🏟️ Discover LMArena - Battle of the AIs

Session 4, Topic 1 | Free Power Tools - Interactive Projects

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⏱️ 30 minutes

The Ultimate AI Comparison Platform

LMArena is a free platform where you can test multiple AI models simultaneously, compare their outputs side-by-side, and access premium models that normally cost $20/month - completely free, no sign-up required!

🎯 Learning Objectives

  • Understand what LMArena is and why it's revolutionary
  • Learn to use Arena (battle) mode to compare models
  • Access premium AI models for free
  • Vote and contribute to AI model rankings
  • Switch between battle mode and direct chat
  • Apply LMArena to real educator tasks

🏟️ What is LMArena (Language Model Arena)?

lmarena.ai

LMArena is a platform created by researchers to compare AI language models through blind testing. You submit a prompt, two anonymous AI models respond, and you vote for the best answer - all while getting access to the most powerful AI models available!

  • Test 2+ AI models with the same prompt simultaneously
  • See which AI creates better code, lesson plans, emails
  • Vote for the best response (models revealed after voting)
  • Access to GPT-4, Claude Opus, Gemini Ultra, and 50+ more models
  • Completely free, no sign-up required, unlimited usage
  • Contribute to AI research by voting on responses
🎁 Secret Advantage: You get FREE access to premium models like GPT-4 ($20/month), Claude Opus ($20/month), and Gemini Ultra ($20/month) that normally require paid subscriptions!

💰 Why LMArena is a Game-Changer

🏦 Traditional Approach

$60/mo

3 separate subscriptions

  • ChatGPT Plus: $20/month
  • Claude Pro: $20/month
  • Gemini Advanced: $20/month
  • Limited to one model at a time
  • Can't compare outputs
  • Credit card required

🏟️ LMArena Approach

$0/mo

All models, forever free

  • Access to ALL premium models
  • 50+ models including latest releases
  • Compare outputs side-by-side
  • Unlimited usage
  • No account needed
  • Instant access

💎 You Save $720 Per Year

By using LMArena instead of paying for individual AI subscriptions!

🎮 LMArena Modes

⚔️

Arena (Battle) Mode

Two anonymous AI models compete to answer your prompt. You vote for the best response, then see which models you compared!

Best for: Finding the best AI for your task

💬

Direct Chat Mode

Choose a specific model (GPT-4, Claude, Gemini, etc.) and chat directly with it - perfect when you've found your favorite!

Best for: Using your preferred model

🎯

Side-by-Side Mode

Select 2-4 specific models and compare their responses simultaneously - great for testing specific AI combinations!

Best for: Comparing specific models

📦 Getting Started with LMArena

Access LMArena

  1. Open your browser
  2. Go to lmarena.ai (or search "lmarena" on Google)
  3. No account creation needed - you're ready to start!
  4. Bookmark the page for easy access

Choose Arena (Battle) Mode

  1. On the homepage, click "Arena (battle)" button
  2. You'll see two empty chat boxes side by side
  3. The models competing are hidden (anonymous)
  4. This prevents bias - you judge purely on output quality!

Submit Your First Prompt

  1. Type your prompt in the single input box at the bottom
  2. Your prompt goes to BOTH AI models simultaneously
  3. Click Send or press Enter
  4. Watch both AIs generate responses in real-time
  5. Wait for both to finish (usually 10-30 seconds)

Try This First Prompt:

Write a 3-paragraph email to parents explaining how we're using AI tools to enhance learning in our program, emphasizing transparency and educational benefits.

Compare & Vote

  1. Read both responses carefully
  2. Consider: Which is clearer? More professional? Better structured?
  3. Click one of three buttons:
    • Model A is better (left response wins)
    • Tie (both equally good)
    • Model B is better (right response wins)
  4. After voting, the model names are revealed!
  5. Example: "Model A was GPT-4, Model B was Claude Opus"

Continue the Conversation or Start Fresh

  • Ask Follow-up Questions: The conversation continues with the same models
  • New Battle: Click "New Battle" to get two different random models
  • Copy Results: Click the copy button to save the best response
  • Share: Use the share link to show colleagues

Switch to Direct Chat (Optional)

  1. Once you find a model you love, click "Direct Chat" tab
  2. Select your preferred model from the dropdown (50+ options)
  3. Chat directly with that model
  4. No more voting - just use your favorite AI!

🎓 Educator Use Cases for LMArena

1. Lesson Plan Generation

Example Prompt:

Create a 50-minute lesson plan for teaching photosynthesis to 8th graders. Include: learning objectives, materials needed, 5-minute warm-up activity, 20-minute interactive demonstration, 15-minute group activity, 10-minute assessment, and accommodation suggestions for diverse learners.

Why use Arena mode: Different AI models excel at different subjects. Battle them to see which creates the most engaging science lessons!

2. Parent Communication

Example Prompt:

Write a weekly newsletter for parents summarizing this week's activities: field trip to science museum, started geometry unit, reading comprehension focus on inference skills, upcoming parent-teacher conferences. Keep tone warm and informative, 250 words max.

Why use Arena mode: Test which AI writes in a friendlier, more parent-appropriate tone!

3. Assessment Creation

Example Prompt:

Create a 10-question multiple choice quiz on the American Civil War for high school students. Include 3 easy, 4 medium, 3 hard questions. Cover causes, major battles, key figures, and outcomes. Provide answer key with brief explanations.

Why use Arena mode: Compare which AI generates more historically accurate and appropriately challenging questions!

4. Differentiated Materials

Example Prompt:

Take this paragraph about water cycle and create three versions: 1) Grade 3 reading level, 2) Grade 6 reading level, 3) ESL-friendly with simple vocabulary. Original text: "The water cycle is a continuous process where water evaporates from bodies of water, condenses into clouds, precipitates as rain or snow, and returns to bodies of water through runoff and groundwater flow."

Why use Arena mode: See which AI better adapts content for different learning levels!

5. Code Generation for Educational Tools

Example Prompt:

Create a simple HTML/CSS/JavaScript interactive times table practice game for 3rd graders. Include: random multiplication problems (1-12 tables), input field for answers, immediate feedback (correct/incorrect with encouraging messages), score counter, colorful kid-friendly design.

Why use Arena mode: Different models write code differently - find which generates cleaner, more functional educational tools!

💡 Pro Tips for Maximum LMArena Success

Strategy Tips:

  • Run Multiple Battles: Don't settle for the first response. Run the same prompt 3-4 times to see different model combinations and find the absolute best output.
  • Copy Best Parts from Each: Model A might have a great introduction while Model B has better examples. Combine the strengths of both!
  • Iterate with Follow-ups: After getting initial responses, ask follow-up questions like "Make this more concise" or "Add more specific examples"
  • Track Your Favorites: Keep notes on which models consistently win for specific tasks (GPT-4 for code, Claude for writing, etc.)
  • Use Side-by-Side Mode for Favorites: Once you know your top 2-3 models, use side-by-side mode to compare them directly

Quality Tips:

  • Be Specific: Instead of "lesson plan for math," say "30-minute lesson on adding fractions with unlike denominators for 5th grade"
  • Include Format Requirements: Specify word count, structure, tone (formal/casual), and output format (bullets, paragraphs, tables)
  • Test Edge Cases: Try challenging prompts to see which model handles complexity better
  • Vote Honestly: Your votes help improve AI rankings - be truthful even if your favorite model loses
⚠️ Important Limitations:
  • No conversation history - each battle is independent
  • Can't save favorites or create accounts (use a notes app)
  • Models might time out during high traffic (just retry)
  • No file uploads (text prompts only)

🧪 Hands-On Practice Exercise

Challenge 1: Battle for Best Email

Task: Go to lmarena.ai and use this prompt in Arena mode:

Write a professional email to my program director requesting approval to attend a 2-day AI resource workshop next month. Include: brief explanation of workshop content, how it benefits our program, cost ($500), and request for approval by Friday.

Goal: Run 3 battles and note which models created the best email.

Challenge 2: Compare Coding Output

Task: Test which AI writes better code:

Create a simple HTML page with a timer that counts down from 5 minutes. Include start, pause, reset buttons. Display time in MM:SS format with large, easy-to-read text. Add a completion sound/alert when timer reaches zero.

Goal: Vote for which model creates more functional, cleaner code.

Challenge 3: Switch to Direct Chat

Task: After your battles, identify your favorite model. Switch to Direct Chat mode, select that model, and ask it to enhance the email from Challenge 1 by adding specific budget justification.

Goal: Experience the difference between battle mode and direct chat.

✅ Topic Completion Checklist

🚀 What's Next?

Now that you've mastered LMArena, it's time to discover NanoBanana - another free tool with instant AI access and no login required. You'll learn how to combine LMArena's comparison power with NanoBanana's speed for rapid development!

Next Topic: NanoBanana Platform →