The goal was clear: to provide deaf students with an enriching educational experience during their school trip to Box Hill. The traditional paper handouts and spoken explanations were barriers to these students, making it imperative to adapt the learning materials to meet their specific needs.
The first step was using Gamma,an AI-driven slide deck generator, to create an initial set of slides. Gamma's platform uses AI to develop informative, visually engaging slide decks based on keywords and subjects. For this application, it was programmed to include captions, visual representations, and succinct explanations that were cognisant of the learning requirements of deaf students.
However, human touch was still essential. The slide decks were exported into Microsoft PowerPoint, where images and visual cues were added to reinforce the textual information. This allowed support staff to include more specific content tailored to the learning objectives of the trip, such as geological formations and native flora and fauna at Box Hill. To provide a more interactive element, Twee was used to create a text-based activity involving true and false statements.
The student resource pack created not only served as a pedagogical tool but also offered something tangible for the students to take home.
The trip was not just about the journey to Box Hill; it was about integrating technology in a way that made the learning experience as inclusive as possible. The feedback from both students and teachers was overwhelmingly positive, noting that learning occurred alongside fun, which is often the ultimate educational goal.
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
AI can serve as a powerful tool in tailoring educational material for students with specific needs, thus enhancing inclusivity.
Combining AI-generated material with human input results in a more finely tuned educational experience.
Interactive elements like text-based activities can further engage students, providing a well-rounded educational setting.
Technology should be viewed as a complement to traditional educational methods, not a replacement.
Risks
Over-reliance on AI could result in the neglect of human-centric educational needs and intuition.
There may be accessibility issues with technology, requiring additional training for teachers and staff.
Inaccuracy or bias in AI algorithms could produce misleading or incomplete educational material.
Privacy concerns could arise, especially if personal data is used to tailor educational experiences.
