Hello, fellow educators! I recently discovered an exciting way to create engaging writing prompts for my students using AI and Microsoft Designer. The results were amazing, and I can't wait to share this fun and innovative approach with you!
Describing the Vision:
To get started, head over to Microsoft Designer. We'll use the power of AI to generate an image that will serve as the foundation for our writing prompt.
We'll use Image Creator, where you can describe the image you want to create. The goal is to generate an image that will capture your students' imagination and inspire them to write.
For this example, I entered the prompt, A spacecraft landing near a house, futuristic, mysterious.
Choose the image you want to work with
Once you select Generate, Microsoft Designer will provide you with a variety of AI-generated images. Since we're creating a writing prompt, look for an image that has space for adding instructions and is easy to read.
You'll be amazed by the number of options available! When you find an image you like, click on it and select Edit image.
Customize the image
After selecting your preferred image, it's time to customize it.
- Click on Resize in the top panel and adjust the dimensions to match a PowerPoint slide. This will ensure that the image fits perfectly when you're ready to present it to your students. You can also align the image anywhere on the page to create the perfect composition.
- In the box labeled AI tools, you'll see additional customization options. Consider playing with the filters to update the mood and color scheme of your image.
Add instructions and text
To make the writing prompt clear and easy to read, click on the existing text and customize it. To add a heading, click on Text in the left panel. The right panel will populate with even more ideas you can use.
In this example, I changed the color to white and added a story starter.
Engage your students
The possibilities for using AI-generated images as writing prompts are endless! Here are a few options:
Get inspired by the artwork
The most obvious way to use these images is as direct inspiration for student writing. Generate a bold, fantastical, emotional, or silly image and have students write a story about what's happening in the image.
Try this prompt: A whimsical classroom under the sea. The teacher is a wise old octopus. The classroom is decorated with shell desks and seaweed streamers.
Bring stories to life
Another great idea is to take an excerpt from a story you're reading in class and use the AI to generate an image that matches that specific part of the story. This will spark engaging discussions among your students and bring the story to life in a whole new way.
Bring units to life
Why stop at a story? You can also generate images that fit the theme of a unit you're working on, whether you're exploring weather patterns or reliving life on the Oregon Trail.
Mix it up
Consider setting aside some time each day or week for students to free write or journal. Kick off the writing session with an AI-generated image, then throw on some light classical music and let them write. Mix up the kind of images you show them, from lush landscapes to abstract pop art, and see what it inspires.
Try this prompt: An abstract painting in vivid colors
You can even include animated options. After you generate your image in Microsoft Designer, select the image and Create Design. In the right-hand panel that appears, you'll see several design options. Usually, one or more of these options will be animated. Select the animated option and add it to your PowerPoint!
Accessing your AI-generated images
One of the best features of Microsoft Designer is that all the images you create using AI are saved in the My Media section. This means you'll never lose your creations and can easily access them whenever you need them.
This feature enables educators to curate a collection of visuals for various writing themes, be it aliens, dragons, or any other imaginative scenario.
Wrapping up
Microsoft Designer is a game-changer for educators looking to inspire their students' creativity. The AI-generated images, customization options, and easy access to your creations make this a powerful tool for any classroom.
Head over to designer.microsoft.com today and start creating unforgettable writing prompts!