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News & Events Using AI to support teaching and learning for neurodiverse pupils
Emma Sanderson, Managing Director of Options Autism, discusses the capabilities of AI tools to support teaching and learning for neurodiverse pupils.
After the initial speculation circulated about the pros and cons of AI on teaching and learning, the DfE launched a consultation into the use of generative AI in education settings in England. The call for evidence ended on August 23rd, and hopefully the results will highlight the benefits – and any potential risks – of using tools such as ChatGPT, Google Bard, Claude and Midjourney.
Currently many of our children and young people are not receiving ‘qualitative, equitable and inclusive education’ – their human right – and I believe AI tools may offer part of the solution. Generative AI has the capabilities to offer additional support to both learners, teachers and clinicians, not in place of the teacher or as a replacement for direct clinical input, but to enhance educational experiences and reduce teacher workload.
One of the key benefits of AI is its ability to bridge the communication gap. Whether for autistic learners, pupils who struggle with reading and writing, or for those new to English.
Human-like AI robots, QTRobot among others, have proved successful with autistic learners. Programmed to behave in a predictable way, interactions with robots are less threatening and help pupils develop a mental model of how the robot will react. Other reports cite autistic children developing conversational skills through interactions with intelligent assistants like Siri or Alexa, and subsequently applying these to interactions with people.
AI provides speech-to-text or text-to-speech tools for learners who need support with reading or writing. Using AI teachers can generate simplified texts providing age appropriate material for older but less confident readers, or sample sentences to teach a grammar point. Complex tasks can be made into accessible steps or concepts clarified.
Many autistic individuals struggle with verbal communication, whether it’s difficulty expressing themselves or understanding others. AI provides a more intuitive and accessible way to communicate through natural language processing, helping translate complex ideas into simpler language, allowing them to express themselves more effectively, and understand and connect with others more easily.
AI translation tools allows English language learners to understand written content in their native language in real-time, while chatbots provide an opportunity to practice conversational English in a low pressure environment.
Poor executive functioning skills impact planning and organising, making completing tasks or achieving goals a challenge. AI can be used to provide pupils with personalized and targeted support and interventions, such as reminders, schedules, or prompts, to help them stay on track.
Additionally, AI can also provide real-time feedback and monitoring, which can help autistic individuals to identify areas where they may need additional support or intervention.
As technology continues to advance, it is important that we continue to explore the ways in which AI can be used to support and empower neurodiverse individuals.
© Outcomes First Group 2024