Use AI-powered image generation capabilities effectively

  • 7 minutes

Image, music, and video generation have been other additions to the world of AI. Generative AI applications use models like DALL-E to generate artistic content from textual prompts. These prompts can be highly imaginative or unusual. Again, the more specifically a prompt is written the better the result.

Educators can take advantage of image-generating AI tools to enhance creativity and productivity in the classroom, benefiting both teaching and learning experiences. Following are some ways to use these innovative tools:

  • Visual storytelling: Encourage learners to use image-generating tools to create illustrations, storyboards, or comics that complement their written narratives. This type of activity helps learners visualize and better understand complex concepts, express their ideas more effectively, and engage in interdisciplinary learning.
  • Concept visualization: Use AI-generated images to bring abstract concepts to life, making these ideas more accessible through multiple modalities and in turn more engaging for learners. Educators can use these tools to generate visual representations of historical events, scientific phenomena, or mathematical concepts.
  • Art and design projects: Integrate image-generating tools into art and design lessons, allowing learners to experiment with different styles, techniques, and media. This fosters creativity, innovation, and collaboration as learners combine AI-generated elements with their own original work.
  • Class materials: Enhance teaching materials such as presentations, assignments, and lessons with AI-generated images tailored to the subject matter. Custom imagery can make the content more visually appealing and engaging for learners while scaffolding learning.
  • Brainstorming and idea generation: Use AI-generated images as creative prompts for learners to brainstorm, develop ideas, or engage in problem solving. By providing learners with unexpected or unusual visual stimuli, educators encourage out-of-the-box thinking and allow learners to approach tasks from fresh perspectives.
  • Visual communication: Use image-generating tools to create infographics, data visualizations, or other graphical representations of information.

Microsoft Designer

Microsoft Designer is a graphic design app that helps create professional quality designs and original images just by typing in a prompt. It's built to assist each stage of the creative process. Microsoft Designer is a free, web-based tool that uses AI technology to generate imagery, templates, and designs. Get writing assistance, layout suggestions, and even proposed captions for videos. All generated content is customizable and downloadable. It's easy to use and allows educators to create personalized, engaging visuals for all sorts of lessons or topics.

Image Creator from Designer

  Image Creator from Designer is an AI-powered tool that generates images from text prompts. Image Creator, powered by an advanced version of the DALL∙E model from our partners at OpenAI, creates an image simply by analyzing the words used to describe a picture. Educators need only type in a description of an image, provide additional context like location or activity, and choose an art style. Image Creator generates an image straight from the educator’s imagination. Prompts can begin with “draw an image” or “create an image.” Educators can use this tool to create images for a class newsletter, lesson, or Teams post.

Begin generating with Image Creator in one of two ways:

If using the first option, be sure to start with a verb like “create” in the prompt; otherwise, Copilot just searches for images online instead of generating them. When creating images in Image Creator or Microsoft Designer, consider using the prompt structure recommended by Microsoft: adjective + noun + verb + style.

Some examples of this format are:

  • Lush, terraced rice fields, glowing at sunset, landscape photography
  • Dramatic, volcanic eruption, showcasing lava flows, nature painting
  • Whimsical, treehouse village, nestled in a magical forest, fantasy art
  • Minimalist, black and white, ink wash landscape, inspired by traditional Chinese art
  • Atmospheric, 1920s detective, investigating a crime scene, digital painting
  • Scientific, model of a eukaryotic cell, 3D format

Educators should provide specific guidance to learners about how and when it’s appropriate to use generative AI. It’s important to help learners understand the role of AI in the creative process and emphasize the importance of balancing AI-generated content with human creativity and judgment. By doing so, educators can create a dynamic, innovative learning environment that fosters creativity among students.