Meet PowerBuddy!

PowerSchool's AI Assistant Built Into Schoology

Part 1

@LisaBerghoff

It is impossible to talk about technology these days without AI jumping into the conversation. It is at the same time exciting, concerning, and confusing. For me, I am energized by the possibilities that AI can potentially bring to both teachers and learners. While there are many, many, standalone AI tools, there are even more that are built into the tools we already use. The benefits of "less clicks" are already felt in classrooms. A few years ago, while talking with a group of juniors, they told me- "once you get past three clicks you've lost us". I think the same is true for most of us. While I admittedly have a higher tolerance for technology-related frustration than most, I have come to appreciate when a tool is right where I need it. 

That is why I am so excited to share PowerSchool's PowerBuddy, the AI assistant that lives within Schoology. PowerBuddy is an AI assistant for educators and also for students. Next week I will share a post focusing on the student interface but for now, let's see how PowerBuddy can help you will lesson planning.

What is PowerBuddy?

PowerBuddy is an AI assistant that can be accessed when creating assignments and discussion questions within Schoology. It is a content creator that lives right in the Schoology ecosystem.

You can use PowerBuddy to create assignments, questions, writing prompts, and more. Once PowerBuddy generates based on your prompt, you can add it to your materials page. Everything that PowerBuddy creates can be modified by you.

Why use PowerBuddy?

This can be a wonderful tool to help you craft assignments that are different than what you have been giving your students. Sometimes a fresh perspective can spark new ideas and using PowerBuddy can do that for you. If you are already using a generative AI tool, like ChatGPT, this can help you by saving a step since PowerBuddy is already in Schoology so there is no need to cut and paste. You can use this tool to generate content, which can save you time searching or creating by yourself. 

How do I use PowerBuddy?

1. When you are logged into Schoology, navigate to a course materials page and click Add Materials

2. Choose Add Assignment or Add Discussion

3. On the edit toolbar, you will see the PowerBuddy icon, click to use PowerBuddy

4. A new screen will appear that says Generate Content. Enter your prompt here. You can also click to view example prompts.

5. Enter the format/length, reading level, and language. 

6. Click Generate

Your new content will appear in the box on the right. You can click to edit on this screen or you can click Add To Editor and it will add the text to your assignment where you can edit and share with students.

Here is what it looks like:

Ready to give PowerBuddy a try?

Reach out if you want some help.

Stay tuned for next week's post where we will take a look at how PowerBuddy can interact with students.