AI Tools for Teaching, Learning & Assessment: Mastering Magic School and Brisk, Renfrow, Fall 2025

Course Number:	EDU 5710 S24
Instructor:	Clarena Renfrow, M.Ed.
Location:	Online
Dates and Times:	Oct 18- Dec 20, 2025. First Meeting via Zoom on October 18 at 10 am. The remainder of the course in an asynchronous format.
Credits:	3 Credits
Tuition:	$1,195

Course Description

This 3-credit graduate course provides an in-depth exploration of AI-driven platforms—Magic School, and Brisk (free versions available)—designed to revolutionize teaching, learning, and assessment. Participants will learn how to leverage these powerful tools to create learning experiences, streamline assessments, and enhance student engagement. The course combines theoretical understanding with practical application, equipping educators with the skills to effectively integrate AI into their instructional practices.

Audience: All educators with a Bachelor's Degree

Course Goals & Objectives

Course Goals: By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Navigate and utilize the core features of Magic School, and Brisk.
Design and implement learning activities and assessments using these AI tools.
Analyze and interpret data generated by these platforms to inform instructional decisions.
Develop comprehensive lesson plans and instructional units that integrate AI tools to enhance teaching and learning.
Address ethical and practical challenges associated with AI in education.

Course Objectives: ISTE Standards for Educators:

Learner: Educators continually improve their practice by learning from and with others
and exploring proven and promising practices that leverage technology to improve
student learning.
Designer: Educators design authentic, learner-driven activities and environments that
recognize and accommodate learner variability.
Facilitator: Educators facilitate learning with technology to support student achievement
of the ISTE Standards for Students.

Course Schedule

Module 1: Introduction to AI in Education

Overview of AI technologies in education.
The role of AI in personalizing learning and assessment.
Ethical considerations and challenges of AI in the classroom.
Introduction to Magic School, and Brisk: Key features and benefits.

Module 2: Deep Dive into Magic School

Setting up and navigating the Magic School platform.
Creating adaptive lesson plans and instructional materials.
Utilizing AI-driven assessment tools within Magic School.
Hands-on activity: Designing a lesson plan with adaptive features in Magic School.
Case studies: Successful implementation of Magic School in various educational settings.

Module 3: Utilizing Brisk for Streamlined Assessment

Overview of Brisk: AI-driven assessment and feedback.
Creating formative and summative assessments in Brisk.
Automating grading and generating actionable insights with Brisk.
Hands-on activity: Setting up and analyzing an assessment in Brisk.
Case studies: Impact of Brisk on student outcomes and teacher workload.

Module 4: Integrating AI Tools in a Cohesive Teaching Strategy

Best practices for integrating Magic School, and Brisk into a cohesive instructional approach.
Aligning AI tools with curriculum standards and learning objectives.
Managing the balance between technology and traditional teaching methods.
Hands-on activity: Creating a comprehensive instructional unit that integrates all three AI platforms.

Module 5: Advanced Topics and Future Trends in AI for Education

Emerging trends in AI and their potential impact on education.
The future of adaptive learning technologies.
Preparing for ongoing innovation: Professional development and continuous learning.
Ethical considerations revisited: Ensuring equity and fairness in AI-driven education.
Final project planning: Developing a detailed implementation plan for AI tools in a specific educational context.

Instructor

Clarena M. Renfrow, M.Ed., has been teaching Educational Technologies courses at the VTSU Center for Schools for 12 years and high school for 23 years. She also serves as a consultant/trainer for different school districts. She holds an AS in Business, BA in Education, and a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. She has also received certification as a Technology Integration Specialist through courses at the University of Vermont. In addition, she is a licensed teacher in the following areas: Business Education, Technology Integration, Online Teaching, and Work Based Learning. Ms. Renfrow has received several awards for her contributions in moving educational technologies forward to assist teachers and students: 2019 International Society of Technology in Education Recipient of the Making IT Happen Award, 2017 Goethe Institute STEM Transatlantic Outreach Fellow, and 2012 VITA Learn Project Ignite Teacher Award.