The UK’s science and technology secretary, Peter Kyle, is pushing for AI to boost opportunities for dyslexic children. Kyle, who is dyslexic himself, says current human resources aren’t enough to support kids with the condition.
Kyle highlights AI’s potential to tailor learning to each child’s unique needs. He’s seen firsthand how GPTs and other AI tools help him work and learn. The minister says AI could become an “incredible tutor” if deployed wisely.
“AI gets to know you. AI gets to know how you ask questions and how you think. It fits in around your own individual learning characteristics. AI is an incredible tutor, so there is no question that AI deployed wisely and safely, not just in education but in a young person’s life, can have an incredible levelling-up opportunity.”
But Kyle stops short of allowing AI during exams, where dyslexic students still lag behind. The gap is wide: 52% of kids without special needs earned a grade 5 or above in English and maths last year, compared to just 22% of those with learning difficulties.
The Dyslexia Association’s CEO, Kay Carter, backs AI as a tool to level the playing field. She urges that AI is a supplement, not a replacement, to good teaching.
Jamie Oliver, also dyslexic, launched a campaign alongside Kyle calling for earlier dyslexia screening and better teacher training.
Kyle also addressed the ongoing UK government fight over AI and copyright during London Tech Week. After a public spat with Elton John, Kyle refuses to back down and plans to form working groups once the data bill passes.
“I will set up working groups the very second the data bill is through parliament so I can begin the rapid process towards legislation.”
The government plans a new AI bill to tackle safety and copyright issues, aiming for a sharper legal framework soon.
Read more on Jamie Oliver’s dyslexia campaign and the copyright row here.
