Best AI Tools for Education in 2025: Planning, Grading, Feedback & More
Introduction: Why AI Tools Matter in Education
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how students learn and teachers work. From personalised lesson plans and on‑demand tutoring to automated grading and immersive language learning, AI tools help educators save time, engage learners and support diverse needs. Recent research shows just how widespread these tools are:
- High‑school adoption: In a 2023 ACT research report, 46 % of high‑school students said they had used an AI tool; 83 % of those students used ChatGPT, while 40 % used other tools. Students who used AI believed it could improve performance, while those who didn’t cited lack of interest or trustact.org.
- University and teacher usage: Microsoft’s 2025 AI in Education report found that 47 % of educational leaders use AI daily; 68 % of educators have used AI at least once, and 62 % of students have used AI. Leaders use AI to improve operational efficiency, teachers use it to plan lessons and differentiate instruction, and students use it to summarise information and improve writingmicrosoft.com.
- College students and administrators: Cengage reported that nearly 90 % of college students used ChatGPT for homework by January 2023; 65 % of students felt they knew more about AI than their instructors. Meanwhile, 81 % of administrators and 66 % of teachers believe generative AI will increase engagement and bridge the gap between online and traditional learningcengagegroup.com.
- Global trends: A global survey of 3,839 students by the Digital Education Council found that 86 % use AI tools for their studies, with 24 % using them daily and 54 % weekly. ChatGPT was the most widely used tool (66 % of respondents), followed by Grammarly and Microsoft Copilot (25 %), and common tasks included searching for information (69 %) and checking grammar or spelling (42 %)campustechnology.com.
These numbers underscore why AI is no longer optional; it is a central component of modern education. This guide explores the best AI tools for educators and learners in 2025, organised by category and supported by evidence. You’ll discover how to choose the right tools, apply them step by step and address ethical considerations.
{getToc} $title={Table of Contents} $count={Boolean} $expanded={Boolean}
How to Select the Right AI Tools
Choosing the best AI tool for your classroom depends on several factors. Use the following checklist to guide your decision:
- Define your objective: Identify whether you need a tool for lesson planning, grading, tutoring, language practice, classroom management or accessibility.
- Check data privacy policies: Look for tools that emphasise student data protection and comply with relevant regulations. Many educators worry about privacy; for instance, Common Sense Education cautions teachers to communicate with families and offer alternatives if parents opt outcommonsense.org.
- Assess reliability: Read reviews, look for evidence from reputable sources and consider whether the tool is endorsed by educational organisations.
- Evaluate ease of use: Tools that integrate with existing learning management systems (LMS) or Google Workspace will reduce training time.
- Start with a pilot: Introduce the tool to a small group of students first, gather feedback and adjust accordingly.
Now let’s dive into the best AI tools for education in 2025, broken down by purpose.
AI Tools for Planning and Content Creation
MagicSchool.ai – Comprehensive Lesson Planning
MagicSchool.ai is a suite of more than 60 tools built specifically for educators. It generates standards‑aligned lesson plans, academic content, assessments, Individualised Education Programmes (IEPs) and parent communications in minutes. The University of San Diego’s Professional and Continuing Education (USD PCE) notes that MagicSchool can help with planning, instruction and communication but warns that outputs may need refinementpce.sandiego.edu.
Step‑by‑step guide:
- Create an account: Sign up at MagicSchool.ai and select your role (teacher, administrator, etc.).
- Specify your standard or subject: Use drop‑down menus to align content with your curriculum.
- Generate materials: Select the tool (e.g., lesson plan generator, rubric builder or parent email). MagicSchool produces a draft in seconds; review it carefully.
- Edit and personalise: Adapt the content to your teaching style, add differentiation and ensure it meets local standards. MagicSchool’s templates are starting points rather than finished products.
- Publish or export: Send lessons to Google Classroom or your LMS. MagicSchool integrates with many platforms and emphasises privacy, including a high privacy rating and ESSA Level IV evidence badgemagicschool.ai.
Real‑world example: A high‑school English teacher uses MagicSchool’s lesson generator to draft a unit on persuasive writing. The AI proposes a sequence of activities aligned to local standards, including a mini‑lesson, group discussion and writing assignment. The teacher reviews the plan, adds specific texts and adjusts the timeline. The final plan saves hours of prep time while still allowing for teacher customisation.
🎯 Sponsored Ad
Discover InVideo’s new Generative AI tool — create stunning videos from text in minutes. Try it now.
Eduaide.AI – All‑in‑one Teaching Assistant
Eduaide.AI is another versatile platform that generates lesson materials, assessments and rubrics. According to the USD PCE, Eduaide provides an all‑in‑one teaching assistant that can create various educational resources, though its outputs may require editingpce.sandiego.edu.
Steps to use Eduaide.AI:
- Sign up: Create a free or premium account at Eduaide.ai.
- Select your resource type: Choose from worksheets, quizzes, rubrics or lesson plans.
- Input your topic and grade level: Provide keywords or standards.
- Generate and review: Eduaide produces a document; check for accuracy and tailor it to your students’ needs.
- Export to your platform: Download as Word/PDF or push directly to Google Docs.
Why choose it: Eduaide is ideal for teachers who need multiple resource types in one place. It also helps build rubrics, saving time during assessment planning.
Curipod – Interactive Presentations and Polls
Curipod allows teachers to create interactive slide decks with polls, word clouds, open‑ended prompts and drawing activities. USD PCE highlights that Curipod fosters active learning but works best alongside direct instructionpce.sandiego.edu.
Steps for creating interactive lessons:
- Launch Curipod and choose a template: Start with a blank slide or select a theme.
- Add questions and polls: Use built‑in poll types (multiple choice, word clouds) or allow students to draw responses.
- Integrate multimedia: Insert images, videos or GIFs to engage visual learners.
- Share the session link: Students join from their devices and respond in real time.
- Review analytics: After the session, view participation data and export responses.
Curipod is especially useful for exit tickets, formative assessment and brainstorming sessions.
Google Workspace AI Features – Built‑in Planning Support
If your school uses Google Workspace, you already have AI‑powered tools. Google Docs and Slides now include “smart compose” suggestions and summarisation features. Google Classroom (covered later) offers AI‑powered analytics and practice sets to identify student trendsblog.google. Similarly, Google’s experimental “Help me draft” feature suggests outlines for documents.
Tips: Use Google’s AI suggestions as a starting point; always check for accuracy and revise to suit your students’ context. For more advanced features, upgrade to Education Plus or Teaching & Learning editions.
AI Tools for Grading and Assessment
Gradescope – Efficient Assignment Grading
Gradescope, owned by Turnitin, streamlines grading for exams and assignments. James Madison University professor Travis Miller called Gradescope a “game‑changer,” noting it eliminates paper, encourages rubric development, allows grading anytime and provides instant resultslib.jmu.edu. Students can submit handwritten or digital work; the platform scans and groups similar responses for efficient evaluation. Regrade requests are handled onlinelib.jmu.edu.
How to use Gradescope effectively:
- Create a course and assignment: Upload a template or description of the assignment. For handwritten exams, print and distribute the template.
- Build a rubric: Set criteria for each question. Gradescope’s AI groups similar responses, so a clear rubric ensures consistent grading.
- Scan and upload: Students submit via scans or digital files. Gradescope also offers a bubble‑sheet feature, replacing traditional scantron systems.
- Grade in batches: Review grouped answers and apply rubric scores quickly. Provide comment bubbles for feedback.
- Publish grades and review analytics: Students receive instant results and can request regrades within the platformlib.jmu.edu.
Writable – Feedback‑Focused Writing Assessment
Writable combines AI‑generated feedback with teacher oversight. It provides rubrics and guides students through iterative writing practice. USD PCE notes that Writable uses rubric‑based scoring and helps students revise their workpce.sandiego.edu.
Use case: A teacher assigns an essay and imports a rubric into Writable. Students submit drafts; AI comments on grammar, cohesion and thesis clarity. The teacher reviews suggestions, adds personalised feedback and returns drafts for revision. Over time, students learn to self‑edit and meet rubric criteria.
Turnitin Draft Coach – Real‑time Writing Feedback
Turnitin’s Draft Coach integrates with Google Docs and Microsoft Word to give students immediate feedback on grammar, citations and similarity. According to USD PCE, Draft Coach helps students improve writing quality and avoid plagiarismpce.sandiego.edu. Teachers can see how students revise across drafts.
Steps:
- Install the add‑on: Enable Turnitin Draft Coach in Docs/Word.
- Draft writing: Students write in the document; Draft Coach highlights grammar and citation issues in real time.
- Review similarity: Draft Coach provides similarity checks to ensure proper sourcing.
- Revise and submit: Students refine their writing before turning it in for final grading.
ScribeSense – Paper‑Based Assessment Grading
For educators who still use paper assignments, ScribeSense scans and grades paper‑based assessments using AI. USD PCE highlights that ScribeSense is useful when schools maintain paper workflowspce.sandiego.edu. Teachers upload scanned answer sheets; AI marks them and provides item analyses.
Practice Sets and Analytics in Google Classroom
Google’s Education Plus plan introduces practice sets—interactive question banks with AI‑driven hints and feedback—and advanced analytics dashboards. Teachers import questions or write new ones; AI suggests resources and hints. Dashboard metrics show assignment completion, grades and time spent, so teachers can identify struggling studentsblog.google.
- Implementation tip: Use practice sets for formative assessments; review analytics to spot trends and design interventions. Adjust due dates or provide additional resources for learners who need support.
🎯 Sponsored Ad
Create professional videos effortlessly with InVideo’s Generative AI. Turn your ideas into engaging content in just minutes! Get started today.
AI‑Powered Tutoring and Student Support
Khanmigo (Khan Academy) – AI Tutor and Teaching Assistant
Khanmigo is an AI‑powered tutor and teaching assistant developed by Khan Academy. It provides on‑demand tutoring for students and automates tasks for teachers (creating quizzes, lesson plans and rubrics). Khan Academy emphasises that Khanmigo guides learners to find answers rather than giving them directly, promoting inquiry‑based learningkhanmigo.ai. A teacher quoted by Khan Academy said the rubric generator reduced a task from an hour to 15 minuteskhanmigo.ai. However, access is limited to districts participating in pilot programs, and teachers cannot individually grant student accesskhanmigo.ai.
How it works: Students ask questions in subjects like math, science or history; Khanmigo responds with hints, scaffolding and follow‑up questions. Teachers can input standards, and Khanmigo suggests lesson activities and assessments. For now, access may be restricted, but the tool demonstrates the potential of AI tutoring.
SchoolAI – Thought Partners for Reflection and Revision
SchoolAI offers AI‑powered “thought partners” to help students brainstorm ideas, revise assignments and reflect on their learning. USD PCE notes that teachers monitor all interactions to ensure transparency and academic integritypce.sandiego.edu. Unlike chatbots that might provide answers, SchoolAI aims to guide students through critical thinking.
Example: In a humanities class, a student writes a reflective journal entry. They share it with a SchoolAI thought partner, which asks clarifying questions and suggests structural improvements. The student revises, while the teacher monitors the exchange and intervenes if needed.
Querium – Step‑by‑Step STEM Support
Querium provides adaptive tutoring in math and science. It breaks down problems into smaller steps and offers hints. USD PCE emphasises that Querium is effective for high‑school and early college students seeking personalised STEM supportpce.sandiego.edu.
How to use: Students log in, choose a course (e.g., algebra, trigonometry or physics) and work through problem sets. If they struggle, the AI explains each step and tracks progress. Teachers can assign modules and monitor results.
ELSA Speak – Pronunciation and Language Coaching
ELSA Speak uses voice recognition and machine learning to help learners improve English pronunciation. It adapts feedback to each learner’s accent and pacepce.sandiego.edu. For multilingual classrooms, ELSA can support students’ speaking skills and build confidence.
ChatGPT and General‑purpose AI Tools
Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT (OpenAI) or Claude (Anthropic) provide conversational assistance for brainstorming, summarising and answering questions. In the Digital Education Council survey, ChatGPT was the most used AI tool (66 % of students)campustechnology.com. Teachers can use ChatGPT to generate lesson ideas, answer student questions or translate text. However, responses should be verified, and teachers must teach students to cite sources and avoid plagiarism.
Language Learning and Communication Tools
Grammarly and QuillBot – Writing Support
Grammarly and QuillBot are AI‑powered writing assistants. Grammarly checks grammar, style and tone, while QuillBot offers paraphrasing and summarisation. Students use them to refine essays and avoid plagiarism. The Digital Education Council survey found that 25 % of students used Grammarly or Microsoft Copilot for studyingcampustechnology.com.
Implementation: Encourage students to run their drafts through Grammarly to correct mistakes and adjust tone. Use QuillBot for summarising research or paraphrasing complex texts (with citations). Remind students to check for accuracy and originality.
- Enhance your writing with Grammarly. Try it for free here.
Otter.ai – Automatic Transcription and Note‑Taking
Otter.ai records lectures and meetings and generates searchable transcripts. Many educators use it to provide accessible notes for students with hearing impairments or those who need to review material. Students can highlight key points or share transcripts. Pair Otter.ai with slides or reading materials for a complete study package.
Canvas / Blackboard AI Features
Major LMS platforms like Canvas and Blackboard now integrate AI features. For example, Canvas recently introduced an AI‑powered discussion summarisation tool, while Blackboard has “intelligent grading” suggestions. Check your platform’s updates for new AI integrations.
Duolingo and AI‑Enhanced Language Platforms
Duolingo uses machine learning to adapt language lessons to learners’ proficiency. It gamifies practice with points and streaks. While Duolingo is primarily targeted at self‑learners, teachers can assign practice exercises and monitor progress. Newer features include “Duolingo Max,” which uses GPT‑4 to generate explanations and interactive conversation practice.
Classroom Management & Communication Tools
ClassDojo – Behaviour Tracking and Family Communication
ClassDojo is widely used to track student behaviour and communicate with families. USD PCE notes that the platform streamlines messaging, encourages positive behaviour and allows teachers to share photos and videos of student workpce.sandiego.edu.
How to use ClassDojo:
- Set up your class: Create a roster and assign avatars.
- Define expectations: Decide which behaviours earn points (e.g., participation, collaboration).
- Track and award: Award points via the app; show students their progress.
- Message families: Share updates, reminders and photos.
- Review data: Use ClassDojo’s reports to identify patterns and personalise support.
Remind – Secure Messaging Platform
Remind enables teachers to send SMS or app notifications to students and families. It facilitates announcements, schedule changes and assignment reminders. USD PCE highlights Remind as a key tool for communicationpce.sandiego.edu.
Example: A teacher sets up Remind for a class trip. Parents receive updates on meeting times, lunch options and return schedule. Students get reminders to bring forms and materials.
Google Classroom – Centralised Assignments and Analytics
Google Classroom remains a core LMS for many schools. It allows teachers to distribute assignments, collect work, grade efficiently and provide feedback. Google’s 2024 update introduced features like grouping students for assignments, importing resources and excusing late work. You can also add interactive questions to YouTube videos and track responsesblog.google. The Stream page can be used as a hub for discussions and digital citizenshipcommonsense.org.
Pro tip: Use the Stream page to post daily agendas and create discussion boards, encouraging students to ask questions and practice online etiquette. Mix resources—documents, slides, images, videos and screencasts—to keep classes engagingcommonsense.org.
Otus – Unified Assessment & Data Platform
Otus integrates communication, assessment and analytics. Teachers can create assessments, track behaviour, communicate with families and analyse data to spot trends. USD PCE notes that Otus offers AI features to identify student patternspce.sandiego.edu.
Use case: A school uses Otus to administer benchmark tests. The AI analyses results, identifies students struggling with fractions and recommends targeted interventions. Teachers then communicate with families through the same platform.
Accessibility and Inclusion Tools
Microsoft Immersive Reader – Reading Comprehension Support
Immersive Reader, available in Microsoft Edge, Word and OneNote, reads text aloud, highlights parts of speech and breaks down syllables. USD PCE emphasises that Immersive Reader helps students with reading comprehension and supports students with dyslexia or language learnerspce.sandiego.edu.
Steps:
- Select text: In Word or OneNote, highlight the text you want to read.
- Activate Immersive Reader: Click the icon (book with speaker).
- Customise settings: Adjust font size, spacing, background colour and line focus; enable syllables or parts of speech.
- Listen and interact: The reader will highlight words as it reads. Students can slow down speed or translate into other languages.
Speechify – Text‑to‑Speech for Diverse Learners
Speechify converts text into natural‑sounding audio. It helps auditory learners and students with visual impairments or attention deficits. Teachers can upload documents or copy‑paste articles; Speechify generates audio in multiple languagespce.sandiego.edu.
Example: A student with dyslexia uses Speechify to listen to assigned readings while following along with the text. This dual‑modality approach improves comprehension and retention.
TalkingPoints – Multilingual Family Engagement
TalkingPoints translates messages between teachers and families into more than 100 languages. USD PCE highlights that TalkingPoints fosters communication and partnership with parents who speak different languagespce.sandiego.edu. Teachers write a message in English; families receive it in their language and can respond in the same message thread.
Read & Write by Texthelp – Literacy Support
Read & Write offers text‑to‑speech, speech‑to‑text, word prediction and vocabulary help. It supports students with dyslexia, ADHD or those learning Englishpce.sandiego.edu. Teachers install the extension in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge and enable features as needed.
Ensuring Ethical and Responsible AI Use
AI tools can transform education, but they also raise concerns about privacy, bias and academic integrity. To ensure ethical use:
- Review school policies: Many districts have guidelines on AI usage. Confirm that the tool complies with data protection regulations (FERPA, GDPR) and consult administrators if in doubt.
- Obtain consent: When tools collect personal data or voice recordings, obtain parental consent, especially for students under 13.
- Promote transparency: Explain to students how AI works and why you are using it. Encourage them to question AI outputs and verify information.
- Combat bias: Recognise that AI models can reflect biases in their training data. Review AI‑generated content for fairness and adjust rubrics to reflect diverse perspectives.
- Teach AI literacy: Integrate discussions about AI ethics, privacy and digital citizenship. Many students want more training; a recent survey found that students lack AI literacy and desire guidancecampustechnology.com. Provide lessons on evaluating sources, citing AI assistance and using AI responsibly.
Conclusion: Embrace AI for Better Learning Outcomes
AI tools have moved from novelty to necessity in education. Research shows that adoption is widespread—62 % of students and 68 % of educators have used AImicrosoft.com, and 86 % of students globally rely on AI for their studiescampustechnology.com. Teachers harness AI for lesson planning, grading and differentiating instruction, while students benefit from on‑demand tutoring, personalised feedback and improved accessibility.
The key to success is intentional integration. Start by identifying your learning goals, select reputable tools, pilot them with small groups and emphasise ethical practices. AI cannot replace teachers, but it can free them to focus on relationship‑building, critical thinking and creativity. By adopting the right AI tools, educators can create inclusive, engaging and efficient learning environments.
Start your AI-powered learning journey today! Discover the best AI tools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are AI tools like ChatGPT safe to use in the classroom?
AI tools such as ChatGPT are safe when used responsibly and with clear guidelines. Teachers should review all outputs for accuracy, cite sources when AI-generated content is used, and comply with institutional or district data policies. Educators should instruct students to verify facts independently and never submit AI-written content as their own work. Instead, AI should serve as a learning partner—supporting brainstorming, editing, and exploration within ethical boundaries.
Do AI tools replace teachers?
No—AI tools do not replace teachers. They are designed to enhance teaching, not eliminate it. AI automates repetitive tasks like grading, scheduling, or generating quizzes, allowing educators to focus on mentoring, discussion facilitation, and emotional support. Teachers provide critical thinking frameworks, moral context, and empathy—skills AI cannot replicate. The best classrooms use AI as a co-teacher that amplifies human expertise, not substitutes it.
Which AI tool should I start with if I’ve never used one?
Start with a tool that solves your biggest challenge. If grading takes too much time, try Gradescope for rubric-based evaluation. For lesson planning, explore MagicSchool.ai or Eduaide.ai. Beginners can also use Google Classroom Practice Sets to generate adaptive questions or Grammarly for writing improvement. Start small, observe impact, and gradually integrate more advanced tools.
How do I protect student data when using AI tools?
Protecting student data begins with choosing platforms that have robust privacy policies and educational compliance such as FERPA, COPPA, or GDPR. Always obtain consent before uploading student information. According to Common Sense Education, teachers should communicate openly with families about data use and provide alternative options for those concerned about AI tools. Avoid entering names, addresses, or personal identifiers in AI prompts. Safety must always come before convenience.
Can students cheat using AI?
AI tools can potentially enable plagiarism or unauthorized assistance, but they can also promote integrity when used well. Solutions like Turnitin Draft Coach and Gradescope detect similarity and enforce citation standards. Teachers can minimize misuse by designing creative, process-based assignments and teaching digital ethics. The focus should be on educating students to use AI responsibly—as a guide for understanding and refinement, not as a shortcut to completion.
For more guides on integrating technology into your classroom, explore our resources at NotesForSHS.com and our AI education hub. Remember: AI is not a magic wand, but when used thoughtfully it can transform learning into a more personalised, inclusive and efficient experience.
Author: Wiredu Fred – Education technology specialist and editor at NotesForSHS.com, with over 10 years’ experience helping teachers integrate digital tools and improve classroom outcomes.