Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) students often require texts adapted to their unique learning needs. Google Bard, an AI tool, has emerged as a solution for educators to create and modify texts for these students.
Teachers use Bard to generate content at desired reading levels by specifying the criteria. For instance, they can request a text for Year 6 students detailing the implications of ULEZ on London residents, emphasising year 6 writing objectives and focusing on the use of commas for parenthesis. Precision in instructions ensures optimal results. For younger learners, a teacher might say, "Now I would like you to simplify this text, pitching it at year 2 writing objectives, with a focus on adverbs," followed by pasting the original text.
The process involves:
- Generating text matching a specified reading level.
- Removing challenging vocabulary and intricate sentence structures.
- Enhancing clarity through added context and explanation.
- Segmenting the text into digestible portions.
- Highlighting specific writing features like adverbs or parenthesis.
The scenario in this case study is genuine and based upon real events and data, however its narration has been crafted by AI to uphold a standardised and clear format for readers.
Key Learning
Google Bard allows educators to tailor content to specific reading levels and objectives for SEND students.
Precision in instruction to the AI ensures the creation of optimally adapted texts.
The AI process involves simplifying vocabulary, enhancing clarity, and emphasizing particular writing features.
Risks
Sole reliance on Bard might yield content unsuitable for the intended audience.
There's potential for inaccuracies in the generated text, necessitating thorough review by educators.
Overuse might reduce teachers' skills in manually adapting content for SEND students.