Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword—it’s becoming an essential tool in education. From lesson planning to creating engaging test materials, AI is transforming how teachers work and how students learn.
Using AI to Enhance Teaching
It is clear that artificial intelligence is not merely a technological novelty but it is also a new pedagogical challenge. The question is no longer whether we should allow it in the classrooms, but also how it will shape the future of education.
At Britannica International School we recognize how the advantages of AI can be incorporated responsibly and creatively into the classrooms.
Mr Les McGregor, Teacher of Computer Science
Mr McGregor grew up in East London, South Africa, and earned a B.Sc. in Physics (with electronics) and Computer Science. Since 1988, he has worked across various IT roles in industry, education, and at his alma mater, managing computer systems. In 2007, he began teaching Computer Science to secondary students in his hometown.
In 2018, Les moved to Changzhou, China, to teach the British Computer Science curriculum at an international boarding school. After seven years, he, his wife, and their two dogs and cat relocated to Britannica International School in Budapest, bringing his extensive experience to a new international community.
Les enjoys sharing his knowledge with others. In his free time, he loves long-distance cycling, hiking, and exploring nature with his wife—and their pets whenever possible.
Mr McGregor talks about how AI became an invaluable tool in his everyday work:
- Lesson Planning:
AI allows outlining lesson topics, learning objectives, and classroom activities that align with the syllabus.
- Creating Test Material:
Designing fair and balanced assessments has become easier. AI suggests questions with different difficulty levels and formats, which helps building more effective tests.
- Quick Definitions and Explanations:
When students need clarifications on the spot, AI can be relied on how to provide accurate, concise explanations in seconds.
A Boost for Students
AI doesn’t just help teachers—it empowers students too. Instant feedback and personalized resources let learners progress at their own pace, freeing teachers to focus on mentoring and sparking curiosity.
Revolutionizing the Electronics Club
Electronics Club, led by Mr McGregor became one of the most popular extra-curricular activities in Secondary. Our Electronics Club introduces students to the fundamentals of circuits and components, gradually progressing to programming microcontrollers to interface with sensors and output devices. The ultimate goal? Building practical projects that can be used in real life.
Here, AI supercharges creativity and learning:
- Brainstorming Projects: From smart lighting to automated plant watering, AI sparks inventive ideas.
- Coding Help: AI suggests optimized code and troubleshooting tips for microcontroller projects.
- Learning On-Demand: Students can instantly grasp tricky concepts like voltage or sensor calibration.
- Design Simulation: AI tests circuit designs before students build them, cutting trial-and-error and saving resources.
With AI in the mix, teaching and learning aren’t just faster—they’re smarter, more creative, and more exciting. Mr McGregor’s classes show how technology can turn ideas into real-world innovation.
