AI Practice for Teacher Educators Day 14: AI for Special Education

 AI Practice for Teacher Educators Day 14: AI for Special Education



Supporting Diverse Learners with AI Tools

AI has tremendous potential to support special education by addressing the unique needs of students with disabilities. Today, we’ll explore practical applications of AI in fostering inclusion and enhancing learning for all students.

Why Use AI in Special Education?

  1. Personalized Learning:

    • AI tailors instruction to match individual student abilities and learning paces.

  2. Assistive Technologies:

    • AI-powered tools help overcome barriers to communication, mobility, and learning.

  3. Improved Engagement:

    • Interactive AI tools motivate students to participate actively in their education.

  4. Real-Time Feedback:

    • AI provides immediate support to students, helping them correct mistakes and build confidence.

AI Tools for Special Education

  1. Proloquo2Go:

    • A communication app for nonverbal students, enabling them to express themselves through symbols and text.

  2. Speechify:

    • Converts text to speech, aiding students with reading difficulties.

  3. ModMath:

    • Helps students with dyslexia and dysgraphia complete math assignments digitally.

  4. Otter.ai:

    • Transcribes spoken words into text, supporting students with hearing impairments.

  5. Co:Writer:

    • Assists with writing by providing word prediction, spell checking, and text-to-speech features.

Practical Activity: Integrate AI into a Special Education Lesson

  1. Identify a Need:

    • Choose a student or group of students who would benefit from an assistive AI tool.

  2. Select a Tool:

    • Example: Use Proloquo2Go for a student with limited verbal communication.
    • Example: Use Speechify to support a student struggling with reading assignments.

  3. Plan the Activity:

    • Integrate the tool into a lesson, ensuring it complements the learning objectives.

  4. Evaluate and Adjust:

    • Observe how the tool impacts the student’s learning and adjust its use based on their feedback and progress.

Sample Workflow

Scenario: Supporting a student with dyslexia in writing.

  • Tool: Co:Writer
  • Process:
    1. Introduce Co:Writer to help the student complete a creative writing assignment.
    2. Demonstrate how to use features like word prediction and text-to-speech.
    3. Provide opportunities for the student to practice independently.

Reflection Questions

  • How did the AI tool enhance the learning experience for the student?
  • What additional support could you provide to maximize its effectiveness?

Handy Tip: Collaborate with Specialists

  • Work with special education professionals to select and implement the most appropriate AI tools for individual students.

Next Steps

  • Resource Suggestion: Explore CAST’s Universal Design for Learning (UDL) resources for integrating assistive technologies.
  • Prepare for Day 15: AI in Educational Leadership. Reflect on how AI can inform decision-making and resource allocation in education.

Use AI to empower diverse learners and create an inclusive classroom where everyone can succeed!

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