Empowering Learners: AI Technology in Education
For Makenzie Gilkison, spelling is a daunting task. The 14-year-old from suburban Indianapolis often jumbles letters into words that sound nothing like their intended forms. ‘I just assumed I was stupid,’ she says, reflecting on her struggles with dyslexia in early grade school.
But thanks to assistive technology powered by artificial intelligence (AI), Makenzie has managed to stay on par with her classmates. Her achievements have caught attention; last year, she earned a place in the National Junior Honor Society. ‘I would have probably given up if I didn’t have them,’ she shares, crediting custom AI chatbots and reading tools for her success.
AI is emerging as a critical support tool for countless students with various disabilities, aiding them in completing tasks that peers may handle effortlessly. Schools across the nation are grappling with the integration of such technology, yet many are prioritizing its application for students who need it most.
The U.S. Education Department emphasizes the importance of equipping students with disabilities with the latest technological tools, urging schools to adopt methods like text-to-speech and alternative communication devices. New Department of Justice regulations will also mandate accessibility in educational apps and online content.
However, there are apprehensions about ensuring that AI tools are enhancing learning rather than inhibiting it. AI can assist in summarizing texts, organizing thoughts, and even translating complex literature, making education more accessible to those facing learning barriers.
Alexis Reid, an educational therapist in Boston, observes that many students are beginning to innovate their own use of AI technology. She notes, ‘We’re meeting students where they are,’ highlighting the positive side of this developmental shift.
Students like 14-year-old Ben Snyder from Larchmont, New York, echo similar sentiments. ‘Sometimes math explanations just make absolutely no sense,’ he shares. Turning to AI for clarity has not only helped him complete assignments quickly but has also reshaped his academic experience.
Amidst the evolving landscape, educators are keenly aware of the balance needed between leveraging technology and ensuring foundational skill growth in students. ‘AI can’t replace the need for students to learn and grow,’ cautions Mary Lawson, general counsel at the Council of the Great City Schools.
Nonetheless, the gains appear substantial. The technology can significantly help level the playing field, allowing students to engage with academic content in new ways. Paul Sanft, director of a Minnesota assistive technology center, acknowledges both the potential risks and benefits, emphasizing that many with disabilities are merely seeking the means to accomplish tasks they once found unattainable.
As AI continues to evolve, it has the potential to prevent students from being redirected into less rigorous courses while inadvertently disclosing their disabilities. Concerns about privacy and ethics remain prevalent as schools navigate this complex landscape.
In Iowa, legislative efforts are underway to provide individualized reading support to struggling students, showcasing the essential role of AI in educational development across diverse learners.
Upcoming tools funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation aim to further support students with disabilities. The National AI Institute for Exceptional Education has ambitious goals, addressing challenges in handwriting recognition and improving the efficacy of speech-to-text programs for children.
Despite early hurdles in technology adoption, many educators, including Makenzie’s mother, Nadine Gilkison, recognize the transformative possibilities. ‘Now we don’t need to wait anymore,’ she notes, as her school district implements chatbots that empower high school students. As technology continues to evolve, it serves as a beacon of hope for many students facing learning challenges.
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