Level Up Your AI Literacy: Generative AI TECH–Tac–Toe for K-12 Educators
- Lindy Hockenbary
- Aug 5
- 3 min read
Ready to advance to the next level? If you conquered AI Literacy TECH-Tac-Toe, it's time for the expansion pack. Welcome to the world of generative AI—where creativity meets cutting-edge technology, and the only limit is your imagination (and your prompting skills).
The What and Why of Generative AI
Generative AI is one type of AI that creates (or generates) new content. Generative AI has been around for decades but made a surprise landing in consumers' laps with the release of ChatGPT in November of 2022. The technology is getting more sophisticated by the minute. The pace of innovation is staggering; we've gone from basic text generation to creating images, audio, video, code, and even 3D models in a relatively short period of time.
Why should you care about generative AI as a K–12 educator?Â
The world is changing:Â From creating realistic images and videos to composing music and writing code, this technology is transforming industries and turning education on its head. As educators, we need to understand what these technologies can and cannot do, their limitations, and their implications for teaching, learning, careers, and society. Spoiler alert: there are both promising opportunities and concerning challenges. Educators must grasp both to prepare students to successfully navigate this new world.
Educators can leverage this technology:
Art educators can create visual examples of different artistic styles instantly.
ELA educators can generate reading passages in different reading levels and languages tailored to current events or student interests.Â
Math educators can create word problems featuring their students' interests and local references.
What is Generative AI Literacy TECH-Tac-Toe?
Building on the success of AI Literacy TECH-Tac-Toe, this advanced challenge focuses specifically on generative AI tools. This educator-focused activity presents nine experiences arranged in a tic-tac-toe grid, designed to help you explore, understand, and evaluate the current capabilities of generative AI at the consumer level. Keep in mind—this is only what's available to everyday users, often for free or at low cost. The enterprise-level capabilities with serious funding behind them? That's a whole different game.
Unlike our student-friendly AI literacy version, the tools in Generative AI Tech–Tac–Toe are primarily intended for teacher professional development, workflow enhancement, and instructional use. The goal remains the same: complete three blocks in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) to unlock your generative AI mastery achievement.
Getting Started: Choose Your Difficulty LevelÂ
Follow the link below to access the game board. Choose your path based on your comfort level:
For Beginners: Start with the top row for the most intuitive introduction to generative AI.
For Intermediate Players: Try the middle row or explore diagonally to experience the breadth of generative capabilities.
For Advanced Users: Challenge yourself to complete all nine blocks.
Important Game Rules
Ensure Compliance and Data Privacy:Â
These are primarily paid or account-based tools. If in doubt of school compliance, use your personal email address to create accounts and explore these tools.Â
This activity is designed as an educator quest, not direct student instruction. The terms of use for many of these tools are for users over 13, 16, or 18 years old.Â
Looking for student-friendly AI activities? Check out AI Literacy TECH-Tac-Toe.
Practice Critical Evaluation:Â
Remember that AI can hallucinate (produce convincing but incorrect content). Always verify outputs and maintain your role as the expert educator.
Practice Responsible and Ethical Use:Â
Explore the implications of AI-generated content, including issues of copyright and bias.
For more AI use guidance, reference the updated Navigating AI: Educator's Rules of Thumb infographic.
Ready to Level Up?
Game on! Your generative AI quest awaits below.
