In recent years, assistive technology powered by artificial intelligence has emerged as a game-changer for students with disabilities, providing them with tools that enhance their learning experiences. One such student, 14-year-old Makenzie Gilkison from Indianapolis, faced significant challenges with spelling due to dyslexia, often struggling with basic comprehension skills. However, thanks to AI-powered chatbots and other assistive technologies, she has made remarkable strides in her education.
‘I just assumed I was stupid,’ Makenzie reflected on her early experiences in school. Today, she credits her success—being named to the National Junior Honor Society—to the use of technology that helps her keep pace with her peers.
The Role of AI in Education
The U.S. Education Department is prioritizing the incorporation of assistive technologies into classrooms, emphasizing the need for accessible tools like text-to-speech devices and communication aids for students with various disabilities. As schools grapple with integrating these technologies, many are finding innovative ways to use AI to support students who might otherwise struggle.
AI can help summarize complex ideas, generate outlines, and even translate difficult texts into more understandable language. Alexis Reid, an educational therapist based in Boston, noted that students often feel as though they have found a ‘cheat code’ in a video game when utilizing these tools. Yet she believes it is about understanding and meeting students at their current level.
The Student Perspective
Ben Snyder, a freshman from Larchmont, New York, who was recently diagnosed with a learning disability, has also turned to AI for homework assistance. ‘Sometimes my teachers will explain a problem to me, but it just makes absolutely no sense,’ he explained. By using AI, he has been able to receive multiple explanations for complex math problems, which greatly aids his understanding.
The consensus among many students is that while AI can facilitate learning, using it to complete entire assignments could cross an ethical line. ‘That’s just cheating,’ Ben stated.
Challenges and Considerations
As educational institutions increasingly adopt AI technologies, they face the challenge of ensuring that these tools enhance learning without undermining essential skill development. Mary Lawson from the Council of the Great City Schools emphasized the importance of fostering reading growth and not letting AI do the work for students.
Conversely, as Paul Sanft from a Minnesota center for assistive technology noted, these tools can significantly level the playing field. ‘There are definitely going to be people who use some of these tools in nefarious ways, but that’s always going to happen.’ He advocates for responsible use, particularly for students striving to achieve what they couldn’t before.
The Future of AI in Education
Schools are continuing to experiment with AI to benefit all students, even those not in special education programs. New laws in Iowa, for example, require tailored reading plans for underperforming students, with significant funds allocated to AI-driven tutoring programs that adjust to each child’s needs.
The National Science Foundation is also funding research to push the boundaries of AI in education further. The approach is to create specialized tools that assist with varying disabilities, which still poses significant challenges for professionals looking to adopt these technologies.
Conclusion
AI technology holds great promise for supporting students with disabilities, offering new pathways for learning and engagement. As tools continue to evolve, educators remain hopeful that the innovative use of AI can enhance educational experiences, providing students the resources they need to succeed. How will continued advancements in AI shape the future of learning for all students, especially those with disabilities?
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