Looking past integrity issues: Gen-AI’s inclusive potential
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Gen-AI is more than a challenge to academic integrity. It also enhances inclusivity and accessibility for students.
As academic professionals, our initial reactions to generative AI (Gen-AI) often revolve around potential academic integrity issues. However, it is crucial to broaden our perspective and recognise the transformative potential of Gen-AI, particularly for students with disabilities or learning impairments.
Recent insights from EDUCAUSE highlight the significant advancements AI has made in enhancing accessibility for learners with disabilities. 1 AI tools are not merely futuristic concepts; they are actively reshaping educational experiences by providing more equitable access to learning resources. For instance, AI-driven technologies such as automatic captioning and speech recognition have already proven invaluable in making educational content more accessible to students with hearing impairments.
Moreover, this year’s report on student perceptions of Gen-AI underscores the legitimate and beneficial uses of these technologies in academic settings. 2 Students are leveraging Gen-AI to enhance their learning experiences in various ways. For example, some students use AI-powered tools for personalized tutoring, which adapts to their unique learning pace and style. Others benefit from AI’s ability to generate summaries and translations, making complex materials more comprehensible.
Additionally, the EDUCAUSE article points out that AI can help create more inclusive learning environments by providing real-time feedback and support tailored to individual needs. This can be particularly beneficial for students with cognitive disabilities, who may require more immediate and personalized assistance. The JISC report also highlights that students appreciate AI’s role in reducing the stigma associated with seeking help, as Gen-AI tools can offer discreet and non-judgmental support.
Resources
- Gibson, Rob. “The Impact of AI in Advancing Accessibility for Learners with Disabilities.” EDUCAUSE, September 10, 2024. https://er.educause.edu/articles/2024/9/the-impact-of-ai-in-advancing-accessibility-for-learners-with-disabilities ↩
- Attewell, Sue. Student Perceptions of Generative AI. Bristol: Jisc, August 16, 2023. Updated June 7, 2024. https://www.jisc.ac.uk/reports/student-perceptions-of-generative-ai ↩