The Future of Learning- AI as a Tool for Education 

I started out 2025 by attending two major technology conferences, The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA). At CES, AI was celebrated by all the biggest brands in tech as the next frontier, with endless potential to revolutionize all industries. Meanwhile, discussions at ATIA with educators and clinicians revealed more hesitation, especially about how AI might impact the core values of teaching and learning. This caution is understandable, particularly in K-12 education, where human connection and foundational skills are essential for nurturing creative thinkers and problem solvers. But the hard truth remains, that AI will continue to rapidly evolve and expand, regardless of how quickly educators embrace it. It seems to be a trend that many educators want to use AI, but don’t have the tools and support to implement it.

A recent article in EdTech Magazine shared a report from leaders in the space noting that , “97% (of education leaders) see benefits in how AI can positively impact education, but while there is great optimism, districts lag in actually implementing AI, with only 35% stating that they have a generative AI initiative in place.” No matter how fast we choose to jump on the AI wave, its influence is already reshaping learning and extending beyond the classroom, making it a conversation where we need to engage thoughtfully.

As we enter this new chapter of education, how do we approach AI with curiosity and careful consideration, ensuring it complements rather than disrupts the human-centered nature of teaching and learning?

Shifting from AI Doubts to Curiosity 

I get it—AI brings its share of concerns for me too, but simultaneously I’ve seen firsthand how the right technology can unlock a student’s ability to engage, learn, and communicate in new ways. As a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who has long embraced innovation in my practice, I’ve always been on the hunt for the next tool to add to my clinical and educational toolbox. That’s why I’ve started to think of AI just like any other new tool we encounter in life. Just like a hammer, a kitchen knife, the internet, or even a cell phone, AI is the next tool to approach with care. Here are a few simple rules and common-sense tips to guide the way: 

• Find a level of comfort that works for you: Start small and tackle one simple task at a time. You don’t have to use any new tool for everything at all once. 

• Learning how to use tools takes practice & support from others: Teachers are some of the best collaborators I’ve ever met. Don’t be afraid to ask for ideas!  

• Be responsible –Awareness of a tool’s power and our choices can lead to positive & negative consequences. (plagiarism/intellectual property, using tools before grasping their purpose or potential) 

• Don’t hand over your tools to someone who isn’t trained or ready for its power: Just like you wouldn’t give a kindergartner a paper cutter, be mindful of teaching your students how to use digital tools safely—step by step. Educators are the experts in scaffolding, and digital/AI literacy is just another skill we’re teaching. 

• Advocate for great tools: Find a tool that works? Advocate for implementation for broader application with administrators or hold a teacher training, /brainstorm sessions, or afterschool meetups. 

But what about privacy & safety? 

As we embrace new tools, privacy and safety must be top priorities. When integrating AI into the classroom or workplace, it’s essential to ensure that the tools we use respect personal data and comply with relevant privacy standards. Always vet the software and platforms you choose, and make sure they align with your district or organizational rules and ethical guidelines. With AI being used in diverse ways, from generating text to analyzing learning patterns, it’s crucial to choose solutions that keep data secure while empowering students.  

Now, let’s talk about the cloud—yes, that mysterious place where everything seems to go, but it’s hard for anyone to explain! Start looking for companies doing “on-device AI”. It’s like having your own little safe, local processing AI companion that doesn’t need to depend on the cloud to function. By processing data offline right on the device, it helps reduce those privacy concerns while still being powerful enough to assist. With smart protocols in place, AI can be the ally we need to create safer and more inclusive educational spaces. 

Creative Ways AI Can Support Inclusivity in Learning 

If you are new to using AI in education or already starting to dabble – here are some ideas on how other educators are using AI-powered tools to create more inclusive, accessible, and productive environments in the classroom (general ed & special ed) and therapy rooms.  

• Live Captions: AI-driven live captions and transcripts not only help students with hearing impairments but also provide a visual cue for improving literacy or supporting students with learning challenges. (Example AI Tool: Google Slides / Powerpoint) 

• Speech to Text & Ideation: For students who prefer to brainstorm verbally or who use dictation to type (e.g.upper mobility disability) or those who need prompts to support writer’s block, use AI to transform a transcription of a conversation that creates an outline, making the writing process more approachable. (Example AI Tool: Cephable for Dictation & ChatGPT for creating the outline) 

• Text Summarizing: AI can summarize dense research articles, benefiting students with visual processing difficulties or those who get overloaded with large volumes of text. Or have your student do creative questions and critique an AI-generated summary on a topic you’ve just learned about to fact-check it or point out what is missing (Example AI Tool: Chat GPT)

• Text to Image: Increase reading comprehension by generating images to accompany text-heavy assignments. This is especially beneficial for learners of all neurotypes, providing a visual context to what they are reading. Or use AI-generated images as creative writing prompts (Example AI Tool: Canva Magic Media or Adobe Firefly) 
• New Input Methods: Rather than using a keyboard and mouse, students can use AI-powered tools to control the computer through head movements or unique syllables to trigger clicks. (Example AI Tool – Cephable) 

AI—A Tool for Empowerment, Not a Replacement 

As AI continues to shape the future of education, it’s important to view it not as a replacement for teachers or traditional strategies, but as a tool that can support and enhance the learning experience. By embracing AI thoughtfully and responsibly, we can ensure that it complements the human connections at the heart of education while giving both students and educators the tools they need to succeed. If you are curious to keep learning, here are a few additional suggested resources: 

• AI in Education in 2024: Educators Express Mixed Feelings on the Technology’s Future
• Why more colleges are embracing AI offerings
• Eric Curts CTRL ALT 💡Videos
• Cephable Education