Amplifying AI: Jenny H.

I love it when Jenny Howerton’s name appears in my inbox. She always asks complex questions, revealing that she is digging deep into our curricular materials. So, it was no surprise to learn from her colleague Sherrie McGovern that Jenny has been doing incredible work with Magic School AI.


Jenny, a believer in AI literacy, explains that she is teaching her students how to use AI as a resource and not to do the work for them. She primarily uses Magic School’s Idea Generator and Writing Feedback tools with students. The Idea Generator tool helps kids get past the most challenging part of any writing assignment – getting started. Magic School’s Writing Feedback tool invites students to describe the assignment genre, name the skills they want feedback on, and submit their writing draft. Magic School output outlines areas of strength, growth opportunities, and general feedback. Jenny especially likes that kids can split their iPad screens with AI feedback on one side and their writing on the other while making edits.

“Magic School not only teaches students to use AI responsibly, it also unlocks learning opportunities impossible without generative AI.” – Jenny Howerton

Jenny has also been working with Amira AI reading platform. Amira markets itself as “the world's first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or home.” Amira offers students appropriately complex stories, and the student selects a story to practice reading with. The student reads aloud to Amira, and Amira leverages speech recognition technology to listen to the student and identify their reading skill gaps. When students struggle, Amira relies on artificial intelligence technology to select from 60 micro-interventions built by reading scientists and designed to accelerate mastery of phonics, phonemic awareness, decoding, vocabulary, and comprehension.

I wasn’t surprised when she mentioned using AI to create new designs for her home office. Jenny’s classroom is always bright and cheerful. She puts a lot of effort into creating a welcoming environment for kids. While she didn’t like everything the app suggested, it opened her eyes to ideas she had never considered. Here is Jenny’s advice for teachers who are hesitant to start using AI. “Never be afraid to try something new!” She continues, “AI is here and here to stay. Let’s teach kids how to use it effectively from a young age. “

Kristin Patrick
Blended Learning Coach