AI-based assisting tool to accommodate special needs of students

Abstract

Students with special needs in higher education often encounter multifaceted challenges that can undermine their academic success and overall well-being. Especially common, though frequently unrecognized, is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which affects a significant proportion of university students. This underdiagnosis might lead to substantial disruptions in terms of time management, focus, and overall academic performance, as traditional teaching methods rarely account for the diverse cognitive needs of such students.

To fill this gap, Steady Mate was developed: an artificial intelligence-based platform built to improve the learning experience for students with ADHD. Steady Mate offers a suite of tools designed to cater to diverse learning preferences and cognitive profiles. By leveraging AI, the platform assists students in generating relevant chapters on various subjects and formats of teaching material with video, its summary and practice questions. Through quizzes, this platform gives immediate feedback on how the user performs, enabling students to pinpoint areas of weakness. Users can also summarize documents and generate flashcards and mind maps, allowing them to efficiently retain information while visually exploring connections between concepts through interactive learning aids.

Additionally, a focus tracker based on the Pomodoro Technique is built to help students stay focused, supplemented with motivational prompts that reinforce positive study habits. All user’s progress is visually summarized via a concise dashboard, giving both learners and educators actionable insights into study patterns and performance trajectories. Users can also consult the conversational AI chatbot that provides on-demand feedback based on the user’s performance. Lastly, the platform facilitates both audio and text-based learning modes to accommodate different preferences.

By aligning learning approaches with each student’s unique cognitive requirements, Steady Mate will promote educational equity, particularly for those with ADHD-related challenges. This project demonstrates the potential of AI-driven interventions in creating a more inclusive, personalized, and supportive learning environment within the higher education landscape.