Feeling overwhelmed by AI in education? You’re not alone. Many ESL teachers feel lost when it comes to using AI tools like ChatGPT or navigating the world of EdTech.
Have you ever followed an EdTech or AI account on Instagram or Facebook? You see 12 new tools, 8 hot tips, and 5 apps you’ve never heard of and you have no idea where to start—so you don’t. As an ESL teacher, you want to stay relevant and up to date, but it feels like just another task in a long line of things on your plate.
There’s a constant pressure to “learn the tech,” and a nagging feeling that you’re falling behind—not just compared to colleagues, but to your students, too.
Why do we feel this way?
- Constant Changes and New Tools. New AI tools for teachers seem to pop up every week, and it’s hard to know which ones are worth your time. The speed of change in educational technology can make even tech-savvy teachers feel like they’re falling behind.
- Little to No Training or Support. Most schools or language centres don’t offer proper training in how to use AI in the classroom. You’re expected to “figure it out” while juggling everything else, from lesson planning to admin.
- Decision Fatigue Is Real. With so many apps, platforms, and tools out there, where do you even start? Should you try ChatGPT, Canva Magic Write, or something else entirely? It’s mentally exhausting just thinking about it
- Shifting Expectations in Education. Teaching methods are evolving fast, and there’s growing pressure to use technology creatively. It’s easy to feel like you’re not doing “enough” if you’re not integrating AI into every lesson.
- Fear of Doing It Wrong. Many teachers worry about using tech “incorrectly” or looking unprofessional in front of colleagues or students. The pressure to get it perfect the first time can stop you from trying at all.
My AI Story: From Overwhelmed to Empowered
“I opened ChatGPT, stared at the blank box and thought: What do I even type? So, of course, I procrastinated.”
I remember two years ago, I got curious about AI and wanted to understand it better. I searched for a course that would introduce a few AI tools and show me how to use them effectively. I couldn’t find anything clear or beginner-friendly—and I felt completely overwhelmed by the number of tools out there.
Eventually, I decided to teach myself. I started with ChatGPT. I opened the website, stared at the blank box and thought: What do I even type? So, of course, I procrastinated. I clicked away, promising myself I’d try again later. A month passed, and the tab was still open. I hadn’t touched it.
I’m so glad I finally gave it a go. Today, AI is my sidekick! It helps me plan lessons, brainstorm activities, and save hours of time. (And yes, I still type “hello,” “please,” and “thank you” in every interaction—haha.)
Why It’s Okay to Feel Overwhelmed
First and foremost, you are not alone. A 2023 report from Cambridge revealed that over 60% of language teachers felt unprepared to use AI tools effectively in their classrooms.
But here’s the good news: You can learn it.
Think about it like learning a language. You master a small chunk, then practise and build on it. It’s about taking small, steady steps in the right direction.
As language teachers, we constantly remind our students to:
- Be adaptable
- Embrace mistakes
- Just give it a go
This is advice we need to give ourselves, too—especially when it comes to using AI in education.
So, What Can You Do to Beat Tech Overload?
- Choose One New AI Tool for Teachers at a Time – pick just one beginner-friendly EdTech or AI tool—like ChatGPT, Canva, or MagicSchool.ai—and focus on getting to know it. Search for a quick tutorial video on YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. This will reduce overwhelm and give yourself the space to build confidence step by step.
- Practice Writing Just One Simple Prompt – Prompt-writing doesn’t have to be intimidating. Start with something simple and directly connected to your day-to-day teaching—like: “Create a warm-up game for teens studying the past simple.”
- Use AI for what you already do—like making discussion questions, writing reading comprehension tasks, or generating quiz questions using new vocabulary. Give it an example and watch it work its magic.
- Create a “Tech Wins” Journal or Note. Start a simple digital or paper notebook where you record small tech wins—like a great prompt that saved you time or an activity that went well with the help of AI. This not only boosts your confidence but also helps you build your own personal toolkit of tried-and-tested ideas. Over time, you’ll have a go-to resource that makes using EdTech feel easier, not harder.
Learning how to use AI for ESL teaching won’t happen overnight. But small steps can make a big difference.
It’s not a race. You don’t have to catch up with everyone else—you just have to start, at your own pace. Give it a try, and you might be surprised at how quickly your skills and confidence grow.
👋 I’d love to hear your story!
What was your first encounter with AI like? Did it help—or totally confuse you?
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AI with Ashleigh 
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