Enhancing Post-Primary Maths Teaching with AI 7.10.25

Target Audience: All Post-Primary Maths Teachers

 By the end of this three-week webinar on 7^th, 14^th 7 21^st October, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamentals of AI and its applications in maths teaching and learning
• Use AI tools to generate lesson plans, exam papers, quizzes, and feedback on student homework and tests.
• Incorporate AI into classroom teaching (for differentiation, engagement, and support)
• Evaluate ethical considerations and data privacy in AI-assisted education
• Explore real use cases of AI in math education and create their own classroom resources

 Class 1 : Introduction to AI

• What is AI? Why now? Quote: ‘AI won’t replace you. A human using AI will.’
• A brief overview of how topics from JC/LC maths, like Algebra, Functions, Coordinate Geometry, Calculus, Probability are at the heart of how AI works.
• Large Language (LLM) Models Vs Domain-Specific AI Tools. Useful analogy:
  • LLMs (e.g. ChatGPT) – Engines or raw power.
  • Domain-Specific AI Tools (e.g. MagicSchool AI) - A car built using that engine, with GPS, seats, and a purpose (like helping teachers write better lesson plans).
• Image Generators (e.g. DALL-E). Describe, in words, an image/graph you want to create and get DALL-E to generate it.
• Prompt Engineering – Asking (e.g ChatGPT) the right questions to get the best answer.
• Ethical considerations and data privacy in AI-assisted education.
• Overview of how AI is transforming maths education.

Class 2: Generating Lesson Plans and Units of Learning with AI

• Generating curriculum-aligned lesson plans (with examples for Junior Cycle and Leaving Cert).
• Differentiation: Using Diffit for adapting material for mixed-ability classrooms.
• Using AI to find relevant real-life applications of math concepts.

Class 3: Using AI in the Classroom

• Interactive AI math tools (Photomath, Desmos AI, M`athGPT, Canva, Khanmigo).
• Using AI to facilitate group work, peer tutoring, and revision tasks.
• AI-generated visuals for explaining abstract math concepts.
• Tools to support AEN students.
• Creating formative assessments (mini-quizzes, online forms).
• Automated feedback on classwork/homework with AI.
• Creating personalised homework and practice questions.
• Video Demo: AI personal maths tutor demo.

Class 4: Exam Paper Design with AI

• Using AI to generate exam-style questions (aligned with SEC formats).
• Generating full papers, marking schemes, and sample solutions.

In Conclusion: Trends to Watch

• Multimodal AI (Vision + Text): Tools that can see and understand student’s handwritten work (e.g., GPT-4o, Claude with image input).
• Voice-activated math tutoring: Conversational AI tutors that can process spoken math problems (Alexa-style).
• Game-based AI tutors: Platforms that combine math practice with AI-enhanced gamification (e.g., Prodigy Math using adaptive AI).
• AI Agents: Persistent AI maths tutors that adjust instruction in real time.

Facilitator:          Séan Murphy.  Seán taught Leaving Cert Higher Maths / Physics, and Applied Maths for 14 years in CBS Ennistymon, Co. Clare. For the last two years, he has also been teaching Leaving Cert Computer Science in the newly amalgamated Ennistymon Community School.

He has given regular maths CPD courses for Athlone, Laois, Galway, Sligo, and Clare Education Centres over the last four years. He was also a local facilitator for Clare/Limerick Education Centres in the early years of  Project Maths.

Séan has a Masters in Electronic Systems (Robotics) from DCU and worked in industry both as an electronic engineer, and a database programmer for a total of 8 years, before changing career to teaching.   He also has Nvidia certification on ‘AI – Fundamental of Deep Learning’ from Technological University Dublin.