Epilogue: Keeping You EngAIged in the AI Revolution

Welcome to the EngAIged Update, a living document I’ve created to keep the readers of my book “EngAIged: Fearless Teaching in the Age of Bots” up to speed on the rapidly evolving world of AI.

As we know, AI is changing almost daily, and it’s my mission to support teachers in making the most of these powerful tools in the classroom.

In this update, we’ll cover the latest and greatest developments in some of the key AI platforms we explored in the book:

ChatGPT: Learn the latest features including new real-time browsing capabilities and powerful features like voice and image integration.
Co-Pilot: Discover how Microsoft’s AI is expanding its usefulness in productivity and lesson planning, with deep integration into Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Gemini: Google’s next-generation AI platform has arrived, and it’s designed to handle everything from text to video, creating new opportunities for learning.

Additionally, I’ll dive into new developments in AI-powered graphic programs like DALL·E and Midjourney, highlighting how these tools are now more accessible than ever, with enhanced features for creating dynamic visuals that can bring your lessons to life. I also updated the book section on top plugins for ChatGPT to include the latest options for teachers.

This document will be regularly updated to reflect new AI features and tools as they emerge, so be sure to check back frequently. Together, we’ll stay on the cutting edge of AI in education, ensuring that our classrooms remain as engaging and innovative as ever.

Update #1 ChatGPT – What You Need to Know Now

Real-Time Data: No More Stuck in the Past

Gone are the days when you’d ask ChatGPT about current events, and it would stare blankly at you like it’s 2022 all over again. With web browsing now fully integrated, teachers and students can get their hands on the latest research, breaking news, or even the most recent trends in AI technology. This feature doesn’t just make ChatGPT more competitive with tools like Bing—it puts it right there in the same league for pulling up-to-the-minute information.

Turbocharged: GPT-4 Turbo and the 128,000 Token Wonder

Here’s where things get really exciting. You’re teaching a unit on climate change, and you’ve got an entire book on it—no problem. ChatGPT, with its GPT-4 Turbo, now has a whopping 128,000 token capacity (translation: that’s roughly 300 pages). This means you can throw entire books, long reports, or extensive lesson plans at it and get detailed, meaningful analysis in return. While it may decrease accuracy with the longer documents, we are on the cusp of a whole new phase in summaries and analytics.

Voice and Image Capabilities: Hello, Interaction!

Imagine this: you’re in a classroom, and instead of typing questions into ChatGPT, you just talk to it. And it talks back. That’s right—ChatGPT’s voice interaction is here for both free and pro users. This is especially cool for creating engaging auditory experiences or real-time classroom discussions. Plus, it can now see what you’re talking about too. With image recognition and interaction, you can upload diagrams, photos, and illustrations, and ChatGPT will analyze and respond to them like a visual sidekick. Perfect for those STEM lessons where images speak louder than words.

Seamless Mobile and Desktop Parity

Whether you’re using your desktop, tablet, or phone, ChatGPT now offers full feature parity across devices. Voice and image capabilities work seamlessly, meaning teachers and students can jump from one device to another without losing any functionality. Picture it: students using their smartphones in class to ask ChatGPT about their science project images while you, the teacher, guide the discussion from your desktop.

Visual Learning: A New Dimension in the Classroom

One of ChatGPT’s most impressive updates? Its image-based tools now let you get really precise. You can highlight specific parts of an image or diagram and ask for detailed explanations. Think about how this can transform visual learning in subjects like biology, geography, or even art. Suddenly, maps, photos, and diagrams become interactive, unlocking a new level of engagement for students.

ChatGPT vs. Bing: The Battle for Real-Time Access

In the past, Bing had the upper hand when it came to real-time browsing, but ChatGPT’s new features have leveled the playing field. Now both AI tools can access real-time data, so the big question is how they stack up in other areas. ChatGPT still excels in conversational depth, creativity, and longer text analysis, while Bing may lean more toward precision and factual short answers. It’s like deciding whether you want the AI equivalent of a creative writing buddy or a search engine on steroids. Either way, you’ve got options.

Update #2 Copilot – What Teachers Need to Know

Microsoft’s Copilot is making waves, and if you’re a teacher, you’ll want to take note of how it can simplify your life in the classroom. If you’re a school that uses Microsoft (or you use it at home), you’ll find that Copilot is built into the Microsoft 365 suite (think Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), and is designed to boost productivity while offering powerful real-time data, image processing, and AI-enhanced tools. Here’s a breakdown of the key features you should know about—and how they can help make your workday a little smoother.

Real-Time Data: Keep Office Up-to-Date

Copilot used to have the edge when it came to real-time data retrieval. Now, with ChatGPT’s Pro version offering the same browsing capability, both tools are offer similar benefits. But the Microsoft advantage is this: Copilot can pull in real-time data directly into your Office apps. Need to update a history lesson with the latest info on global events? Copilot’s ready. It works seamlessly to make sure your teaching materials are up-to-date and accurate.

Image Upload and Processing: Visuals at Your Fingertips

Gone are the days when inserting images into your lesson plans was a chore. With Copilot, you can upload images directly into your documents or presentations and let the AI analyze and optimize them. This is especially useful for science or art classes where detailed visuals are key. And while other AI programs has also provide image uploads, Copilot integrates this feature deeply into Office tools, making it easy to use visuals in context, whether you’re drafting a worksheet or putting together a slide deck.

Voice Commands: Hands-Free Teaching Power

Copilot’s voice command feature is a hands-free dream, allowing you to talk to the AI and have it create documents, draft emails, or organize tasks for you. And guess what? ChatGPT’s voice interaction is now on par, but having this voice feature right inside your Microsoft apps (think grading spreadsheets or lesson planning) makes Copilot a natural extension of your teaching workflow. It’s like having your own personal assistant—no typing required.

Smart Suggestions: The Teacher’s AI Sidekick

Here’s where Copilot really shines: its ability to suggest follow-up questions and cite sources. Whether you’re researching for a class project or fine-tuning a lesson, Copilot can propose next steps, making it a powerful tool for helping students explore a topic more deeply. This feature is particularly valuable for research-heavy classes, where having AI-driven suggestions can spark deeper learning. ChatGPT also retrieves real-time data and suggests follow-up ideas, but Copilot’s built-in citations and source links make it ideal for lessons where accuracy is paramount.

Your Outlook Just Got Smarter

Copilot’s Outlook integration is a game changer for teachers who spend a lot of time managing emails, scheduling parent-teacher conferences, or following up on school events. Copilot can draft responses, summarize long email chains, and even adjust the tone of your emails to suit your audience. From handling admin work to managing communications, Copilot helps you keep your inbox under control—without losing hours of your day. ChatGPT doesn’t have this kind of direct email integration, making Copilot’s tools a must for teachers using Microsoft 365.

Bottom line: If you’re already using Microsoft 365, Copilot is the AI boost you didn’t know you needed—but once you have it, you won’t want to go back!

Update #3 Gemini – What Teachers Need to Know

Meet Gemini—Google’s newest AI superpower, which is great for teachers and schools using Google products, This AI platform is like Bard (its former name) but much improved, and it’s designed to handle not just text, but also images, videos, and beyond. For teachers, this means a huge leap in what you can do with AI in your classroom. Here are some of Gemini’s lates features not covered in the book.

Multimodal Mastery: Text, Images, and Video

Gemini is a multimodal powerhouse, meaning it can process and understand multiple types of input—text, images, and even video. Imagine teaching a history lesson where you not only show students a historical photo but have Gemini analyze and explain it, or using a YouTube video and getting instant summaries or key points. Whether you’re teaching STEM, humanities, or the arts, this expanded functionality lets you bring more diverse materials into the classroom.

Google Workspace Integration: Your New Personal Assistant

Here’s where Gemini is really helpful for teachers. Gemini works hand-in-hand with Google Workspace, which means it can seamlessly interact with your Docs, Gmail, Drive, and Calendar. Need to whip up a quick lesson plan? Gemini can help you draft it directly in Docs. Have too many emails to manage? Let Gemini summarize threads or even draft responses. Think of it as your AI-powered teacher’s assistant that keeps everything organized so you can focus on teaching.

Real-Time Fact-Checking: No More Misinformation

With Gemini, Google’s search capabilities are built right in, which means when you’re generating content, Gemini can pull in real-time data from the web. Whether you’re checking facts for a science project or pulling up recent events for a civics class, you will see that Gemini’s responses are backed by up-to-date, reliable sources. While not perfect, this is a serious boost to the accuracy of classroom discussions.

YouTube Video Understanding: Turning Videos Into Lessons

As a Google product, Gemini integrates easily with YouTube. Now, instead of watching an entire YouTube video and trying to summarize it yourself, Gemini can do that for you. Imagine teaching a complex topic like ecosystems or global economics and having Gemini break down the key points of a video, so your students focus on the essentials. It’s a grest time-saver, and it makes multimedia learning smoother than ever.

AI Image Generation: Creative Classrooms, Unleashed

If you’re in a creative field—or just want to bring more visuals into your lessons—Gemini’s partnership with Adobe opens up a whole new world of possibilities. You can generate custom images for projects, visual aids, or even student presentations. It’s a fantastic tool for art, literature, and design classes, but also useful when you need a quick visual to explain complex ideas in any subject.

Bottom Line: What Does This Mean for You?

Gemini isn’t just a flashy AI update—it’s a full-fledged tool that integrates smoothly into your day-to-day teaching. Whether you’re using Google Docs to draft quizzes, pulling up real-time facts for a debate, or generating AI-powered visuals for a presentation, Gemini can help you be more efficient and make your lessons more engaging. Gemini can save you time, boost your creativity, and keep your students engaged with cutting-edge tools—all without leaving the Google ecosystem you may already use daily.

Update #4 Khanmigo – What Teachers Need to Know

Khanmigo, powered by GPT-4, is evolving quickly and becoming an even more effective tool for classrooms. Here’s the scoop on what’s new and how it can help teachers:

Real-Time Smarts: GPT-4 Powers Up

Khanmigo’s real-time data capabilities have improved, making it a better tutor for students. It provides more accurate, conversational responses that help engage students and keep them on track—whether they’re tackling math problems or writing essays.

Customized for Schools

Khan Academy is expanding its partnerships with schools, offering tailored implementations for different subjects and grade levels. This means Khanmigo can be customized to fit your school’s needs, ensuring it supports the curriculum and goals you have in mind.

Paid vs. Free: What’s the Difference?

While Khanmigo is a premium, paid service (to cover AI query costs) offering personalized tutoring and lesson support, Khan Academy continues to provide free educational tools. This ensures that students still have access to free, world-class education even if they don’t subscribe to Khanmigo.

Teacher’s AI Assistant

Khanmigo isn’t just for students—it’s a powerful tool for teachers too. It can help co-write lesson plans, manage administrative tasks, and track student progress. As AI becomes more integrated into classrooms, Khanmigo’s ability to deliver data-driven insights and streamline tasks is a big win.

Safe and Ethical Use

Khan Academy has placed strong emphasis on ethics and privacy, ensuring Khanmigo aligns with educational guidelines. Teachers can feel confident using it knowing that student data is protected and the AI won’t be misused for homework shortcuts.

In short, Khanmigo continues to grow as a robust classroom tool, helping both teachers and students navigate lessons with ease, critical thinking, and ethical safety.

The Graphic Programs

Update #5 Midjourney – What Teachers Need to Know

Most of the images created for EngAIged were developed in Midjourney, a powerful AI tool that’s continues to improve. Gone are the days of six-fingered students (mostly) replaced by even more realistic graphics.

Midjourney’s Artistic Focus: Not Just Abstract Anymore

While Midjourney has made a name for itself by creating beautiful, painterly, and abstract images, it’s now stepped up its game. Midjourney can also produce photorealistic visuals if that’s what you’re after. So, whether you’re looking for an artistic interpretation or something more true-to-life, this tool has you covered. It’s ideal for art, literature, or even science classes where visual representation helps unlock deeper understanding.

Getting Started: Accessing Midjourney

Here’s where it gets a little different. To use Midjourney, you’ll need to hop on Discord, a popular communication platform. However, Midjourney is now launching its own interface for paid customers that is more user-friendly.

Subscription Tiers: What’s the Cost?

Midjourney offers different subscription plans, and the pricing can change as new updates roll out. Right now, you’re looking at a basic plan starting at $10 per month, but there are more advanced options for professionals or artists. Pro tip: If you go for a full-year subscription, you get a 20% discount. Just be sure to double-check the current pricing on their site, as it evolves with the platform.

“Cartoon of an fictious exhausted teacher with 8 arms coming from her body (like an octopus) at her desk with papers everywhere.”

Update #6 DALL·E – What Teachers Need to Know

Here’s a game-changer that I have only started to use recently. DALL·E 3 is now built directly into ChatGPT. That means you can create and fine-tune images without ever leaving the chat. Need to generate a quick visual to go with a lesson plan or student project? Just type in a prompt, and you’ll get four options to pick from. Want to tweak it? No problem—you can refine the prompt right there in ChatGPT, making it easier than ever to iterate and perfect your images. This seamless integration makes DALL·E the go-to tool for quick, creative visuals in education.

DALL·E’s Power: From Text to Stunning Visuals

Unlike other platforms like Midjourney that lean toward abstract art, DALL·E 3 excels in taking your exact text descriptions and turning them into unique, high-quality images. I found its ability to directly translate my prompts into graphics I needed, a major advancement and superior (for now) to Midjourney. Whether you’re teaching a history lesson and need an illustration of an ancient civilization or guiding students through a

Free Credits for Plus Users

If you’re subscribed to ChatGPT Plus, you get free credits for image generation—four images per credit. For those without a subscription, you can purchase additional credits easily.

Ethical and Safe for the Classroom

DALL·E 3 also comes with extra safeguards to ensure that what’s generated is appropriate for educational environments. This includes filtering out harmful, biased, or inappropriate content, making it a reliable tool for teachers who want to create visual materials without worrying about accidental missteps.

Bringing Visuals to Life in the Classroom

“Create a cartoon of me (dark hair, average size) in high school playing both baseball and playing trumpet and edit of the school newspaper. Put baseball in the center.“

DALL·E’s simple and intuitive interface makes it a no-brainer for teachers. Just enter your prompt, hit “Generate,” and you’ll have four images ready to go. Download them, save them, or tweak them further—it’s all up to you. The integration with ChatGPT allows you to move effortlessly between text and image creation, making it a perfect tool for student projects, lesson plans, or even classroom displays.

Bottom line: If you’re a teacher looking to add a visual element to your lessons without the hassle, DALL·E 3 is your new best friend. It’s faster, easier, and more creative than ever, and it’s right there inside ChatGPT.

Update #7 Best Plugins for Teachers – What Teachers Need to Know

Classroom

When it comes to enhancing classroom research, learning, and creativity, many of the plugins you’re already using are still valuable, but with AI evolving daily, I want to share a few new plugins that you should checkout.

Category 1: Research and Learning Enhancement

Still Worth Considering:

AskYourPDF: This one’s still a powerhouse for interacting with PDF resources like textbooks and research papers. It allows you to pose questions directly to the document—a must-have in the classroom.
Wolframt: Math and science teachers, you’ll love this. It breaks down complex equations and algorithms, making hard-to-grasp concepts more accessible.
Science Plugin: When diving into research-heavy subjects, this tool provides a treasure trove of scientific articles, so keep it in your AI toolbox.
Zeno Assistant: For improving student writing and ensuring grammar is on point, this plugin is still solid, but we’ll talk about a new challenger, GrammarlyGO, in a moment.

New Plugins You’ll Want to Add:

ScholarAI: Think of this as your personal research assistant, particularly for high school teachers. It pulls from academic papers and research articles, perfect for crafting well-supported lesson plans or guiding students through credible sources.
LexiQ: Need to create quizzes, flashcards, or summaries? This is your go-to for creating study aids directly from any textbook or document.
ChatPDF: When diving into research-heavy subjects, this tool provides a treasure trove of scientific articles, so keep it in your AI toolbox.
Zeno Assistant: A good alternative to AskYourPDF, optimized specifically for detailed analysis and interaction with academic PDFs.

Category 2: Document and Presentation Creation

Still Strong:

Canva with ChatGPT: Canva’s integration with ChatGPT remains one of the best tools for generating professional-quality visuals, whether you need classroom posters or engaging slides.
Doc Maker: Quick and easy document conversion—whether it’s PDF, DOCX, or CSV—is still quite helpful for both student projects and grading workflows.
ChatPDF: Quick and easy document conversion—whether it’s PDF, DOCX, or CSV—is still quite helpful for both student projects and grading workflows.
Smart Slides: Need to crank out slides quickly? This plugin remains useful, but we’ve got a fresh alternative in SlidesAI.
Roshi: Lesson planning, video integration, and resource organization? Roshi is still a time-saver, especially for integrating multimedia into your lessons.
Prompt Perfect: Crafting creative writing prompts or discussion topics? This plugin remains helpful for generating ideas that spark student engagement.

New Additions to Supercharge Your Workflow:

Tome: Want to create polished presentations with less effort? This intuitive tool lets you create AI-generated presentations fast. Perfect for lesson planning or student projects.
SlidesAI: A smooth alternative to Smart Slides, it converts text into sleek presentations. Great for summarizing lecture notes or generating visually appealing slides with minimal effort.
GrammarlyGO: A more advanced writing assistant, it doesn’t just fix errors but also suggests new ideas and helps students rephrase tricky sentences.
Otter.ai: Whether you’re recording a lecture or need real-time captions for a student, Otter.ai transcribes spoken language into text. It’s perfect for students with auditory processing challenges and makes class discussions searchable.

Bonus Tools You Shouldn’t Miss:

EdPuzzle: This plugin makes it easy to embed interactive questions into videos, turning passive watching into an active learning experience.
Quizlet Plugin: Want quick flashcards and quizzes? Quizlet auto-generates them from your lesson materials, saving you time and keeping your students engaged.
Miro AI: Ideal for collaborative projects, Miro helps you brainstorm visually — perfect for mapping out group projects or lesson plans in a creative and organized way.
Notion AI: If you’re a fan of Notion, this AI plugin helps you organize tasks, summarize notes, and boost productivity across the board.