Towards a Universal Educational Ecosystem: proposal for multifunctional AI enhancement for inclusion

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping educational paradigms by fostering a significant transformation rooted in personalization, accessibility, and inclusion. This contribution, grounded in a special education pedagogy perspective, explores both the potential and criticalities of AI in educational contexts. It introduces a functional tripartition of AI as tool, mediator, and environment—an epistemological framework that supports the design of universal, inclusive educational ecosystems. Within this perspective, the crucial role of AI literacy for both teachers and learners is emphasised, highlighting the importance of developing competencies that transcend technical skills and are instead rooted in critical and ethical awareness. These aspects pose significant challenges for the integration of AI in education but, if addressed with a conscious and reflective approach, they can unlock the innovative and inclusive potential of AI, further qualify the role of the teacher, and enhance pedagogical and didactic design.