More Than Personalization: How to Build AI Experiences That Empower Students
May 14, 2026
Developers are experimenting with the power of AI to personalize instruction at lightning speed, but are today's GenAI tools actually delivering on that promise? In our next free webinar we’ll be joined by Lindsay Jones and Michelle Soriano from CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology) to explore what it would take for AI to activate the full potential of Universal Design for Learning — and what educators can do right now to bridge the gap.
Most tools today simply embed multiple means of representing content — video, text, audio. Very few products prompt students to reflect on their learning choices, set their own learning goals, or evaluate their learning as they progress through a task.
These are the steps that ignite metacognition — helping learners think critically about how they learn best so they can adapt throughout their lifetime. The goal of UDL isn't just providing options. It's developing learner agency that is purposeful and reflective, resourceful and authentic, strategic and action-oriented.
Key topics will include:
What UDL actually means and why most AI tools are only scratching the surface
The missing piece: learner agency and how to support students in reflecting on, directing, and owning their learning
Metacognition in practice and what UDL-aligned AI could and should look like in the classroom
What educators can do now to apply UDL principles even when the tools don't
Can’t make the time? A recording + resources will be emailed to all registrants.
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Amanda Bickerstaff
Amanda is the Founder and CEO of AI for Education. A former high school science teacher and EdTech executive with over 20 years of experience in the education sector, she has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that AI can offer. She is a frequent consultant, speaker, and writer on the topic of AI in education, leading workshops and professional learning across both K12 and Higher Ed. Amanda is committed to helping schools and teachers maximize their potential through the ethical and equitable adoption of AI.
Lindsay E. Jones is the Chief Executive Officer of CAST, where she works with innovative educators and researchers across the globe to design education systems that are learner-centered, flexible, accessible, and rooted in Universal Design for Learning.
Lindsay previously served as the President and CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities, a nonprofit advocacy organization that promotes innovation, research, and youth voice to improve the lives of those with learning disabilities and attention issues. She also served as the senior director for policy and advocacy at the Council for Exceptional Children where she led federal legislative advocacy and worked with dedicated educators from across the country.
Lindsay began her career as an attorney, advising and representing schools and parents in special education matters. She was a partner with the law firm of Gust Rosenfeld in Phoenix, AZ, and is admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the State Bar of Arizona.
Lindsay is a sought-after education and disability policy expert. She currently sits on the National Advisory Committee of the Science of Learning and Development Alliance and the Board of KnowledgeWorks.
Throughout her career, Lindsay has served on several education-related boards including the Arizona Education Foundation, the Committee for Education Funding, IDEA Full Funding Coalition, Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Education Taskforce, University of Arizona Law College Association, and Council of School Attorneys, National School Boards Association.
Michelle Soriano is a Professional Learning and Implementation Specialist at CAST. She partners with educators, organizations, and vendors to support the design of accessible learning environments, curriculum, products, and platforms aligned with accessibility standards and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) best practices.