Research group Research in AI, Special Education and Equity.
The research group RAISE is grounded in special education as a scientific field. Using special-educational theories, methods and values, we analyse how artificial intelligence affects, and can be designed to strengthen, accessible learning environments, digital inclusion and equitable education in early childhood education, compulsory school, upper secondary school, special needs education and higher education. Our research examines AI-based systems as social and didactic practices rather than solely as technologies. We investigate how such practices shape opportunities for participation, individualisation and student agency for children, young people and adults with diverse abilities, linguistic backgrounds and socio-economic conditions. Particular attention is given to how AI is integrated into the school system’s compensatory mission, how it influences teachers’ and school leaders’ professional capital, and how special-educational expertise can be mobilised to counteract bias, create accessible learning environments and support fair allocation of educational resources.
The group works in close national and international collaboration with universities, practice-based research networks, school authorities and special-education services. Our point of departure is a symmetrical and complementary collaboration between schools and academia. Through transdisciplinary partnerships, our research projects generate knowledge that can be applied in local school-development processes and contribute to sustainable guidelines for ethical and inclusive uses of AI. In this way, we ensure that special-educational perspectives guide the development of AI in education and that new digital tools strengthen equitable and accessible education across the life course.
