AI tools for schools: overview and recommendations for 2026

The range of AI tools changes almost every month, and keeping track is challenging even for ICT coordinators. This article does not cover “everything” — it focuses on services that are actually used in Czech schools, have clear terms for educational use and can be introduced without a major project.

We have divided them into three groups: general-purpose tools (for text and lesson preparation), specialist tools (for specific teaching tasks) and school-wide tools (for managing data and AI across the school).

General-purpose AI tools

Versatile chat-based assistants. Good for writing, lesson preparation, rewording, summarising and brainstorming.

• ChatGPT (OpenAI) — the most widely used, strong at text and versatile. The free version is enough for most teachers. Age limit: 13+ with parental or guardian consent.
• Google Gemini — integrates well with Google Workspace for Education. In school Gemini for Education accounts, data is under the school's control.
• Microsoft Copilot — available free through Copilot Chat for schools with Microsoft 365 A1/A3, with protection for school data. Suitable for schools already using Microsoft.
• Claude (Anthropic) — high-quality responses and a longer context window. Works well for sensitive wording (written assessments, communication with parents). Stricter age limits.
• Perplexity — combines AI with search. Strong at factual queries and provides sources.

Specialist teaching tools

• Diffit — automatically adapts texts to different pupil attainment levels.
• Curipod — interactive lessons and presentations with AI-generated content.
• Magic School — a suite of tools for planning, assessment and communication.
• Eduaide — generates worksheets, tests and activities.

Language teaching tools

• Duolingo Max — AI conversations, explanations of mistakes and level adaptation.
• ELSA Speak — English pronunciation practice with instant feedback.
• Speak — conversational AI for language learning.

Image and presentation tools

• DALL·E (in ChatGPT), Gemini Imagen, Midjourney — generate illustrations for worksheets and presentations.
• Canva AI — AI-assisted designs for presentations, posters and worksheets.
• Gamma — automatically generates presentations from text.

School-wide tools

• Microsoft 365 Copilot — AI throughout the suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams). Suitable for school leadership and administration.
• Google Gemini for Workspace — the equivalent in the Google environment (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail).
• NotebookLM — document analysis, summaries and questions generated from source materials (excellent for curricula and teaching guidance).

Recommendations by role

• Teacher with no technical background — ChatGPT Free or Gemini. A free version, one tool and a focus on mastering prompts.
• Confident teacher — one general-purpose tool (ChatGPT / Gemini) + one specialist tool (Diffit, Curipod, Magic School).
• Form tutor — Claude or ChatGPT for written assessments and communication with parents. See AI for form tutors.
• School leadership — Microsoft 365 Copilot or Google Gemini for Workspace for administration and management.
• ICT coordinator — a combination of tools + NotebookLM for curriculum work. Responsible for school policy and data security.

Recommendations by budget

• CZK 0 — ChatGPT Free + Gemini Free. Enough for the first year of use.
• Low budget — 1–3 ChatGPT Plus licences (CZK 500/month) for key teachers.
• Medium budget — Microsoft 365 A3 with Copilot or Google Workspace for Education Standard.
• High budget — full rollout of Copilot / Gemini for Education to all teaching staff + specialist teaching tools.

Next steps

For an implementation strategy, see How to introduce AI at school. For practical guidance on the most widely used tool, see ChatGPT for teachers. For the technical side (space, hardware, network), see How to equip an AI classroom.