In the evolving landscape of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a double-edged sword for individuals who are neurodiverse — referring to those with neurological differences, such as ADHD or autism.
On one hand, AI presents unprecedented opportunities for support, accessibility, and inclusion, offering innovative solutions to daily challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. On the other hand, the rapid advancement of AI brings forth complex ethical dilemmas and potential risks, raising concerns about privacy, discrimination, and the unintended consequences of AI algorithms on neurodiverse populations.
Navigating this intersection between neurodivergence and AI requires a nuanced understanding of both its benefits and pitfalls.
Neurodivergence and its role in inclusivity
Artificial intelligence is a concept that fills many people with fear, ushering in thoughts of evil robots taking over the world. Yet, beyond these sci-fi fantasies lies a powerful force for good in our society. AI has the profound ability to foster inclusivity, particularly among neurodiverse individuals.
In today’s educational landscape, many classrooms struggle to meet the diverse needs of neurodivergent students. Artificial intelligence just might give a much-needed boost to education, initiating change by offering tailored solutions that bridge this potential learning gap. Neurodiverse students can utilize AI tools in classroom settings, such as text-to-speech for efficient notetaking, or ChatGPT to compartmentalize their thoughts. Those with speech and communication difficulties can utilize AI tools to more effectively express themselves and participate in classroom discussions when they wouldn’t have been able to in the past.
Stephanie Staffey, Director of the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching at University of Bridgeport, believes that artificial intelligence can be a harbinger of positive change in the educational landscape — if used correctly. Her primary goal is to implement new teaching technologies and strategies to make the overarching educational experience more accessible and inclusive for UB students.
“One of the ways that I think we can really use AI to empower students in their own learning is through assistive technologies [to help] students with different reading, cognitive and processing difficulties or challenges,” she stated.
AI’s role in empowering neurodiverse students
For neurodiverse students, traditional teaching and learning methods are sometimes ineffective. AI can personalize the learning experience, catering to different learning needs. Imagine AI-powered tutors that adjust the presentation of learning materials based on your strengths and weaknesses. Text-to-speech and speech recognition tools can break down barriers for students with dyslexia or auditory processing issues. With AI’s help, classrooms can transform into supportive environments where every student can thrive.
All in all, artificial intelligence serves as a beacon of hope in the realm of education, promising a more accessible and inclusive environment for all students. From personalized learning experiences to real-time language translation and accessibility tools, AI empowers students to thrive regardless of their backgrounds or challenges. Embracing artificial intelligence in education can allow us to take a significant step forward in creating a world where every student can excel.
We strive to create a supportive and inclusive community at University of Bridgeport. Contact Student Accessibility Services if you’d like to learn more about reasonable accommodations!
The downsides of AI
People often demonize artificial intelligence, and there are some legitimate reasons for this. A valid concern is that students will begin to rely too heavily on these respective AI tools. For example, students could take advantage of ChatGPT and use it to write an entire paper instead of writing it themselves — potentially hindering the development of an essential communication skill. This can also be tricky for educators to catch. “It may be difficult for a professor to prove a violation of Academic Integrity because the ways used to check for plagiarism will likely not catch it since ChatGPT is not plagiarizing one particular source,” says Maureen Fox, Manager of Student Accessibility Services at University of Bridgeport.
Other ethical dilemmas related to AI have also arisen. Can AI hinder creativity? And what about our own inherent biases as we enter prompts into AI tools? While artificial intelligence is burgeoning in the classroom, this brings about a need for a conversation on ethics surrounding the topic.
Is AI accessible?
While artificial intelligence can create a more inclusive and accessible educational landscape for diverse students, not all students may have access to these tools. As AI becomes increasingly popular and prominent in our society, many would like to gatekeep these services. Some AI tools require paid subscriptions to reap their full benefits, and not all students will have the means to pay for these tools, thus adding to the inaccessibility of education. “Not only do we have to get the right technology, but we also have to make sure it is accessible to all students at our University [where] cost is a consideration,” explains Fox.
AI and the omnipresent algorithm
There are other valid fears involving AI algorithms. AI puts out what it takes in, and if there are people inputting harmful or biased information, then AI will regurgitate that, unbeknownst to those seeking reliable research or brainstorming assistance. The risk is that students will blindly accept this information, taking it as fact without double checking with their textbooks, professors, or other trustworthy sources.
“AI, like ChatGPT, is only as good as the prompt that you put into it, and the information that it has.” says Fox. “If [ChatGPT] doesn’t have the information, it will just start making it up. And if you’re relying on that rather than reading your textbook, you’re going to be getting information from who knows where.”
It’s important that users of AI are aware of these potential biases and inaccuracies while utilizing these tools for research. Professors and teachers can teach their students how to use artificial intelligence ethically, by adding helpful information and policies to their course syllabi. Staffey has some justified concerns about AI infringing upon Academic Integrity and has been working with UB faculty to craft policies for their syllabi around AI use.
Furthermore, this begs the question: where do we draw the line? When does artificial intelligence become a hindrance rather than a help in education? Both Staffey and Fox agree that AI should be used as a support platform for students rather than solely as a tool of creation.
Artificial intelligence at UB
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into education, its presence and power is undeniable. Despite the potential ethical implications that come with AI, its permanence in our educational landscape is clear — therefore, our focus should shift towards evolving alongside these technologies. This includes a deep examination of our inherent biases as we engage with AI tools, as well as the creation of comprehensive ethical guidelines for their use. By proactively addressing these challenges, we can ensure that AI enhances learning experiences and bridge educational gaps while upholding principles of fairness, transparency, and responsibility.
University of Bridgeport prides itself on being an inclusive institution — a haven for diverse students with unique abilities, strengths, and backgrounds. Maureen Fox and Stephanie Staffey are both hopeful about the future of artificial intelligence and its role in increasing educational equity. Fox and Staffey are working tirelessly to weigh the ethical implications of utilizing AI tools in the classroom to create more inclusive learning environments. Their hope is that education professionals embrace the future of AI in classrooms.
And for anyone who equates the increasing popularity of artificial intelligence to the ill-fated arrival of the Terminator , Maureen Fox has some wise words — “Knowledge is power. Learn, learn, learn, learn. Take stuff in these courses. Take all of them that you can.”