We are facing a technological revolution that promeprofoundly transform education, especially for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). A artificial intelligence (AI), already widely used in various sectors, is now positioned as a powerful tool to make education more inclusive.
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A recent study from the Special Olympics Global Center for Inclusion in Education revealed that most educators and parents of students with IDD see AI as an opportunity to create more accessible learning environments. Adaptive learning systems, for example, can adjust educational content to the unique needs of each student, facilitating learning and promoting inclusion.
However, the same survey highlighted concerns among educators about the impact of AI on human interaction and the development of empathy in schools. The key to overcoming these fears, according to the study, is proper teacher training. Educators who have already used AI tools tend to see greater potential in the technology to foster inclusion.
Another crucial point raised by the study is the need to ensure that AI models are trained with data that represents people with IDD.. This reinforces the importance of including these people in the development of educational technologies. Technology companies, such as Microsoft, have led efforts to diversify the teams that build and test AI systems, promoting inclusive design that takes into account different learning styles and cognitive abilities.
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We cannot allow 3% of the population — those with IDD — to be excluded from this technological revolution. AI has the power to break down barriers, both physical and invisible, and to transform education into a truly inclusive space. This requires a joint effort between educators, parents and, most importantly, the companies that develop these tools.
We are on the cusp of a new era in education, and Inclusive AI can be the factor that ensures all students, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to learn and thrive.
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