Tech & AI in English Classrooms: What Teachers Are Really Doing | Lit Happens S2E31

In this candid Teacher Talk episode we explore two of the biggest questions facing English teachers right now: how heavily are we relying on technology in our classrooms, and how should we respond to AI? No experts, just honest conversation about what’s working, what’s not, and how we can keep great teaching at the centre while navigating rapid change. Key Questions Explored - What are we using and how heavily are we relying on technology in English classrooms? - What are some ways English teachers are responding to AI? Highlights from the Episode - Benefits of technology: collaboration, faster feedback, access to resources, accessibility, digital annotation and organisation - Real challenges: distraction, superficial engagement, copy/paste thinking, screen fatigue and managing classroom focus - Intentional choices: when to close laptops, bringing back pen-and-paper, and one piece of edtech you couldn’t teach without - Teacher uses of AI: lesson planning, differentiation, resource creation, brainstorming and administrative tasks - Student use of AI: ethical boundaries, AI as a thinking tool versus shortcut, teaching prompt writing, fact-checking and critical thinking - Assessment shifts: more drafting, in-class writing, oral responses, and valuing process over product - Key takeaway: Technology changes. Great teaching doesn’t. Our job remains helping students think, interpret and communicate. Connect with Us - Instagram: https://instagram.com/lit.happensseniorenglish - TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@lit.happensse - Email: lit.happensse@gmail.com - Resources – available on Teachers Pay Teachers Call to Action We’d love to hear your thoughts! Answer today’s two questions over on social media: What technology has genuinely improved your teaching? How are you approaching AI with your students? Share this episode with another English teacher and visit https://lithappensse.com/ for more practical guides and resources. Music produced by Instagram – @tmob2k YouTube – @tmob2000 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or your favourite platform. Visit https://lithappensse.com/ for more practical guides, downloadable resources and English teacher support across Years 7–12. Subscribe and join us as we unpack English together! #EnglishTeacher #AIInEducation #EdTech #HSCEnglish #TeacherTalk #HSC2026 #SeniorEnglish #EnglishTeacherNSW #LitHappensPodcast #NSWteachers