Generative Artificial Intelligence and Learners with Additional Support Needs: Literature Review
Date: March 2025
Why did we do this research?
Evidence suggests that the number of learners with additional support needs in Scotland has risen substantially in recent years. Since 2019, the number of requests for reasonable adjustment received by SQA has increased by 32%. There is a growing body of research that indicates Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) has the potential to support learners with ASN. In this context, GenAI tools could prove to be beneficial.
What are we trying to find out?
- In primary research publications, what are the emerging AI tools that have been investigated for their use in supporting learners with ASN worldwide?
- How effective have these emerging AI tools been in supporting learners with ASN in the literature?
How did we do the research?
- Literature review of primary research studies published to date on the topic of GenAI tools and supporting learners with ASN between June 2024 and October 2024.
- Conducted searches on search engines, research databases and libraries using the following key search terms: artificial intelligence, AI, GenAI, disability, disabled, additional support needs, ESOL, EFL, ChatGPT, and abstracted articles that carried out primary research.
- Analysed literature to understand how different AI tools had been used to support learners with different ASNs.
What did we learn?
The literature indicates that, in general, GenAI tools show promise for supporting learners with ASN. In particular, the GenAI tools researched may enhance ASN learners’ self-directed learning to facilitate parity with their peers.
In particular, the research demonstrated that:
- AI chatbot assistants such as ChatGPT may help learners with dyslexia, anxiety/stress, visual impairments and ESOL learners
- Grammar and spelling correction AI tools can be used to support learners with dyslexia
- Avatar or humanoid robots could support learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- AI-assisted task managers may be used to support learners with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Text-to-image AI generators may help learners with fine motor disabilities
- Speech-to-text AI generators may be a source of support for learners with visual impairments
What will change because of the research?
The studies reviewed in this paper provide a good starting point for SQA to carry out further research and inquiry into this issue, and how these tools could be used to support learners with ASN with their qualifications
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