Written by Dr. Todd Cunningham, Ph.D. C.Psych., Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto
When we hear “artificial intelligence” (AI), many of us think of sci-fi movies like The Terminator, where AI takes over the world. In an educational context, we might worry about students using AI to write essays, complete projects, and avoid developing important academic skills. We fear that AI will become the tool that takes everything away from students, leaving them unprepared for the real world.
However, for children with learning challenges—particularly those with attention and executive function difficulties—AI can be an empowering form of an assistive technology tool. It has the potential to help children become more independent, efficient, and organized in their work.
The Homework Problem
For children with learning and/or attention challenges, homework can be a dreaded part of the day for children and parents alike. Take a typical scenario: a Grade 7 student comes home with a science project on climate change. For parents of children with learning challenges or attention difficulties, the first question is often, “Do you have any homework tonight?”
This question can lead to a scramble: children digging through their backpacks for worksheets, logging onto Google Classroom or D2L, and reviewing project outlines. Once they have the assignment, parents often break it down into manageable steps, help set mini-deadlines, and guide their child in finding resources, organizing ideas, and even writing parts of the project. This routine, though well-intentioned, can leave parents feeling like they’re the ones doing the homework, and it can create tension as children resist parental assistance. As children move through their school-age years and enter high school, parents may worry that their child will remain overly dependent on their help, even into college.
How AI Can Help
This is where AI can make a real difference. AI isn’t a new concept—it’s been part of our daily lives for years. Every time you type on a smartphone, and it predicts your next word, or when you use GPS to find a traffic-free route, you’re interacting with AI. However, in 2022, a major development emerged with the release of advanced AI tools like ChatGPT. These tools allow us to communicate with AI in plain language and ask it to assist with tasks that previously required human input.
Yes, children can use AI to complete homework or write essays, but the true power of AI for children with learning challenges lies in how it can facilitate the learning process. AI isn’t there to do the work for them; it’s there to enable them through each step, just like a parent or teacher would.
Assistive technology (AT) is any technology that enhances or improves the functioning of individuals with disabilities. Effective AT tools empower students to work more independently, efficiently, and accurately. If your child is already using AT tools such as speech-to-text or text-to-speech, they are already using a form of AI. In its current state, AI represents a new form of assistive technology, especially valuable for children with learning challenges.
Imagine your child opening an AI tool and uploading their assignment. The AI can read the assignment and allow your child to ask clarification questions, break down tasks into steps, and set mini-deadlines. It can even suggest resources for each part of the assignment. If your child doesn’t understand a concept, they can ask the AI to explain it, much like a tutor.
When it’s time to write, the AI can help your child organize their ideas, highlight areas that need more elaboration, and provide feedback on grammar and structure.
In short, AI can help your child become more independent, efficient, and engaged in their work. It’s like having a supportive adult nearby—one who never gets frustrated and is available at any time.
Helping Students Use AI Effectively
So, how can we help our children use AI to facilitate learning rather than just doing the work for them? Generative AI tools generally fall into two broad categories: chatbots and apps. Chatbots, like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, use prompts and natural language to interact with users. While chatbots are powerful, effectively using them requires some skill in prompt development to harness their full potential.
On the other hand, AI-powered apps often come with built-in functionality designed for specific tasks within a fixed interface. An app like Quillbot, for example, guides students through the stages of writing an essay without generating it for them. It helps students brainstorm ideas, research, organize thoughts, and edit their writing. If a student feels stuck while writing, Quillbot can suggest possible sentences to keep them moving forward.
With powerful chatbots, success depends on developing prompts that set the AI on a helpful path and allow students to interact with it to further develop their ideas. Starting with AI apps can be a good way for students to become familiar with AI’s capabilities before moving on to more flexible tools like chatbots. Additionally, this would support the initial interactions that your child has with AI, especially if they already struggle with writing.
Here are some ways to support your child with the use of AI:
- Ask Clarifying Questions: Encourage your child to use AI to clarify assignment instructions, break down complex tasks, and understand new topics.
- Break Down Tasks: Many AI tools can help your child organize assignments into manageable steps, reducing overwhelm.
- Set Mini-Deadlines: AI can assist in setting small goals, which is especially helpful if your child struggles with time management and executive functioning.
- Use AI for Tutoring: If your child is unsure about a subject, they can ask AI to explain concepts, providing a tutoring experience that’s accessible at any time.
- Double-Check Work: Your child should always review their work and verify the information provided by AI, as it may contain errors or biases.
- Learn Along the Way: Remind your child that AI is a tool for learning, not a shortcut. They should understand the material and be able to explain their work.
- Identify Key Ideas: AI can help your child break down large amounts of reading by identifying key ideas and giving them an overview of the material before diving in.
- Study Buddy: Your child can input material they need to practice into an AI tool, which can generate various types of questions and provide feedback on their answers.
- Math Support: If your child doesn’t understand how to solve a math problem, they can ask AI to explain the steps involved, offering a step-by-step guide to help them learn the process.
Setting Realistic Expectations
While AI can be a valuable tool, it’s not perfect. Children still need to review their work and ensure they understand the material. If children rely on AI to do the work without learning the content, they risk being unprepared for their class, which may hinder their learning process. Additionally, AI is not flawless. It can make errors, so children should double-check the information it provides.
Moreover, AI has limitations and biases. AI learns from data available on the internet, which means it may not always provide the most accurate or comprehensive information on complex topics. Parents and children should view AI as a helpful assistant, not a faultless guide.
AI is Here to Stay, Let’s Teach Them How to Use IT!
It’s also important for parents to understand that AI is not going away. Hundreds of AI tools are already available, and more are being developed every day. According to a 2024 McKinsey Global Survey, 65% of organizations now use generative AI regularly, nearly double the percentage from ten months prior. AI is becoming a fundamental part of our lives, and it’s crucial for children to learn how to use this technology responsibly and effectively.
Just as we taught our children how to be safe on the internet, we now need to teach them how to use AI thoughtfully. AI can be a powerful tool for supporting learning and fostering independence, but it’s essential for children to understand its purpose and limitations.
A Balanced Perspective on AI
AI has the potential to support children with learning challenges by making learning more accessible and less dependent on parental involvement. With guidance, children can use AI as a tool to gain independence and take control of their learning process. It’s essential, however, to maintain a balanced perspective; AI should complement, not replace, the skills and habits children need to succeed.
As AI continues to evolve, so will our approaches to using it effectively. For parents, the key is to see AI as an ally in helping children with learning challenges reach their potential. With the right strategies, AI can be a valuable addition to the support system around children, empowering them to become more capable and confident learners.
