The 7 best AI image generators for education

Last updated on 1 September 2024

Images are essential for learning. Today, artificial intelligence opens up new opportunities for create tailor-made visual content. Although this technology is in its infancy, its rapid evolution suggests a revolution also in this field.

I propose you to discover a selection of AI-based image generators which seem to me rather well adapted to the school environment.

Understanding AI image generators: The magic behind pixels

Before moving on to my list tools, demystify the operation of AI image generators. These technological marvels use artificial neural networks trained on huge image databases.

When you enter a textual description, AI analyzes the text, understands the context and elements requested, and then generates a corresponding image by combining and adapting the visual elements learned.

Imagine super-fast digital artists, able to create unique works in seconds from your wildest ideas. The only limits are the use of trademarks or the names of personalities.

Champions of image generation

1. Multipurpose AI image generators

These tools are real Swiss knives of visual creation, capable of bring almost any idea to life.

The DALL-E generator: The pioneer with multiple talents

• Developed by OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT
• Create images realistic and surrealist based on textual descriptions
• Accessible via ChatGPT for an all-in-one experience
• Access to DALL-E

Example of educational use: Imagine a history course on ancient Egypt. Ask DALL-E to create a ‘Pyramids of Giza construction scene with workers, architects and tools of the time’. The result could offer a unique and engaging perspective for your students.

Midjourney: Creatives’ favourite digital artist

• Very popular with artists and content creators
• Since little, simplified access via the web
• Offers advanced features for high quality images
• Allows fine control over the style and aesthetics of the images generated
• Subscription plans start at around EUR 10 per months
• Access to Midjourney

Example of educational use: For a literature class on ‘The Little Prince’, ask Midjourney to create ‘an illustration in the style of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry showing the Little Prince on his planet with his fox and his rose’. The result could be a beautiful visual interpretation of the work, stimulating the students’ discussion and imagination.

Ideogram AI: Simplicity at the service of creativity

• No need to register to start creating
• Simple and intuitive interface
• Fast and quality results
• Ideogram offers a free version to generate 40 images per day
• Access to Ideogram

Example of educational use: For an ecosystem science course, generate a ‘detailed illustration of a rainforest with different layers of vegetation and characteristic animals’. This could serve as a basis for an activity where students identify and explain the different elements of the ecosystem.

Canva AI: Design accessible to all

• Popular graphic design tool with built-in AI features
• Intuitive interface perfect for beginners
• Possibility to combine generated images and classic design elements
• Access to Canva

Example of educational use: Create interactive infographics for your classes. For example, for a lesson on the solar system, use Canva AI to generate images of planets, then integrate them into an infographic with key information about each planet.

2. The magicians of photo enhancement

These tools are perfect for boosting your existing images or creating content from basic photos.

Stockphotos Upscaler: Focus on quality

• Improves resolution and sharpness of images
• Ideal for enlarging photos without loss of quality
• Access to Stockphotos Upscaler

Example of educational use: Use this tool to improve old photos historical for your history lessons. Students will be able to see the details with impressive clarity, making the experience more immersive.

Template.fm Colorizer: A world in color

• Automatically colorizes black and white images
• Offers several options of color palette
• Access to Palette Colorizer

Example of educational use: In an art or history class, colour famous black and white photographs. Compare the coloured versions with the originals to discuss the impact of colours on our perception of historical images.

3. Background editing experts

Sometimes the background of an image can be distracting or inappropriate for the educational context. These tools come to the rescue!

Remove.bg: The Ace of Substantive Removal

• Automatically deletes the background of images
• Works particularly well with portraits
• Access to Remove BG

Example of educational use: In a biology course, isolate images of animals from their environment to create clear and clean identification sheets.

AI in Action: Case Studies in Education

Case 1: Interactive Geography

A geography teacher uses Midjourney to create unique landscapes representing different ecosystems. She then asks students to analyse these images, identify the type of ecosystem and explain the characteristics that define it.

Case 2: Living history

A history teacher uses DALL-E to generate historical scenes based on the descriptions of his students. After studying a specific period, students write detailed prompts describing a scene of everyday life at that time. The images generated then serve as a basis for in-depth discussions on the historical accuracy and details of the period studied.

Case 3: Illustrated Mathematics

A Math teacher uses Canva AI, (this is also possible with ChatGPT) to create explanatory infographics for complex concepts such as fractions or geometry. AI-generated visualizations, combined with textual explanations, can helpr students to better understand and retain abstract concepts.

Tips on how to effectively integrate AI images into teaching

1. Always check the content: AI generators, like all tools ia, may sometimes produce errors or inaccuracies. Make sure you check images before using them in class.
2. Encourage creativity: Use these tools as a starting point for creative projects. Ask students to edit or interpret the generated images.
3. Discuss ethics: Take the opportunity to address ethical issues related to AI and image creation. Discuss intellectual property and the impact of AI on creative industries.
4. Combine with other resources: AI-generated images are an excellent complement to traditional resources. Use them in conjunction with textbooks, videos and other educational materials.
5. Adapt to age and level: Choose tools and prompts appropriate to the age and level of understanding of your students.

A playground to acquire new digital skills

The use of AI image generators by students is not limited to the mere creation of visual content. It also helps to develop valuable digital skills.

By interacting with these tools, students learn to navigate complex digital interfaces and understand the basic concepts of AI.

1. Computational thinking: The formulation of efficient prompts to generate the desired images encourages logical and structured thinking, similar to programming.
2. Digital creativity: These tools allow students to explore new forms of artistic expression, combining their imagination with the capabilities of AI.
3. Critical thinking: Analyzing images generated by AI, detecting inaccuracies or biases, and reflecting on the ethical implications of this technology develop students’ critical sense.
4. Online collaboration: Projects using these tools can encourage remote collaboration, an increasingly important skill in the modern professional world.
5. Technological adaptability: Exposure to these cutting-edge technologies prepares students to adapt quickly to innovations, a crucial skill in an ever-changing world.
6. Visual information management: Students learn to interpret, evaluate and create information in visual form, an essential skill in the digital age.

By integrating these tools into your courses, you are not just enriching your educational content – you are actively preparing your students for a future where mastery of digital technologies will be essential.

Summary table of AI image generation tools for school

What questions do AI image generators raise?

Here is a selection of questions raised by the use of AI image generators in a school context:

• How can the work done with these tools be equitably evaluated?To equitably assess the work done by students using AI image generators, I think that it focus inter alia on the quality of the prompt/description provided to the AI, the relevance of the generated image to the subject and finally the analysis and interpretation of the image made by the pupil.
• Are these tools accessible to all students, including those with specific needs?AI image generators offer interesting potential for the inclusion of students with specific needs, but their accessibility varies depending on the tools and types of needs. Some tools like DALL-E can generate detailed text descriptions of the images created, which can be useful for visually impaired students. of these interactive tools for the school can be beneficial in maintaining the engagement of students with attention disorders. Text-based interfaces (such as for DALL-E or Midjourney) may be more accessible than text-based interfaces. Drawing Tools traditional. The predictable and structured nature of AI image generation may be appropriate for some autistic students.
• What are the technical conditions for the use of these image generators in schools?The use of AI image generators in the classroom generally does not require sophisticated equipment. First of all, a stable and fast internet connection is indispensable, as these tools work online and constantly exchange data. Subsequently, most common devices such as computers, laptops, tablets, and even smartphones are compatible, although a larger screen is preferable to better view and manipulate images. Finally, it is important to use a web browser recent and up-to-date, such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge, to ensure optimal compatibility with these tools.
• What are the implications in terms of rights author for AI-generated images?The copyright implications for AI-generated images are complex and constantly evolving. For time, AI-generated images are not protected by copyright.The main reason for this non-protection is the absence of a direct human author in the creative process, which is usually required to establish copyright. (Some artists have, however, stated that the use of their copyrighted works to train artificial intelligences, such as Stable Diffusion, is an infringement of their rights). Developments in this area will have to be monitored.

The future of visual education

AI image generators open up a world of opportunities for education. They already allow teachers to create personalized visual content and students to explore their creativity in new ways. While these tools do not replace human expertise and creativity, they are a valuable complement to the educational arsenal.

Feel free to experiment with these different tools. You will be surprised at how much they can stimulate your students’ imagination.