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Northern Ireland school at forefront of artificial intelligence for special education needs pupils
Northern Ireland school at forefront of artificial intelligence for special education needs pupils

ITV News

time01-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • 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.

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