As language teachers, we try to prepare students for the different types of writing they encounter in exams, such as essays, emails, reports, reviews, or proposals. However, we often miss out on other types of writing that are much more common nowadays. I am referring to posts on social media.
Learners can actually choose to use Gen.AI to do all the work for them by crafting a good prompt or asking it to translate a script they may have written in L1. If that’s the case, the matter is settled. However, when they opt to write a short script themselves, Gen.AI proves to be extremely useful as well. It can not only check for mistakes and refine the text to sound more natural but also make significant changes to align it with the conventions of social media discourse. Not only that, but it also provides feedback on timing, suitable music and imagery.
So I wrote this text for a hypothetical reel on Instagram:
Did you know that you could hold a Choose Your Own Adventure activity with your students live in class with no preparation needed? Just type your prompt into ChatGPT or a similar tool, and engage your class in a fun interactive speaking activity. Great payoffs, zero prep. Visit my blog, Artificial Intelligence in English Language Teaching, at www.aielt.org to find out more.
And this is the prompt that I used on ChatGPT: Please read my Instagram reel advertising a blog post to direct traffic to my blog for teachers of English. Please give me tips on how I can improve it so the video immediately grabs people’s attention, keeps them watching until the end, and encourages them to check out the blog post (script copied and pasted here now).
Here are tips to improve your Instagram reel and make it more engaging, ensuring viewers watch it till the end and visit your blog:
1. Grab Attention in the First 3 Seconds
- Start with a hook that directly addresses a pain point or curiosity:
“Struggling with prep time? Try this zero-prep classroom activity!”
OR
“What if I told you you can create an adventure in class… instantly?”2. Keep It Dynamic
- Use quick cuts or motion to match your spoken words.
- For example, as you say “Choose Your Own Adventure,” show dynamic text on the screen with exciting animations.
3. Emphasize Visual Appeal
- Show visuals of a classroom or ChatGPT interface in action.
- Include text overlays highlighting key points like:
- “No Prep Needed!”
- “Interactive and Fun!”
4. Include a Call-to-Action (CTA)
- Add a verbal and text-based CTA at the end:
“Check out my blog for step-by-step instructions: www.aielt.com!”
Suggested Script for Instagram Reel
[Visual: A teacher in a classroom holding their head, looking stressed. Switch to a vibrant classroom scene.]
🎥 Hook: “Need a quick, fun activity that takes ZERO prep? I’ve got you!”[Visual: Dynamic text: Choose Your Own Adventure pops up.]
🎤 Middle: “Turn your classroom into an interactive story! Just type a prompt into ChatGPT or a similar tool, and you’re ready to go. It’s that easy!”[Visual: Show a teacher typing and students reacting enthusiastically.]
💡 “Zero prep, tons of fun, and amazing results!”[Visual: URL and logo for your blog.]
📢 Outro: “Want to know how to get started? Visit Artificial Intelligence in English Language Teaching at www.aielt.com. Your next great lesson is waiting!”
Final Tips
- Music: Use upbeat music to match your message’s energy.
- Timing: Keep the video between 15–30 seconds.
- Captions: Add captions for accessibility and engagement.
- Hashtags: Use hashtags like #AIInTeaching, #EnglishTeachingTips, and #ClassroomActivities to reach your audience.
Would you like help crafting visuals or editing text for overlays?
I found this advice extremely useful. Research shows that the first three seconds of your video are vital to make it or break it, and I think the two suggestions given by ChatGPT will definitely work a lot better than the original. I also welcome the recommended captions, hashtags and visuals that could enhance the overall experience.
In the worst of cases, even if students write a prompt in L1 and ask ChatGPT (or a similar tool) to generate a script in L2 for them and provide suggestions for the video production, they will still need to read and type content in L2. In other words, the learning outcomes are still achieved.
AI in ELT 
Wonderful ♥️
LikeLike