Howorth talks with CNN about AI in K-12 schools
Associate Professor of Special Education Sarah Howorth was interviewed by CNN for a story on how K-12 student might use artificial intelligence (AI) during this school year. “AI is a little bit like fire. When cavemen first discovered fire, a lot of people said, ‘Ooh, look what it can do,’” Howorth said. “And other people are like, ‘Ah, it could kill us.’ You know, it’s the same with AI.” Many AI-powered tools can also aid in accessibility, Howorth said, such as talk-to-text and text-to-speech tools that help those with visual impairments or dyslexia. However, she added that while some AI tools are helpful for people with different needs, the technology still doesn’t have solutions for certain disabilities. Talk-to-text features, for example, can still get tripped up by people with stutters or accents.