What if improving inclusive education for students with disabilities was as easy as using a GPS?
The EduNavigator AI Tool is designed to help educators identify and apply evidence-based practices to improve inclusive education for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
This innovative, AI-supported tool is part of the EduNavigator AI Project, a research initiative led by the Johns Hopkins University Center for Technology in Education (CTE) in collaboration with the Maryland State Department of Education.
Designed with educators, not just for them.
The project brought together a team of Maryland educators to co-design a decision-making tool that aims to lead the way in responsible, educator-driven AI innovation in special education.
The EduNavigator AI Tool will empower educators to identify, adapt, and implement evidence-based practices to improve outcomes for students, especially those with extensive support needs.
The tool uses a curated library of more than 500 research-backed resources to support educators’ needs and deliver clear strategies.
“Being a co-designer has deepened my understanding of how AI tools are developed and the importance of grounding them in real classroom practice. I’ve become more confident in evaluating, questioning, and shaping technology so it is practical, ethical, and truly supportive of teachers and paraprofessionals. This experience has strengthened my identity as a leader who not only implements technology, but helps ensure it is thoughtfully designed and responsibly integrated into schools.”
—Reflection from a co-designer
Why an AI-powered tool?
Students with significant cognitive disabilities often go without meaningful support tailored for their needs because educators don’t have access to a tool that can provide instructional strategies in real time.
Currently, no AI-powered tools exist that are designed specifically for these students and the educators who serve them.
Educators are under-equipped. They need support in selecting and implementing evidence-based practices to address instructional planning needs in real time.
Research can be inaccessible. Relevant information exists, but educators need a way to easily access and navigate this research.
Inclusion stalls without support. Educators often don’t have the support and practical knowledge to teach in an inclusive setting, which leaves many students remaining in restrictive environments.
How the EduNavigator AI Tool works
The EduNavigator AI Tool provides educators with research-based solutions tailored to their needs. The platform also adapts to different educator roles, such as special educators, general educators, and paraprofessionals. Because of this design, every recommendation is grounded in curated research.
- Educator input: Teachers enter information about a student and the setting, such as grade level, current supports, disability profile, and educator role. No identifying information is shared or stored.
- Role-adaptive AI: A role-matched AI guides decisions using vetted resources.
- Strategy workspace: Educators receive practical strategies with a rationale, steps, and evidence sources.
- Export and share: Educators can download the strategies for classroom or team use.
As the EduNavigator AI Tool moves from concept to pilot, we’re inviting partners to test the platform in real-world settings. We’re also looking for co-designers to work with us to shape and customize the platform to meet educators’ needs.
For more information about this research study or to get involved, contact the Principal Investigator, Dr. Jennifer Kouo, at [email protected] or fill out our interest form.
