Eight Ways to Leverage AI to Enhance Learning for English Language Learners (ELLs) and Special Needs Students
By Scott B. Freiberger
In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly emerging as a transformative tool, particularly for supporting English Language Learners (ELLs) and special needs students (Wei, 2023). By leveraging AI, educators can create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment that caters to the diverse needs of these students. Here are eight ways to explore effective engagement techniques, singular strategies, and terrific tools for using AI to support ELLs and special needs students.
Personalized Learning Paths
One of the most significant advantages of AI in education is its ability to create personalized learning paths. AI-driven platforms can analyze a student’s performance, identify areas of strength and weakness, and tailor lessons to their individual needs (Kaledio et al., 2024). For ELLs, this means adjusting content to match their language proficiency, while for special needs students, it can involve modifying the curriculum to accommodate their learning styles and cognitive abilities.
AI-based language learning apps, such as Duolingo, offer personalized lessons that can adapt to a student’s progress. For special needs students, platforms like DreamBox use AI to provide math lessons at the appropriate level of difficulty. In content-area classrooms, mathematics maestros can make magic! With meticulous methods, they have the keen ability to multiply students’ math skills and mindsets. Bravo to our magnificent math teachers! On LinkedIn, math maestro Jacob Melham posts singular strategies students can use to enhance their aptitude in mathematics, and he has posted nearly 2,400 mathematics-related videos on his channel.
Real-Time Feedback and Assessment
AI can provide immediate feedback and assessments, which are essential for ELLs and special needs students. Real-time feedback helps students understand their mistakes and learn from them instantly, which can boost their confidence and motivation (Alkan, 2024). This instant feedback mechanism not only identifies areas of improvement, but it can also celebrate their successes, reinforcing positive learning behaviors (Alkan, 2024). By creating a continuous loop of assessment and adjustment, AI-driven tools can help ensure that each student’s learning experience is dynamic and responsive to their needs.
Implementing AI-driven assessment tools like NoRedInk for writing assignments can help ELLs improve their grammar and syntax. For special needs students, tools like MindPlay offer real-time corrections, personalized learning, and suggestions for improvement in math and reading exercises.
Speech Recognition and Language Translation
AI-powered speech recognition and translation tools can significantly aid ELLs in understanding and communicating in English. These tools can transcribe spoken language into text and translate it into the students’ home languages, making it easier for them to follow along in class and participate in discussions. Utilizing tools like Google Translate or Microsoft Translator can help ELLs bridge the language gap in real-time during lessons. For special needs students with speech impairments, AI-driven speech recognition tools like Speechify can listen and organize files in a browser as well as convert spoken words into text, facilitating better communication in myriad learning environments.
Adaptive Learning Technologies
Adaptive learning technologies use AI to adjust the difficulty level of tasks based on a student’s performance (Joshi, 2024). This approach ensures that students are neither bored with tasks that are too easy nor frustrated with tasks that are too challenging. By continuously analyzing each student’s progress, these systems can dynamically tailor educational experiences to meet individual learning needs (Joshi, 2024). This personalized approach can thus create a more engaging and effective learning environment.
Incorporating adaptive learning platforms like Khan Academy can help ELLs progress at their own pace. For special needs students, using tools like Lexia Reading can provide customized reading exercises that adapt to their skills, which can prove helpful for ELLs and students with special needs, especially for students who struggle with building foundational skills.
Gamification and Interactive Learning
Can AI enhance student engagement through gamification and interactive learning? You bet! By turning lessons into games and interactive activities, AI can make learning more enjoyable and motivating for ELLs and special needs students (Freiberger, 2017). Implementing AI-powered educational games like Kahoot! can engage ELLs and special needs students in fun and competitive quizzes that reinforce learning and language skills. For special needs students, interactive platforms like Prodigy can help students practice standards-aligned skills in math and English as they engage in fun, adaptive learning games. Make learning math feel like an adventure!
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
AI-driven VR and AR technologies can create immersive learning experiences that can be particularly beneficial for ELLs and special needs students. These technologies can provide visual and experiential learning opportunities that are more accessible and engaging. These immersive technologies can also facilitate collaborative learning experiences, allowing students to work together in virtual environments (Jiang et al., 2025). By providing hands-on, interactive learning opportunities, AI-driven VR and AR technologies can help students better understand complex concepts and retain information more effectively.
Using VR platforms like DiscoveryVR, Unimersiv, Nearpod, CoSpaces, and EONRealit can allow ELLs to explore virtual field trips, enhancing their cultural understanding and vocabulary. For special needs students, AR tools like Aurasma can bring static images to life, making abstract concepts more concrete.
Predictive Analytics for Early Intervention
What can AI do with data? AI can analyze data to predict which students might be at risk of falling behind, allowing for early intervention. This predictive capability is invaluable for ELLs and special needs students who might require additional support to stay on track. Employing AI-driven predictive analytics tools such as PowerSchool RiskAnalysis can help educators identify ELLs who are struggling and provide targeted support. For special needs students, tools like LiveSchool can track behavioral and academic data to predict and address potential challenges.
Engaging Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers
AI can also play a role in engaging parents, guardians, and caregivers, who are pivotal partners in their children’s learning and in the educational process. By providing regular updates and insights into a student’s progress, AI can help parents stay informed and involved. Implementing AI-powered communication platforms like ClassDojo can keep parents of ELLs informed about their child’s progress and provide resources for supporting learning at home. For special needs students, tools like Remind can facilitate regular communication between teachers and parents, ensuring a collaborative approach to education. At the elementary level, SeeSaw is an all-in-one platform designed to engage families as partners where all learners can be both supported and celebrated.
In sum, AI offers a myriad of opportunities to support ELLs and special needs students. By leveraging AI-driven personalized learning paths, real-time feedback, speech recognition, adaptive learning, gamification, VR and AR, predictive analytics, and engaging parents, educators can create a more inclusive and effective learning environment. As we continue to innovate and integrate AI into education, the potential to enhance the learning experience for all students, particularly those with unique needs, is boundless.
Especially now, learning any subject does not have to remain entirely rote and terribly tedious. Infuse educationaltechnology and make the most of our evolving, singular circumstances. Above all, continue to empower all students so they can feel a sense of connection, determination, and purpose.
References
Alkan, A. (2024). The role of artificial intelligence in the education of students with special needs. International Journal of Technology in Education and Science (IJTES), 8(4), 542-557. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijtes.569
Freiberger, S. (2017). Five emerging trends in 21st century education. https://www.gettingsmart.com/2017/07/16/5-emerging-trends-in-21st-century-education/
Jiang, H., Zhu, D., Chugh, R., Turnbull, D., & Jin, W. (2025). Virtual reality and augmented reality-supported K-12 STEM learning: trends, advantages and challenges. Education and Information Technologies. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-13210-z
Joshi, M.A. 2024. Adaptive learning through artificial intelligence. International Journal on Integrated Education. 7(2), 41-43. http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4514887
Kaledio, Potter, K., Abill. R., & Louis, F. (2024). The impact of artificial intelligence on students' learning experience. http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4716747
Wei, L. (2023). Artificial intelligence in language
instruction: impact on English learning achievement, L2 motivation, and
self-regulated learning. Frontiers in
Psychology, 14, 1261955. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1261955
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BIO
Scott Freiberger is an attentive administrator and a passionate pedagogue who advocates for all students, especially ELLs/MLLs and students with special needs. Follow him on Twitter/X: @scottfreiberger
