Empowering Families Through AI: Raising Awareness of Early Identification of Learning Difficulties
By Muhammad Farooq Shaikh, PhD Researcher in the School of Engineering.
As part of the Warwick Institute of Engagement (WIE) Events & Activities Fund, I recently had the opportunity to deliver a free online awareness webinar in Pakistan, titled "AI-Powered Early Identification of Learning Difficulties in Children."
The webinar brought together parents, teachers, students, researchers and healthcare professionals to explore how Artificial Intelligence can support the earlier identification of learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and ADHD.
Drawing on my PhD research at the University of Warwick, I introduced participants to emerging AI technologies, serious games and digital assessment tools that have the potential to support earlier intervention while complementing, rather than replacing, the expertise of teachers and clinicians.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the event was the level of engagement from attendees. The discussion generated thoughtful questions about responsible AI, ethical considerations and how these technologies could help improve educational outcomes for children.
The WIE Events & Activities Fund made this event possible by supporting both the delivery of the webinar through Zoom accessibility features and a targeted digital promotion campaign, enabling us to reach a much wider audience than would otherwise have been possible.
I am sincerely grateful to Warwick Women in Engineering for supporting this initiative. The webinar not only raised awareness of an important topic but also created opportunities for future public engagement, collaboration and knowledge exchange around AI in education and healthcare.
I hope this is the first of many future outreach activities where research can be shared beyond academia and translated into meaningful impact for families, educators and communities.
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to such an engaging discussion.