffit, and ChatGPT - to make planning for both types of responsive instruction more efficient. We describe each tool's key features, strengths, and limitations and offer concrete guidelines for using each effectively. We also share recommendations for middle level educators' ethical, safe, and accurate use of all GenAI tools.