Many people view AI and digital technology in education as either completely positive or completely harmful, but I think the reality is more complex. In our presentation, we discussed how AI can support students with learning disabilities by creating more personalized education. For example, we found tools that can generate lesson plans based on a child’s individual learning needs and text-to-audio programs that help students with dyslexia better understand reading materials. From a child development perspective, teachers need to understand that students do not all learn the same way, so the traditional “one size fits all” teaching method is often ineffective. Technology can help make education more inclusive by adapting to different learning styles and helping students feel more confident and successful. From my interest in consumer behavior and human-centered systems, I also think digital tools are valuable because they can collect data and insights about how students learn best, allowing education to become more personalized and supportive.
At the same time, I critique the idea that more technology automatically means better education. There is still a major digital divide because not all students have equal access to computers, internet, or educational tools, which can increase inequality instead of reducing it. Society often treats education as power, and access to quality education is not always distributed equally. I also think children today already spend too much time on screens, and many educational games are designed more around rewards and dopamine than genuine learning. Students should want to learn because they are curious and engaged, not just because they are trying to “win” a game or earn points. While digital tools can improve accessibility and inclusion, they should still be monitored and balanced with human interaction, creativity, and real-world experiences. Overall, I believe technology has the potential to make education more inclusive and supportive for all students, but it must be used thoughtfully so that learning stays meaningful, accessible, and human-centered.
