Creating AI-Generated Learning Resources and Assessments: What Educators and Course Designers Need to Know

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the way learning content and assessments are developed. From generating quizzes in seconds to building complete lesson plans, AI tools promise faster workflows, lower costs, and scalable solutions for educators and instructional designers.

But with great power comes great responsibility.

This blog explores the benefits, limitations, and best practices for using AI to build educational resources—and why human expertise remains critical at every stage of the process.

Why Use AI for Learning Content Creation?

AI can be a valuable assistant in the content development process. Here’s what it does well:

Speed and Efficiency

AI tools can generate lesson outlines, quizzes, summaries, case studies, and more in a fraction of the time it takes a human to do the same. This allows educators to spend more time refining and delivering content, rather than creating it from scratch.

Personalisation

Some AI systems can adjust content based on learner levels or preferences. For example, an AI model could generate simplified versions of technical topics for beginner learners, or localise content for cultural or linguistic relevance.

Idea Generation

Writers facing a blank page can use AI to brainstorm discussion questions, assignment prompts, or real-world scenarios to support deeper learning.

The Risks and Limitations of AI-Generated Content

While AI can accelerate content development, it comes with significant caveats:

Accuracy Is Not Guaranteed

AI models can generate plausible-sounding information that is factually incorrect or outdated. This is known as "hallucination." When used in regulated fields (like medicine, engineering, or vocational training), this can be dangerous.

Lack of Pedagogical Context

AI doesn’t inherently understand learning theory or cognitive development. Without guidance, it may produce resources that lack scaffolding, ignore learning outcomes, or misalign with competency frameworks.

Bias and Inclusivity Issues

AI models are trained on existing content from the internet—which means they can reproduce stereotypes, cultural bias, or exclusionary language. Inclusive content still requires human judgment.

Over-Reliance

AI can become a crutch. It should supplement instructional design, not replace it. Over-reliance leads to homogenised, impersonal content that lacks insight, creativity, and educational depth.

The Role of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)

To get the most out of AI, you need the right inputs—and that’s where SMEs come in.

Why SME-Led Prompting Matters:

• Ensures that AI-generated content is relevant, accurate, and contextually appropriate

• Helps craft prompts that reflect the correct industry language, assessment criteria, and training requirements

• Enables review and refinement of content through an expert lens

Tip: SME + Instructional Designer + AI = High-quality learning resources that are fast to produce and pedagogically sound.

Best Practices for Creating AI Learning Resources

1. Start with Clear Learning Outcomes AI needs direction. Tell it the topic, level, format, and purpose of the content you're creating.

2. Use Structured Prompts Example:"Create 5 multiple-choice questions on workplace health and safety for adult learners in the construction industry. Each question must have 1 correct and 3 distractors."

3. Always Review and Edit Never publish AI-generated content without careful human checking—for accuracy, tone, inclusivity, and alignment with curriculum standards.

4. Test with Real Learners Trial your AI-generated resources with a small group and gather feedback to improve clarity, engagement, and effectiveness.

5. Combine AI with Templates Use pre-approved instructional templates to help AI-generated content fit into an existing course structure.

   
   

Overview of Common AI Models Used in Education

Model / Tool	Best For	Strengths	Limitations
ChatGPT (OpenAI)	General content creation, explanations, quizzes	Natural-sounding text, creative writing	Can hallucinate facts
Claude (Anthropic)	Summarisation, long documents	Handles long context windows	May be too cautious
Gemini (Google)	Academic tone, research-style outputs	Integrated with Google Workspace	Limited third-party integrations
Copilot (Microsoft)	In-app content creation (Word, Excel, etc.)	Great for admin tasks and templates	Limited in-depth instructional design
H5P + AI tools	Interactive activities	Can embed into LMS	Requires external integration
Canva Magic Write / Notion AI	Visual content, templates, outlines	Easy for non-tech users	Basic question generation

Final Thoughts: Human-Led, AI-Supported

AI is a powerful partner for educators and course designers—but not a replacement. The best outcomes happen when content experts use AI to enhance their work, not shortcut it.

Use AI to generate ideas, save time, and scale output—but rely on human expertise to:

• Validate facts

• Ensure learning quality

• Align with assessment frameworks

• Make the experience meaningful