Northern Ireland school at forefront of artificial intelligence for special education needs pupils
Clifton School in Bangor is one of three special schools that has taken part in a pilot run the Education Authority.
Pupils have been able to experiment with the software to develop their own pieces of art, as well as create music.
"It brings us closer to the child," said John-Michael Greeves, who is the school's art coordinator.
"We're listening rather than just saying 'you're gonna make these handprints today'. Instead, it's 'what would you like to make today'?"
The technology works by teachers asking the students to pick one of two prompts on the screen, e.g. big or small, happy or sad.
They then ask them to list a few of their favourite things; for example, Dalton, a student at the school, picked Henry the Hoover and prawn cocktail flavoured crisps.
Using the information he supplied, the AI tool generated a number of images based on his choices.
His mum, Zoe Fusco, said being creative in this way has boosted his self-esteem.
"He's really, really confident in what he's doing and he's so proud to show his work to everyone," she said.
"He brings it everywhere, the wee print out of it, he loves it. He's constantly wanting to redo it. He's so excited to come into school and to be able to do this.
"He couldn't make that type of art independently without that equipment, which is amazing."
The software can also be used to make music.
Clifton's students have produced a song called 'Rise' which was generated using AI using lyrics they chose.
Many of the pupils are non-verbal, so their teachers say creating music gives them a voice.
Brenda Mullan, who is the school's vice principal said: "They see the product of their work as theirs, not something that they have been supported with to a really high level by a member of staff.
"They're seeing their ideas, their feelings, their interests and their strengths interwoven into their pieces of artwork, but also their songs that they've produced.
"And what a great way to raise self-esteem and that sense of achievement for our children and young people, to celebrate that with them.
"It has been a game changer for us."
The pilot has been such a success that the Education Authority is working to ensure this type of technology can be rolled out further on a permanent basis.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ITV News
10 hours ago
- ITV News
Northern Ireland school at forefront of artificial intelligence for special education needs pupils
Artificial Intelligence is allowing students at special schools to thrive and learn in ways that would have previously been impossible, according to their teachers. Clifton School in Bangor is one of three special schools that has taken part in a pilot run the Education Authority. Pupils have been able to experiment with the software to develop their own pieces of art, as well as create music. "It brings us closer to the child," said John-Michael Greeves, who is the school's art coordinator. "We're listening rather than just saying 'you're gonna make these handprints today'. Instead, it's 'what would you like to make today'?" The technology works by teachers asking the students to pick one of two prompts on the screen, e.g. big or small, happy or sad. They then ask them to list a few of their favourite things; for example, Dalton, a student at the school, picked Henry the Hoover and prawn cocktail flavoured crisps. Using the information he supplied, the AI tool generated a number of images based on his choices. His mum, Zoe Fusco, said being creative in this way has boosted his self-esteem. "He's really, really confident in what he's doing and he's so proud to show his work to everyone," she said. "He brings it everywhere, the wee print out of it, he loves it. He's constantly wanting to redo it. He's so excited to come into school and to be able to do this. "He couldn't make that type of art independently without that equipment, which is amazing." The software can also be used to make music. Clifton's students have produced a song called 'Rise' which was generated using AI using lyrics they chose. Many of the pupils are non-verbal, so their teachers say creating music gives them a voice. Brenda Mullan, who is the school's vice principal said: "They see the product of their work as theirs, not something that they have been supported with to a really high level by a member of staff. "They're seeing their ideas, their feelings, their interests and their strengths interwoven into their pieces of artwork, but also their songs that they've produced. "And what a great way to raise self-esteem and that sense of achievement for our children and young people, to celebrate that with them. "It has been a game changer for us." The pilot has been such a success that the Education Authority is working to ensure this type of technology can be rolled out further on a permanent basis.
Scottish Sun
14 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
John McEnroe interrupts brother Patrick on Wimbledon broadcast to make major personal announcement live on ESPN
Brothers were put on commentary for Jannik Sinner's first round game on Tuesday FAMILY MATTERS John McEnroe interrupts brother Patrick on Wimbledon broadcast to make major personal announcement live on ESPN Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JOHN McEnroe cut off brother Patrick in the broadcast booth to make a personal announcement. The brothers were on commentary for Tuesday's opening game on No. 1 Court. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 John McEnroe (right) interrupted Patrick McEnroe (left) to wish him a happy birthday Credit: ESPN 2 The pair were calling Jannik Sinner's game on No. 1 Court Credit: AFP John and Patrick were paired together to see No. 1 seed Jannik Sinner take on fellow Italian Luca Nardi. The pair popped up on ESPN at 8 am ET when the players were walking onto court at 1 pm in London. Patrick tried to get brother John's thoughts on the match coming up. But he was told, "Sometimes there's more important things than first-round matches at Wimbledon." Patrick laughed and seemingly knew where the conversation was headed. "It happens to be my younger brother's birthday," John said. He then turned to Patrick in the booth and wished him a happy birthday. Patrick celebrated his 59th birthday on Tuesday, July 1. "Appreciate that man, closing in on you," the younger McEnroe said. "Nothing better than being here with you on my birthday." Distraught Wimbledon star feared 'dangerous' fan had knife and demanded they were kicked out John is seven years Patrick's senior and splits his time at Wimbledon between ESPN and working for BBC's UK coverage. Patrick won 16 doubles titles with his brother John during his playing career. But his only slam victory was with Jim Grabb at the 1989 French Open. Patrick's only singles title was at the 1995 Sydney Outdoor Championships. He achieved a career highest singles ranking of 28 and doubles of three. ESPN holds the rights to Wimbledon in the United States. The network signed a new deal worth a reported $400 million to take them through 2035. This year's singles finals have been pushed back to a 4 pm local time start from 2 pm. The move means a more favorable start time of 11 am ET for American viewers. And it also pushed the finals towards prime time in the United Kingdom.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
John Torode gives rare insight into marriage to Lisa Faulkner in huge admission
Inseparable off-screen, Lisa Faulkner and John Torode team up for a new season of their Weekend Kitchen. The couple recently lifted the lid on their life away from the spotlight. Lisa Faulkner and John Torode are back for another helping of feel-good food and easy-going charm in Weekend Kitchen 's 10th series on ITV. It was a no-brainer for the couple. 'Having very busy lives and lots of different things happening means we get a proper buzz about cooking together and spending all the time planning, testing and then finally filming the show,' John Torode, 59, says. This season, the duo are serving more than just great food. Packed with clever tips, creative twists on classic dishes and heartfelt moments, the show has become a weekend staple for viewers – and a passion project for the pair themselves. 'We both love what we do and we both relish the amount of time we get to spend with each other filming,' John says. 'As always, we have a bit of everything,' Lisa Faulkner says. 'But I'm excited to show some easy twists on everyday ingredients. Like four different ways of cooking rice. People of all cooking abilities can make them.' The show takes inspiration from the couple's own travels, blending sun-drenched flavours with accessible ideas. 'As long as the sun is shining, I am a happy man. Being an Australian, sun is a must but I do love eating 'posh' outside,' he says. 'Cold wine in ice buckets, friends over, in the sun, is there anything better than that in life?' The couple don't just cook on-camera either – their home life revolves around good food. John, a MasterChef legend, says, 'For lunch today we made a burger, that's what we fancied. I reckon we make a better burger than most.' Lisa, on the other hand, jokes, 'Our friends come round and say it's like watching an episode of Weekend Kitchen!' Lisa, 53, adds, 'We love going away during the summer and finding little places off the beaten track. Our summer holidays are usually made up of Greek tavernas and eating lots of fish and salad. It's all about food. The first thing we do when we arrive in any new place is we go to a market and see what's on offer and what locals are buying.' In one upcoming episode, the duo rise to the challenge of creating dishes with just five main ingredients. 'The budget is important and making sure we aren't throwing too much away; it is very much about planning and thinking ahead,' John says. 'I myself am a sucker for leftovers and reimagining them.' That balance between resourcefulness and indulgence is something the show leans into – especially with two cooks who know how to make a dish sing. But what makes the show such a hit isn't just the food – it's the dynamic between John and Lisa, who combine decades of culinary and creative experience with warmth and humour. 'We're always learning from each other, the kitchen is a place we both love to be, we get to see how the other cooks and to hear each other's ideas,' Lisa says. 'We often do things differently so I'm always learning something new from John.' But sometimes, things don't quite go to plan. 'Of course, we have mishaps, in fact I think there may even be a bloopers social media post somewhere,' John says. While Lisa has her own strategy to avoid a kitchen disaster: 'Just rename it and go with it!' Behind the scenes, a strong team helps drive each series forward with new concepts and viewer-friendly formats. But John and Lisa both have their go-to favourites when it comes to home cooking, and they don't shy away from the basics. For Lisa, nothing beats a classic Sunday roast. 'Once you've mastered the timings of a roast, you can do so much,' she says. As for how they'll mark the premiere of their 10th season? There'll be no cooking that night. Instead, the couple will celebrate with a glass of champagne. 'We'll raise a glass and watch the first episode together at home!' Lisa says.
