ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AS A PEDAGOGICAL SUPPORT TOOL FOR STUDENTS WITH COGNITIVE BARRIERS: A LITERATURE REVIEW OF PEDAGOGICAL APPLICATIONS AND OUTCOMES (2021–2026)

Authors

  • Jhovan Esneider Lemos Moreno
  • Luis Carlos Quinto Rojas

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56219/trascendere.v1i7.5377

Keywords:

artificial intelligence, inclusive education, cognitive barriers, pedagogical support

Abstract

This article analyzes the scientific literature published between 2021 and 2026 on the use of artificial intelligence as a pedagogical support tool for students with cognitive barriers, with emphasis on its educational applications and the outcomes reported across different learning contexts. A qualitative bibliographic review was carried out to identify trends, contributions, field of action, and barriers when incorporating smart technology into the inclusive education process. The results indicate that the application of artificial intelligence facilitates early identification of learning difficulties, individualisation of content, adaptation of teaching strategies, and increases access through use of adaptive systems, machine learning, assistive technologies and multisensory resources. Moreover, the studies reviewed suggest that the effectiveness of artificial intelligence is linked to the coordination of pedagogical, ethical and institutional criteria, as well as adequate training for teachers and technological conditions for implementation. Limitations include; Access and technological gaps, insufficient longitudinal evaluation, and need for clear regulatory frameworks. As a whole, the studies reviewed indicate that the use of these types of tools provides more opportunities for participation and retention in school; however, their actual effect is contingent on the educational context, human support, and ongoing inclusive policy. Artificial intelligence is therefore understood as a pedagogical mediation with strong potential to strengthen inclusive education when its use is guided by principles of equity, relevance, and attention to cognitive diversity.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Jhovan Esneider Lemos Moreno

Institución Educativa

Donmatías, Antioquia,

Colombia

Luis Carlos Quinto Rojas

Institución Educativa

Luis Carlos Galán Sarmiento,

Antioquia,

Colombia

References

Alcívar, Y. A. (2025). Estrategias de desarrollo socioemocional y digital en docentes. Una educación inclusiva. 593. Digital Publisher CEIT, 10(5), 885–899. https://doi.org/10.33386/593dp.2025.5.3570 DOI: https://doi.org/10.33386/593dp.2025.5.3570

Almarzouq, N. S., Almedlij, M. A., y Alshahrani, H. (2025). Special education teachers’ perspectives on the use of artificial intelligence applications in teaching students with disabilities. Educational Process: International Journal, 17, 2025407. https://doi.org/10.22521/edupij.2025.17.407 DOI: https://doi.org/10.22521/edupij.2025.17.407

Alsolami, A. S. (2025). The effectiveness of using artificial intelligence in improving academic skills of school-aged students with mild intellectual disabilities in Saudi Arabia. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 156, 104884. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104884 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104884

Bressane, A., Zwirn, D., Essiptchouk, A., Saraiva, A. C. V., Carvalho, F. L. de C., Formiga, J. K. S., Medeiros, L. C. de C., y Negri, R. G. (2024). Understanding the role of study strategies and learning disabilities on student academic performance to enhance educational approaches: A proposal using artificial intelligence. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 6, 100196. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2023.100196 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2023.100196

Fan, J., Zeng, J., y Li, H. (2026). Effects of conversational AI-enhanced peer-mediated intervention by peers with intellectual disabilities on conversational skills in children with ASD. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 170, 105249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2026.105249 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2026.105249

Goldman, S. R., Smith, S. J., y Carreon, A. (2025). Special education teachers’ use of AI to support students with disabilities in writing. Frontiers in Education, 10, 1710974. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1710974 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1710974

Han, F., Deng, M., Yan, T., y Wang, H. (2026). AI-based educational interventions for enhancing cognitive learning processes in students with disabilities: A meta-analysis. Learning and Individual Differences, 127, 102876. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2026.102876 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2026.102876

Hong, H. W., y Kim, Y. K. (2024). Applying artificial intelligence in career education for students with intellectual disabilities: The effects on career self-efficacy and learning flow. Education and Information Technologies, 29(18), 25237–25256. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12809-6 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12809-6

Hussein, E., Hussein, M., y Al-Hendawi, M. (2025). Investigation into the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in special education: A literature review. Social Sciences, 14(5), 288. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14050288 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14050288

Javed, S., Muniandy, M., Lee, C. K., Heng, L. E., y Husni, H. (2025). Enhancing neurodevelopment in children with dyslexia through haptic feedback: The HapticLearn 1.0 framework. Computers in Human Behavior Reports, 20, 100862. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2025.100862 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2025.100862

Kooli, C., y Chakraoui, R. (2025). AI-driven assistive technologies in inclusive education: Benefits, challenges, and policy recommendations. Sustainable Futures, 10, 101042. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2025.101042 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2025.101042

Levkovich, I., Rabin, E., Farraj, R. H., y Elyoseph, Z. (2025). Attributional patterns toward students with and without learning disabilities: Artificial intelligence models vs. trainee teachers. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 160, 104970. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2025.104970 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2025.104970

Macias Leon, H. A. (2025). Estrategias de enseñanza basadas en inteligencia artificial para lograr un aprendizaje personalizado, inclusivo y centrado en las necesidades individuales de cada estudiante. Revista Internacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Global, 4(3), 81–93. https://doi.org/10.64041/riidg.v4i3.50 DOI: https://doi.org/10.64041/riidg.v4i3.50

Morgan, H. (2022). Conducting a Qualitative Document Analysis. The Qualitative Report, 27(1), 64–77. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2022.5044 DOI: https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2022.5044

Obrovská, J., Svojanovský, P., & Sharma, U. (2025). Teachers’ inclusive core practices and all students’ perspectives. Teaching and Teacher Education, 165, 105120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2025.105120 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2025.105120

Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., et al. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71

Pang, F., y Datu, J. A. D. (2025). Can digital assistive technology interventions foster well-being among students with disabilities? A meta-analytic review. Educational Research Review, 49, 100729. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2025.100729 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2025.100729

Patel, H., Sheth, V., y Shah, M. (2025). An early detection of learning disabilities using machine learning: A comparative study of models, datasets, and diagnostic strategies. Intelligent Hospital, 1(2), 100022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inhs.2025.100022 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inhs.2025.100022

Pittas, E., y Nussbaumer, D. (2025). A systematic review of the effects of AI on the educational performance of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Journal of Enabling Technologies, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1108/JET-03-2025-0020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JET-03-2025-0020

Polydoros, G., Antoniou, A. S., y Polydoros, C. (2026). Educación matemática inclusiva mediada por IA para estudiantes con dificultades de aprendizaje: reducción de la ansiedad matemática en ecosistemas de aprendizaje digitales y de ciudades inteligentes. Encyclopedia, 6(2), Article 39. https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia6020039 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia6020039

Puspita Dewi, E. M., Razak, A., y Tetteng, B. (2026). Virtual solutions for diversity: The emerging role of assistive technology in inclusive higher education. Quality Education for All, 3(1), 53–70. https://doi.org/10.1108/QEA-07-2025-0069 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/QEA-07-2025-0069

Quinaluisa-Narváez, K. B., y Estévez-Marín, C. E. (2025). Impacto de la inteligencia artificial en la educación para necesidades especiales. Revista de Investigación Científica Asiática, 15(4), 927–940. https://doi.org/10.55493/5003.v15i4.5779 DOI: https://doi.org/10.55493/5003.v15i4.5779

Rice, M. F., y Dunn, S. (2023). The use of artificial intelligence with students with identified disabilities: A systematic review with critique. Computers in the Schools, 40(4), 370–390. https://doi.org/10.1080/07380569.2023.2244935 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/07380569.2023.2244935

Ronksley-Pavia, M., Nguyen, L., Wheeley, E., Rose, J., Neumann, M. M., Bigum, C., y Neumann, D. L. (2025). A scoping literature review of generative artificial intelligence for supporting neurodivergent school students. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 9, 100437. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2025.100437 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2025.100437

Wood, L. M., Sebar, B., & Vecchio, N. (2020). Application of Rigour and Credibility in Qualitative Document Analysis: Lessons Learnt from a Case Study. The Qualitative Report, 25(2), 456–470. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2020.4240 DOI: https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2020.4240

Yang, X., y Li, J. (2026). Application of deep learning in the innovation of personalized entrepreneurship education model in colleges and universities. Discover Artificial Intelligence, 6, 107. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44163-025-00777-w DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44163-025-00777-w

Yang, Y., Chen, L., He, W., Sun, D., y Salas-Pilco, S. Z. (2024). Artificial intelligence for enhancing special education for K-12: A decade of trends, themes, and global insights (2013–2023). International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 35(3), 1129–1177. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40593-024-00422-0 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40593-024-00422-0

Zraydi, F., Opoku, M. P., Guirguis, B. M., Ndijuye, L. G., y Gyimah, E. M. (2026). Towards promoting innovation in inclusive education: Behavioural intention of teachers towards adopting AI to teach students with learning disabilities in the UAE. Smart Learning Environments, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-026-00430-8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-026-00430-8

Published

2026-05-16

How to Cite

Jhovan Esneider Lemos Moreno, & Luis Carlos Quinto Rojas. (2026). ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AS A PEDAGOGICAL SUPPORT TOOL FOR STUDENTS WITH COGNITIVE BARRIERS: A LITERATURE REVIEW OF PEDAGOGICAL APPLICATIONS AND OUTCOMES (2021–2026). TRASCENDERE, 1(7). https://doi.org/10.56219/trascendere.v1i7.5377

Issue

Section

Revisión Bibliográfica