Welcome to ILOTA Things, the ADCET podcast where we explore Inclusive Learning Opportunities through AI. In this series, we'll explore the exciting convergence of universal design for learning, UDL, artificial intelligence, AI, and accessibility, and examine ways in which we can utilise emerging technologies to enhance learning opportunities for educational designers, educators, and students.

We're going to be looking at and demonstrating some of our favourite tools that we've come across and we're really focusing in on those tools that are available for free, because equity is something that is front of mind and we want to ensure equitable access. And we also want to explore, how can we use those tools in a way that really supports our work for universal design for learning, whether that is through approaches in teaching, or whether that is something that our students can be engaging in. So we want to look at things that enable us to personalise learning, that might act as a study aid, that can really help us with that content creation or multimodal content delivery, and also thinking about accessibility and how AI might actually support accessibility. So we are pitching this at people who may be brand new to thinking about AI and UDL. So if it's the first time that you've really considered AI or universal design for learning, then you are absolutely in the right place. For anyone who is already quite familiar with these terms, we hope that maybe there will either be some tools that you may not be familiar with yet or perhaps some fresh perspectives to look over what you've already been exploring.

Section 3 describes opportunities of learner-centred tools, such as adapting learning, content enrichment, support for learners with special education needs, and information and advice. However, these tools also face challenges such as ensuring access, combating techno-ableism, addressing bias, maintaining socio-emotional learning, and balancing AI integration with privacy and accountability concerns. In section 4, the paper elaborates on teacher-led tools. It discusses the potential of supporting teaching with AI-powered robots, curating learning materials, assisting in assessment and classroom management, identifying some special education needs, and providing continuing professional learning opportunities. Yet, these benefits are weighed against challenges like the high costs of AI tools, the need to balance commercial interests with educational objectives, and the imperative of equipping educators with the necessary AI knowledge and skills.