At Greenfield Central High School in Indiana, 14-year-old Makenzie Gilkison stands proudly in the school lobby, marking a significant milestone in her educational journey. Like many students with disabilities, Makenzie faces the challenges posed by dyslexia, which complicates her learning process. Under pressure, simple words like ‘rhinoceros’ can transform into humorous mispronunciations, such as ‘rineanswsaurs’. But with the help of innovative assistive technology powered by artificial intelligence, her experience in education has transformed remarkably.
‘I just assumed I was stupid,’ she recalled of her earlier school years before the introduction of AI tools.
This technology has become a game changer, enabling Makenzie to excel in school, earning her a place in the National Junior Honor Society. She attributes this success to a combination of a customized AI chat interface, word prediction tools, and other assistive resources that cater to her needs.
‘I would have just probably given up if I didn’t have them,’ Makenzie expressed, showcasing the impact of these tools on her educational journey.
The Rising Promise of AI in Education
Across the U.S., educational institutions grapple with the task of harnessing AI for the benefit of students with disabilities. The U.S. Education Department emphasizes this need, insisting that schools must proactively assess the tools required by students to enhance their learning experience. These include text-to-speech programs and alternative communication devices, geared towards fostering inclusivity in education.
‘We’re 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,’ remarked Alexis Reid, an educational therapist. Despite the potential for misuse, she affirmed that such innovation empowers students by ‘meeting them where they are.’
Balancing Innovation with Responsibility
However, the debate surrounding AI in educational settings is nuanced. Many educators worry that while AI provides essential support, proper learning outcomes must be ensured.
Mary Lawson, an attorney at the Council of the Great City Schools, expressed concerns about the balance required in special education plans.
‘If a special education plan sets reading growth as a goal, the student needs to improve that skill. AI can’t do it for them,’ she explained, emphasizing the need to leverage technology without hindering skill development.
Future Trends in Educational AI
Despite the challenges, the push for further integration of AI in educational frameworks continues. In Iowa, new legislation ensures that students falling below proficiency levels receive tailored reading plans. This innovative approach spent $3 million on an AI-driven personalized tutoring program aimed at enhancing literacy.
As technology develops, projects such as the National AI Institute for Exceptional Education aim to address specific challenges faced by children with speech and language impairments. These advancements signal a hopeful future for educational support systems.
Innovative Tools and Their Impact on Students
Makenzie Gilkison’s mother, Nadine, who supervises technology integration within her school district, shared her optimism for the positive changes brought by these technologies. With the implementation of AI toolsets in high schools, students no longer need to depend solely on others for assistance.
‘Now we don’t need to wait anymore,’ she remarked, reflecting on the newfound independence granted to students relying on AI for learning support.
As the landscape of educational technologies evolves, the integration of AI stands poised to transform the experiences of students with disabilities, granting them access to a reliable support system in their academic pursuits.
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- Greenfield Central High School