ADCET Webinar: Opportunities for supporting diverse learners through generative AI

ADCET was thrilled to present a webinar that focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The emergence of ChatGPT brought AI into the spotlight, surprising many, especially in the education sector. While initial reactions centred on academic integrity concerns, generative AI offers numerous opportunities to engage and empower learners with diverse needs.

We were joined by Darren, Elizabeth, and Joe, co-hosts of the ADCET podcast ILOTA Things (Inclusive Learning Opportunities Through AI), as they showcased practical applications of current AI technologies. During the webinar the presenters demonstrated how generative AI can enhance Universal Design for Learning approaches, equipping educational designers and educators with tools to create more inclusive learning environments. They explored how students with diverse needs can leverage these tools and engage with their learning in new and exciting ways, opening a world of possibilities for personalised and empowering educational experiences.

Presenters

Darren Britten is the National Assistive Technology Officer with ADCET and has been involved in inclusive practice and accessible resource development in the tertiary sector for over two decades. Darren has a passion for technology and how information is delivered and accessed. He has been active in designing and developing learning objects for online learning, providing advice and training to academic staff around digital equity and accessibility and working with students and staff on improving educational outcomes for students with disability.

Joe Houghton is an Assistant Professor at UCD Smurfit Graduate School of Business in Dubin, Ireland, where he is Programme Director for the MSc in Project Management programmes. Joe regularly consults with companies, Govt departments and non-profits in project management, risk management and more recently AI. He has written 6 books, has a popular weekly LinkedIn newsletter on AI in Education, and has published on UDL and communities of practice.

Elizabeth Hitches is a PhD candidate at the Institute for Social Science Research, University of Queensland (UQ), Australia. Her research interests lie in inclusive education at a national and international level, as well as equity, achievement, and wellbeing for students with disability, chronic health conditions and/or accessibility requirements. Her research is currently exploring academic stress in higher education, and how this can be reduced in inclusive and accessible ways through a UDL lens. She is also a sessional academic teaching in inclusive education across various universities, and a teacher of research methods at the UQ.

ADCET is hosted by the University of Tasmania