A significant shift is occurring in the educational landscape, driven by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into learning environments, particularly for students with disabilities. Schools across the United States are increasingly implementing assistive technologies that harness AI to facilitate learning and accommodate diverse needs.
One poignant example is that of 14-year-old Makenzie Gilkison, a student from suburban Indianapolis, who has struggled with dyslexia. She often faces challenges in spelling and comprehension, with words sometimes appearing as nonsensically jumbled letters. However, the introduction of AI-driven tools, including a customised chatbot and word prediction software, has empowered her to keep pace with her peers. “I would have just probably given up if I didn’t have them,” she stated. Her academic achievements, such as being named to the National Junior Honor Society, highlight the potential of these technologies.
The push towards integrating AI in education is being actively supported by the U.S. Education Department, which is now urging schools to consider the necessity of technologies like text-to-speech and alternative communication devices for students with disabilities. Recent legislative changes further stipulate that schools and government entities must ensure accessibility in their digital content. This marks a critical step towards inclusivity, although challenges remain in ensuring that students continue to learn effectively.
Educators and therapists have noted a mixed response to AI among students. Alexis Reid, an educational therapist from the Boston area, remarked, “I’m seeing that a lot of students are kind of exploring on their own, almost feeling like they’ve found a cheat code in a video game.” However, she reinforces the positive aspect of meeting students where they are in their learning journey. Students, like Ben Snyder, a freshman from Larchmont, New York, are turning to AI not just for homework help but as a means to better understand complex subjects. Ben stated he appreciates how AI can provide multiple explanations for challenging problems, although he draws the line at using it to complete assignments entirely.
As schools weigh the benefits of AI against potential pitfalls, there are concerns regarding whether students are genuinely learning or merely relying on technology as a crutch. Mary Lawson, general counsel at the Council of the Great City Schools, emphasised the importance of growth in reading skills, suggesting that while AI can assist, it should not replace the learning process.
The potential for AI to innovate education is substantial, with emerging tools in development, such as those funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation aimed at supporting children with speech and language difficulties. Venu Govindaraju, director of the National AI Institute for Exceptional Education at the University of Buffalo, acknowledged the successes in automating tasks like handwriting recognition but highlighted the ongoing challenges, particularly regarding speech-to-text technologies for young children.
Despite optimism surrounding AI integration, obstacles such as accessibility of these tools and technical difficulties remain prevalent. For instance, Makenzie expressed frustration with the sporadic functionality of certain features, while her mother, Nadine Gilkison, a technology integration supervisor, voiced hope for continuous improvements and use.
Overall, educators are striving to create an effective balance as they adopt AI tools to support not only students with disabilities but also those who need additional assistance. In Iowa, recent legislation mandates that students who are deemed not proficient in reading receive tailored plans, resulting in investment in AI-driven tutoring solutions.
As the educational sector progresses through this transformation, there is an evident commitment to not only meeting the needs of diverse learners but also ensuring that advancements in technology foster an inclusive and enriching educational experience.
Source: Noah Wire Services