The Benefits of Artificial Intelligence Mobile Applications in Improving Learning for Children with Intellectual Disabilities: A Pilot Study Perspectives from Special Education Teachers

Abstract

This pilot study aimed to explore the benefits of artificial intelligence educational mobile applications in improving the learning skills of children with IDs from the perspective of special education teachers. The integration of AI mobile applications in education offers personalized learning experiences, adaptive content delivery, and real-time feedback, addressing the individual needs and learning paces of students. The objectives of this research were to examine the practical impacts of AI applications on student engagement, comprehension, and skill acquisition, and to know the perspectives about the benefits of artificial intelligence technology in the teaching and learning process of children with IDs. The researchers used a descriptive approach to measure the perceptions of special education teachers using AI mobile applications to improve the learning skills of children with intellectual disabilities. Through the random sampling method, 50 special education teachers were selected for the data collection who were employed in one division of Punjab Province, Sahiwal. Only five AI mobile apps (AutiSpark, Khan Academy, Happy Kids, Daily Tasks and Luca & Friends) were also selected by using a simple random technique. The study tools consisted of a self-made, closed-ended questionnaire aimed at identifying the perspectives of special education teachers on using AI educational mobile applications to improve learning skills for children with IDs. Findings indicated that AI-based educational applications significantly improve attention spans, motivation, and learning outcomes by providing interactive and tailored educational content. Teachers reported a noticeable change in increased student autonomy and confidence. The perceptions of special education teachers based on their qualifications were quite different about the use of artificial intelligence mobile applications in the teaching and learning process of children with IDs. The results showed that higher-qualification teachers were more eager about the use of AI mobile applications. The researchers recommended that AI educational mobile applications can play a significant role in the improvement of the learning skills of children with IDs.