Koen Claeys, Education Director of Cavendish – a family of specialist schools for neurodiverse young people – on the ways AI can support learning
The educational landscape is undergoing rapid transformation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fast emerging as a powerful tool for enhancing learning experiences. However, it is crucial to recognise that while AI can augment many aspects of education, it cannot substitute the irreplaceable value of human interaction.
Within specialist schools like ours, we believe in an approach that leverages the strengths of both AI and human educators to create an optimal learning environment for our students, many of whom have struggled to thrive in the mainstream education system and so join our schools with the need to learn differently.
As such, we are always innovating as we look to present education in a tailored way to appeal to and work for the unique minds of our students. Harnessing AI brings a wealth of potential benefits for all our students.
“The most effective educational models will embrace the amazing potential of AI while preserving the essential role of human interaction”
AI-driven platforms can tailor learning activities to suit the individual needs and pace of our students, focusing on their unique strengths and areas that need improvement. It can also provide immediate feedback helping students to understand and improve their skills in real-time.
Technologies like text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and other accessibility tools that help our students to participate fully in learning activities can incorporate AI, benefiting both accessibility and inclusivity. For dyslexic learners, for example, AI can build confidence in a safe, controlled environment, adjusting the pace and difficulty of content based on an individual student’s needs. It can also offer continuous assessment opportunities, tracking progress in real-time and adjusting learning paths.
Some neurodiverse students require support with developing other skills outside of these traditional academic areas – for instance, support for planning, sequencing, boosting working memory and executive functioning skills. In addition, and perhaps more importantly, these students benefit from help with social interaction, communication skills and emotional support.
While AI can create virtual environments where students practise social interactions, – helping them to develop skills such as turn-taking, active listening and appropriate responses in a safe, controlled setting – it is here where the human touch is so important. This is what can truly ignite curiosity and foster emotional growth. Human educators possess the unique ability to inspire, motivate and create a supportive learning community. They can provide the empathy, encouragement and guidance that all students need to develop their full potential.
Soft skills such as appropriate and effective communication, collaboration, emotional intelligence and wellbeing, which are essential for success in the modern world and in the world of work, are best developed through consistent human interaction.
As educators, we can model these skills, provide opportunities for practice, and offer tools, strategies and constructive feedback to help students build confidence, competence, creativity and character.
As we look to the future, it is clear that the most effective educational models will be those that embrace the amazing potential of AI while preserving the essential role of human interaction. This collaborative approach will ensure that our students receive the comprehensive support they need to succeed in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Cavendish Education cavendisheducation.com
Further reading: York House on AI’s benefits for gifted and talented students
You may also like...
