In our rapidly evolving technological landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) can potentially transform the learning experience for students, especially those with learning disabilities. The applications of AI in schools are extensive, ranging from personalized learning platforms that adapt to individual strengths and challenges to supportive tools that enhance communication and engagement.
However, before implementing these solutions, school leaders must grasp what AI can and cannot do, particularly regarding the subtleties of learning disabilities (LD). They must consider the ethical implications of AI in education, such as data privacy, biases in algorithms, a lack of emotional intelligence, and the potential for technology to reinforce existing inequities inadvertently.
By making AI part of the K-12 curriculum, schools can teach students about these limitations and explore responsible use of the technology. By fostering a culture of collaboration among teachers, specialists, and families, school leaders can ensure that AI tools align with their schools' educational mission and values.
At Howard School (GA), an institution that empowers students with language-based learning differences, we are finding ways to implement AI in our curriculum. Our mission is to empower our students to be prepared for a rapidly evolving workforce and college journey. These technologies promise personalized learning experiences tailored to students' diverse needs.
Aligning AI Integration with Your School’s Mission
School leaders seeking to embrace AI effectively must develop a deliberate and mission-aligned strategy. This strategy should prioritize the unique needs of students, teachers, and the broader school community, ensuring that AI implementation is innovative, equitable, and inclusive of all learning abilities and styles.
A 2016 Pearson report called “Intelligence Unleashed: An Argument for AI in Education” has demonstrated that when AI is thoughtfully integrated, it can facilitate differentiated instruction, enhance student engagement, and support teachers in addressing the varied learning profiles in their classrooms. A mission-aligned approach begins with clearly understanding the school’s core values and philosophy.
First, identify how AI can support the school’s mission to promote inclusivity and personalized learning for students with disabilities. For instance, if the mission emphasizes tailored educational experiences, explore AI tools that adapt to students’ specific learning profiles. At Howard, we use an assistive technology called Genio, formerly known as Glean. This tool helps students with notetaking, summarizing their notes, and using AI to quiz them on their understanding of the material.
Next, make sure to discuss AI integration with teachers, parents, students, and specialists as their insights can provide valuable perspectives and help ensure the technology meets the community's unique needs.
Prioritizing Equity and Access
While LD schools naturally prioritize equity and access, all schools must ensure that all students have the necessary technology and resources. This includes addressing disparities in device availability and internet access, particularly for students with learning disabilities who may require specific assistive technologies.
It’s essential to choose AI tools designed with inclusivity in mind, ensuring they cater to diverse learning needs and backgrounds. Evaluate products for their ability to support students with various disabilities, including cognitive, sensory, and emotional challenges. Leaders can do this by assessing their accessibility features, usability, and alignment with their school’s educational standards and mission. Look for evidence-based practices and gather user feedback to understand the product's effectiveness. Additionally, consider conducting a trial period in a classroom setting to observe how well it meets the diverse needs of learners.
Once implemented, continuously evaluate the impact of AI tools on different student populations. Gathering data on student performance, engagement, and emotional well-being can help leaders make informed decisions and adjustments. At Howard, we employ assistive technologists and speech-language pathologists who work with students and alongside classroom teachers to analyze student performance and engagement with AI.
Training and Support for Teachers and Staff
AI cannot be effectively integrated into classrooms if teachers do not know how to use these tools. Offer training sessions focusing on both the technical aspects of AI tools and their pedagogical implications, particularly in the context of learning disabilities. Teachers will want to understand not just AI's capabilities and limitations but also how they can maintain a human touch in their educational interactions. At Howard, we offer both in-house professional development sessions and summer task forces, so there is always an opportunity for teachers to learn.
Establish mentorship programs or peer support groups where teachers can share their AI integration experiences and strategies. This collaborative environment can enhance comfort levels and foster innovation. Additionally, promote a culture of experimentation where teachers feel free to try new AI tools and approaches without fear of failure. This can lead to creative solutions that enhance the learning experience for students with disabilities.
Ethical Considerations and Data Privacy
As AI becomes more prevalent in LD and general education, school leaders should develop and communicate clear policies regarding data privacy and the ethical use of AI. Consult with your legal team for language to create your policy.
For example, a school might create language that states, “Our school’s AI data privacy policy works hard to ensure that we protect students' personal information by collecting and using data responsibly, informing parents and guardians about their rights, and employing strict security measures to ensure confidentiality and safety.” They should also ensure that all stakeholders understand how student data will be used and protected. This can be done through a statement in your student and family handbook or a talk given during back-to-school night.
To help with this, prioritize transparent tools about their algorithms and data usage practices. This transparency fosters trust among teachers, students, and parents. Schools must also track the latest developments in AI ethics and education to ensure they comply with regulations and best practices.
As we stand on the precipice of an educational revolution fueled by AI, school leaders must approach this integration with a clear vision, a commitment to inclusivity, and a focus on the holistic development of every student. By doing so, they can navigate the complexities of this transformative landscape and harness the full potential of AI to enhance learning experiences for all students, particularly those with learning disabilities.
Leaders at Howard recognize that our society is adopting artificial intelligence software and tools in all areas of life. As a school serving students with learning disabilities, Howard uses these tools to help students succeed in the real world.