Overview

Join us in unraveling the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in K-12 classrooms - away from the hype and hypothetical and towards meaningful applications. This session aims to provide a simple summary of AI workings and practical uses in education. We'll explore how AI can offer a customized learning experience for all - and especially benefit learners with diverse needs. This is not a technical session, but an opportunity to generate ideas for integrating AI into your classroom and avoid some of the barriers you may encounter along the way.

Learning Objectives

1. Discuss at least three key potential positive outcomes of AI in K-12 classrooms, particularly in providing support to struggling students.
2. Identify three potential pitfalls and policy issues related to the implementation of AI in education.
3. Recommend one plan for exploring and implementing AI tools in your classroom.

Strand(s)

Mainstream Accessible Technologies

Target Audience

Accessibility Professional; ADA Coordinator; Administrators; AT Specialists; Alternative Media Specialist; Communication Specialist; Consumers/Individuals with Disabilities; Curriculum and Instruction; Disability Services; Educators; Instructional Technologist; Media Specialist; Occupational Therapists; Physical Therapists; Rehabilitation Counselor; Speech-Language Pathologists; Special Education Educators; Teachers of the Visually Impaired; Teachers of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing; Visual Impairment Specialists

Experience Level

Introductory

Primary Life Cycle Addressed

Elementary - Secondary (K-12)

Session Delivery Format

In-person presentation with live-stream

Course Schedule

This course was given at the ATIA 2024 Conference on Friday, January 26 from 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM (EST)

Continuing Education Credits

For Satisfactory Completion and Continuing Education information, please visit: ATIA Online Education CEUs

This course is offered for the following CE Provider Credits:
ACVREP; AOTA; ASHA; CRC; IACET
For: 0.10 CEU Units or 1.0 CEU Hours

Speaker/s:

Rick Ferrie

Savvas Learning Company, VP of UDL/Accessibility

Biography

No matter what his title or company affiliation, for over 20 years Rick has been involved in advocating for learners with disabilities. He is a policy and change management specialist working with companies and institutions, including in his current role as Head of Accessibility for Savvas Learning Company. He was an original member of the National File Format Advisory Panel for Accessible Instructional Materials which led to the creation of the National Instructional Materials Access Center (NIMAC). He served for many years as the Chairman for the Association of American Publishers (AAP) Serving Students with Disabilities Subcommittee. He has presented on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), accessibility, risk management, and policy best practices at CSUN, Accessing Higher Ground, and AHEAD to name a few major conferences. He is especially proud of his long-standing relationship with CAST as an advisor to the National Center on Accessible Educational Materials Center (AEM).

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Salary from Savvas Learning Company. Consulting fees for work with CAST (AEM Center, related projects.)

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No

Bruce Alter

HPT, PT/AT

Biography

I have worked as a pediatric physical therapist in special education since 1988. But before I was a PT, I was a geek. I first started using computers with children with disabilities in the Apple II era. As technology has changed, more of my time has been devoted to providing assistive technology support for special education students. I currently work as a Physical Therapist and Assistive Technology consultant for two different districts in Oregon. Woodburn, a rural district near Salem, and Tigard-Tualatin, one of the larger districts near Portland. In 2017 I received the Judy Rowe Exemplary Therapist award. In 2022 I received the Penny Reed award for excellence in assistive technology innovation and leadership. In my spare time, I train in two Japanese sword arts, Kendo and Iaido. And I am passionate about mixing 1930s tiki drinks!

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Consulting fees from independent contractor work from schools and educational materials providers

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No

Kelli Suding, M.Ed.

CAST, Technical Assistance Specialist

Biography

As a technical assistance specialist for the National Center on Accessible Educational Materials (AEM Center) and the Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems (CITES), Kelli promotes the availability of accessible educational materials and technologies to ensure that all students have equitable and inclusive opportunities for learning. Kelli has keynote, national, state, and regional presentation and training experience. Kelli also has a strong understanding of and ability to connect theory to practice. Her instructional experience has been with students requiring mild, moderate, and intense intervention. Kelli's specializations include autism, accessible educational materials & accessible technologies, accessibility, specific learning disabilities, and Universal Design for Learning.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Salary from employment

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No