Ready ... set ... solve!
What happens when educators, technologists, students, families, and community partners work together using AI technology to create solutions to educational challenges? Hint: it’s a winning combination.
A hackathon is a collaborative event where people work together to solve a problem or create new ideas. True to its name, the annual Stanford Accelerator for Learning (SAL) AI + Learning Differences Symposium and Hackathon assembled educators, technologists, students, families, and community partners for a first-time event to produce competitive, real-world solutions.
The December 2024 hackathon, sponsored by the Alana Foundation, assembled interdisciplinary teams to develop a prototype for AI-driven tools to address learning differences. Attendees collaborated to define key challenges and develop and present actionable solutions. Standout projects from the day included:
FeelLink – This AI-driven adaptive learning platform helps young adults strengthen social skills and emotional intelligence through personalized, immersive, interactive scenarios.
Maestra – Through reactions to the environment and typed or spoken commands, this AI tool can automatically contact auxiliary support, provide real-time advice on student engagement, schedule appointments, coordinate with specialists, or collaborate with other tools to help teachers support diverse learners in their classrooms.
BCBAwesome – Tackling the critical shortage of ABA (applied behavior analysis) therapists, this AI solution assists human therapists in delivering better support through real-time coaching and guidance customized to the individual’s experience.
Roleability – An AI-powered role-playing game that simulates social scenarios, Roleability offers personalized practice and feedback to help individuals with learning differences navigate social interactions while building empathy, confidence, and adaptability.
EmpowerIEP ‒ Claiming the grand prize as the winning project for the day, this groundbreaking AI tool empowers parents to become stronger advocates for their children with learning differences by simplifying and demystifying the individualized education plan (IEP) process.
GSE alumnus Chinat Yu, MS ’24, who co-organized the event with Stanford Accelerator for Learning Executive Director Isabelle Hau, Associate Professor Chris Lemons, and Professor Elizabeth Kozleski, was pleased with the outcome of the event, expressing gratitude for the commitment and collaboration of all the stakeholders. “From brainstorming to building,” Yu said, “it was incredible to see the diverse group of hackers, mentors, and judges come together to bring innovative ideas to life. This event was a true testament to what can be achieved by combining expertise, passion, and teamwork.”
This event was presented by the Stanford Accelerator for Learning and was made possible through the generosity of the Alana Foundation and in collaboration with the Children’s Health Council (CHC), and the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI).
