The Only AI Glossary Teachers Actually Need (Without the Tech Jargon)

Let’s be honest, AI terms like “neural networks” and “machine learning” sound like something out of a computer science class or a Silicon Valley pitch deck. But if you’re a teacher today, you’ve probably already heard about AI creeping into your world whether it be related to lesson planning, grading, brainstorming, personalized learning. And let’s face it: it’s not going away. That’s why I put together this no-fluff, teacher-first glossary of 25 AI terms you’re actually likely to run into, and more importantly, what they really mean in the classroom. This isn’t for developers or tech bros. This is for real teachers who want to understand the tools they’re using (or about to use), without needing a computer science degree. So grab your coffee or matcha, bookmark this, and let's decode AI together!

What Is AI (Artificial Intelligence)?

AI is when machines are built to "think" and make decisions like humans. In education, it can help with things like writing feedback, creating lesson plans, or adapting materials.

Think: a digital teaching assistant that never needs a prep period.

Machine Learning (ML)

A branch of AI where the system learns from data instead of being told what to do every step of the way.

In class: This is what helps platforms detect patterns in student answers or reading habits.

Deep Learning

A more advanced version of machine learning, modeled after the brain. It’s what powers voice recognition or handwriting readers.

For teachers: This powers tools that help grade scanned handwritten work or caption videos.

Neural Networks

These are the brain-inspired systems behind deep learning. They help AI “think in layers” so it can make sense of complex info like language, images, or speech.

Training Data

This is the data AI learns from. Just like you’d teach with examples, AI needs tons of data to learn patterns.

Example: An AI writing tool was trained on billions of web pages so it can now help students rephrase a sentence.

Generative AI

This is the buzzword you hear most. It refers to AI that can create new things like lesson plans, essays, quizzes, or even art. Tools like ChatGPT and TeachShare’s Creator Tool live in this realm of AI.

Large Language Models (LLMs)

The "brains" behind generative AI like ChatGPT. These models are trained on a ridiculous amount of text so they can understand and generate natural-sounding responses. In teacher terms: They’re what make chatbots “talk smart.”

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

This lets AI understand and respond to human language aka what allows AI to actually hold a conversation (or read your prompt like a human would).

Chatbots

These are AI tools that simulate conversation. Some help students brainstorm. Others assist you in planning. In education: think of chatbots like the AI version of a helpful teaching assistant that’s available 24/7 to answer questions, explain concepts, or brainstorm ideas with students.

Computer Vision

This allows AI to "see" and interpret images or videos. You’ve seen this if you’ve used tools that read handwriting, scan worksheets, or auto-tag student work.

OpenAI

The company behind ChatGPT. They research and build AI tools (including DALL·E for image generation).

Important because: Their work influences nearly every AI conversation in education today.

ChatGPT

An AI chatbot built by OpenAI that can generate text, solve problems, and answer questions.

Use it for: Brainstorming, writing support, lesson hooks, and more. But always fact-check, it can get things wrong.

Prompt Engineering

Basically, how you phrase your question to get the best answer from an AI tool.Good prompts = better responses. Think of it like giving very clear directions to your students.

AI Hallucinations

When AI confidently gives you incorrect or made-up information.

Reminder: Always double-check what AI tools produce. Just because it sounds smart doesn’t mean it’s right.

Personalized Learning

AI can adjust content based on student progress or learning style. With TeachShare, you can build differentiated materials or see how other teachers have scaffolded the same activity for different learners.

AI Ethics

Refers to making sure AI is used fairly and responsibly. This includes issues like data privacy, bias, and transparency. Your job? Choose tools that align with educational values, and help students use AI responsibly, too.

EdTech (Educational Technology)

Any digital tech used to support learning including AI tools, learning apps, and virtual classrooms. Fun fact: AI is just the latest layer of EdTech, not a whole new world.

Learning Analytics

AI that analyzes student data to show learning trends or gaps.

You get: Insight into who’s thriving, who needs help, and how to adjust your instruction.

Gamification

Using game-style mechanics (like badges or points) to make learning more fun. AI can power this by tracking progress and adjusting difficulty automatically.

Automation in Education

AI taking care of repetitive tasks like auto-grading, formatting rubrics, or even generating reading logs. With TeachShare, automation meets intention. You can create or edit assignments without reinventing the wheel.

Data Privacy

Refers to how student data is stored and protected. Always check if the AI tools you’re using are FERPA-compliant and don’t share student info without consent. TeachShare was built with teacher and student privacy in mind.

AI Literacy

Understanding how AI works, its strengths, and its limitations. Your students need this. TeachShare offers AI-literacy aligned activities and digital citizenship tasks to support it.

AI-Resilient Assessment

Assignments designed so students can’t just ask ChatGPT for the answer. TeachShare has dozens of these, from personal reflections to role-play simulations.

Feedback Frameworks

AI tools can speed up feedback, but TeachShare gives you editable rubrics and reflection tools built by real teachers, so it’s meaningful and human-centered.

TeachShare (The Real MVP)

An AI-powered platform designed by teachers for teachers. It lets you create, customize, and refine lessons, reflections, assessments, and more with AI support that doesn’t compromise student safety or professional control. Whether you’re just dipping your toe into AI or looking for classroom-ready materials that go beyond worksheets, TeachShare is your co-teacher, your idea bank, and your professional community.

Final Thoughts

AI can feel overwhelming at first, but once you learn the lingo, it starts to click. And when you’ve got tools like TeachShare in your corner, you’re not just keeping up, you’re moving forward with purpose.

You don’t need to know everything. You just need to start. And now, you can!