AI and Accessibility: 5 Ways that Generative AI could make Reading in Class More Inclusive

It’s the year of the robot! It’s impossible to open your browser these days without stumbling across another debate about the safety, applications or potential of generative AI, and it’s even made its way into schools: from perspectives on homework to art therapy, it’s the subject of a lot of attention.

But what about accessibility?

This week, we’re diving into AI and a topic close to our heart: exploring how it’s possible to use Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT to support learners with reading needs.

What is a ‘Generative’ AI and how can it help readers?

A ‘generative’ AI is simply an algorithm that can be prompted to generate something. ChatGPT is probably the most famous one, and it’s quite good at summarizing and rephrasing long and complex pieces of writing, which has led some people to theorize that they might become a feature of inclusive classrooms in the future as a means of supporting struggling readers.

The possibilities are attractive: learners with dyslexia could simplify instructions, texts and whole chapters into text that they can understand comfortably, and all at the touch of a button.

5 ways that Generative AI could support learners with additional needs

?? Boosting comprehension: as they progress through the grades, learners are likely to encounter archaic and more lexically complex books. When words are unfamiliar or overly long, it becomes harder to understand what’s happening in a way that fosters academic understanding. But when tools exist that can summarize almost instantly and adapt to any level of reading, could this be the end of barriers to books?

?? Vocabulary acquisition, grammar and fluency: it’s more than a summarizing tool. Generative AI’s enable struggling readers to access things like examples of word usage, synonyms and definitions in an incredibly agile way, ask follow-up questions, and develop their understandings without the disruption of going to find a dictionary.

?? English Language Learners: if ELLs aren’t feeling confident in their English skills quite yet, they could benefit from in-class access to a tool that can provide them with translations, examples and definitions from the comfort of their own laptop or tablet. They’re important steps on the road to English fluency, and it might help them feel more confident in their English speaking, too.

?? Supporting learners who feel less communicative: some learners, for example, those who are Autistic, might not always feel ready or able to communicate with educators about their reading support needs. An AI like ChatGPT allows them to access spelling, grammar, definition and word use support, albeit in a much less targeted way than an educator would offer, without having to be in a communication situation that they find difficult.

?? Access for all?: At the moment, ChatGPT and many other generative AIs like it are free to use. As long as you’ve a device with an internet connection, you’re able to access the support you need. It could be a great way of levelling the playing field for learners from lower-income families who haven’t the resources for additional tuition, or households where parents work long hours and don’t have the scope to support learners with tasks like homework or projects.

Is everybody on board?

Some educators have their doubts, though.

Many are worried about how in-class generative AI use could be at covering up a learner’s knowledge gaps, meaning that they might not be picked up and worked on in time for tests. It goes deeper too: if we use AI to simplify things too much, things get missed or generalized and reading strategies remain underdeveloped, meaning that learners are at a real disadvantage when these assessments roll around.

There’s also the fear that the information that comes out of the AI isn’t always reliable: it’s only as good as the prompts that users type into it, and very few grade schoolers are flawless prompt engineers.

But what do you think?

Are you welcoming generative AI into your classroom, or are you a little more focused on the downsides when you weigh them up against the benefits? Let us know in the comments below…