Personalizing Virtual Speech Therapy and Special Education Services with AI-Powered Strategies

Outline

Introduction and Overview (5 minutes)
Content: Brief introduction to the session objectives, AI's role in education, and the specific focus on speech therapy and special education.
Engagement: Quick icebreaker using a live poll (e.g., “What challenges do you face with virtual learning?”). Participants will use their mobile devices to respond.
Process: Use interactive polling software (like Slido or Poll Everywhere) to get instant feedback and set the context for the session.
Part 1: AI in Education Overview (10 minutes)
Content: Overview of AI technologies applicable to virtual learning, especially in speech therapy and special education (speech recognition, adaptive learning, progress tracking).
Engagement: Attendees will watch a short video showing examples of AI in virtual classrooms, followed by a discussion on how these tools can be applied in their own settings.
Process: Encourage small group discussions or peer-to-peer conversations, prompting each group to share one takeaway from the video.
Part 2: Customizing Learning with AI (15 minutes)
Content: Demonstration of specific AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, speech recognition software, adaptive learning platforms) and how they can be used to create individualized lessons and interventions.
Engagement: Live demo of an AI-powered tool creating a custom lesson plan based on student needs. Participants will follow along on their devices, exploring the tools in real-time.
Process: Device-based activity where participants input specific student profiles into the AI tool to see how it customizes lessons. A Q&A will follow the demonstration, encouraging audience interaction.
Part 3: Designing Equitable and Inclusive Virtual Environments (10 minutes)
Content: Discuss strategies for using AI to promote equity in virtual learning, with a focus on serving students from underserved communities or with limited resources.
Engagement: Present a case study of a rural school using AI to deliver speech therapy services. Participants will brainstorm in small groups how AI could improve access for their students.
Process: Peer-to-peer interaction via breakout groups (in-person or virtual) where participants share challenges and solutions related to equity and AI. Each group will report back with their ideas.
Part 4: Evidence-Based Practices in AI-Enhanced Learning (10 minutes)
Content: Overview of research supporting the effectiveness of AI in speech therapy and special education, linking instructional design principles to AI tools.
Engagement: Attendees will analyze a research study on AI's impact on student outcomes. Participants will be prompted to reflect on how they can apply these findings in their own practice.
Process: Reflection and device-based activity. Use a shared online document (like Google Docs or Padlet) where participants can jot down ways to incorporate evidence-based AI practices into their instruction.
Part 5: Building Professional Networks for AI Integration (5 minutes)
Content: Introduction to global learning networks and communities where educators can share resources, ideas, and stay updated on AI advancements in education.
Engagement: Participants will be invited to join relevant online communities (e.g., ISTE AI in Education groups) and share their professional goals for implementing AI in their teaching.
Process: Device-based activity where attendees access and explore online networks. Encourage them to connect with others in the room or virtually using a specific hashtag or group.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways (5 minutes)
Content: Summarize key points: how to leverage AI for personalized learning, equitable access, and practical implementation in virtual environments.
Engagement: Final Q&A to address audience questions. A quick “exit ticket” poll where participants share one new idea they will apply from the session.
Process: Use interactive polling software for quick feedback and final audience engagement. Encourage attendees to share takeaways on social media using the event’s hashtag.
Total Time: 60 Minutes
Introduction and Overview: 5 minutes
Part 1: AI in Education Overview: 10 minutes
Part 2: Customizing Learning with AI: 15 minutes
Part 3: Designing Equitable and Inclusive Virtual Environments: 10 minutes
Part 4: Evidence-Based Practices in AI-Enhanced Learning: 10 minutes
Part 5: Building Professional Networks for AI Integration: 5 minutes
Conclusion and Key Takeaways: 5 minutes

Audience Engagement Tactics:

Device-based activities (live polling, AI tool exploration)
Small group discussions and peer-to-peer interaction
Reflection and brainstorming sessions
Interactive Q&A sessions and exit tickets

Supporting research

https://www.speechpathologygraduateprograms.org/2024/04/ai-and-speech-pathology/