AI helps pupils with disabilities gain digital skills

In Spain, an AI project involving 333 pupils with disabilities reports gains in digital skills among those assessed. During the 2025–2026 school year, pupils used generative artificial intelligence at seven schools and educational organisations in Gijón, Madrid, Tarazona, Zaragoza and Granada. The SonIA project, run by the Department of Pedagogical Innovation at Escuelas Católicas, compared initial and final assessments for 94 pupils.

Unlocking devices and finding answers

The team analysed 564 observations of those 94 pupils. Of the learning outcomes assessed, 40.1% improved and 53.7% held steady and became more secure. The average score rose from 3.67 to 4.11 on a six-point scale. Those percentages describe learning outcomes, not the share of pupils who improved.

Digital skills showed the strongest results: 95.7% of observations in this area recorded improvement or consolidation. Pupils became more independent at switching on and unlocking devices, opening apps and finding functions. For using AI to search for information, 94.6% of observations showed improvement or no loss of ground. Pupils made simple requests, interpreted replies and picked out useful information.

Why teachers still matter

Recognising a difficulty and asking for help also improved or held steady in 94.7% of observations. But Escuelas Católicas says AI does not make a classroom inclusive on its own. Teachers need to adapt tasks to each pupil, guide practice and provide individual support, including visual and audio aids. Pupils also need to learn to check AI answers and recognise when to turn to an adult or a professional.

Topics: Education

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com