In an era where technology seamlessly integrates into our daily tasks, its influence in education is both transformative and expansive. A year ago, I founded Juniper Consulting LLC, driven by a commitment to tailor exceptional learning experiences for businesses and districts, regardless of size. This freedom has allowed me to explore a variety of tools for creating eLearning modules. While Storyline 360 stands as a high benchmark in eLearning development, its cost and LMS-dependency make it less accessible for many. PowerPoint remains a staple for training delivery, and the AI tools I’ll share in this article can enhance both Storyline and PowerPoint applications. The rise of AI across platforms—from Google’s summarizing features to Microsoft’s design suggestions—has made such technology more accessible to everyone. As a business owner, I’ve set my own tech budget, giving me the freedom to experiment with numerous tools over the past year, several of which I continually return to and plan to renew. Here are some standout AI tools that have revolutionized how I create and deliver educational content.
1. Synthesia: Creating Engaging Video Content
Synthesia offers an innovative approach to video production, allowing users to generate videos with virtual avatars without the need for traditional filming. This tool is particularly useful for creating dynamic and personalized educational videos. By leveraging AI, Synthesia transforms scripted inputs into professional-looking video content. It’s a fantastic tool for instructional coaches looking to add a visual touch to their training sessions. I find myself using Synthesia frequently for my eLearning modules. If you can create a PowerPoint, you can create a video with this tool. The quality—and the price—has increased over the year, making it a worthwhile investment for those who regularly produce video content.
2. PictoryAI: Quick Video Editing and Content Optimization
PictoryAI is another favorite, especially for quick video edits and creating content from scripts. It doesn’t use AI avatars like Synthesia but offers a wealth of voices, images, music, and video clips to enhance your videos. It’s incredibly user-friendly, ideal for those who need to produce regular video updates.
Here is my referral link if you are interested in purchasing it:
3. PlayHT: Transforming Text into Natural Speech
PlayHT provides a powerful text-to-speech service, converting written content into natural-sounding audio. This tool is invaluable for educators aiming to enhance accessibility or add auditory elements to their courses. Whether integrating voiceovers in presentations or developing audio materials for online courses, PlayHT’s seamless conversion process ensures high-quality output. It’s my go-to for voiceovers—you type, hit generate, and voila! No need to worry about recording mishaps. You can choose from various voices, accents, and even clone your own voice.
4. ChatGPT: Streamlining Content Creation and Q&A
ChatGPT, an advanced conversational AI, excels in generating informative and interactive content. From drafting educational materials to creating responsive Q&A sections for online platforms, ChatGPT tailors content to meet specific learner needs. It’s almost like having a super-intelligent, ever-ready assistant. While some worry about overly relying on AI, I find it an indispensable tool for nearly everything. Mastering prompt writing is key to unlocking its full potential.
5. ClaudeAI: Enhancing Decision Making and Content Customization
Like ChatGPT, ClaudeAI assists in customizing learning materials to fit educational goals, streamlining the content development process. There’s a bit of a rivalry—think Apple vs. Android—between users of ClaudeAI and ChatGPT regarding which is better. When one starts to falter, I switch to the other, ensuring continuous productivity.
6. Gamma: AI-Powered PowerPoint Creation
Gamma is excellent for creating PowerPoint presentations. Tell it what you need, set some parameters, and it crafts a presentation. While it may require some tweaks, it’s a huge time-saver, especially for creating cohesive visual stories, something that’s trickier with tools like Dalle.
7. Canva: Professional-Grade Design Made Simple
Canva is a lifesaver for creating visually appealing educational materials with ease. Its extensive range of templates and design tools make professional-grade design accessible to everyone. I particularly enjoy using Canva for creating workbooks, like my current project on navigating difficult conversations.
Embracing AI tools in educational content creation not only enhances the quality and interactivity of the materials but also brings a level of efficiency and personalization that was previously difficult to achieve. For school leaders and instructional coaches, these tools offer an exciting opportunity to push the boundaries of what we can achieve in educational technology. As we look to the future, integrating these AI solutions will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping innovative and effective educational practices. So, why not dive in and see how these tools can transform your educational content too?