The Use of Generative AI Tools among Learning Disabilities Teachers in Public Schools in Jeddah

(An Explanatory Mixed-Methods Study)

Authors

  • Fouzan Mohammad Al-Matrafi School Management Specialist, General Administration of Education in Makkah Region, Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Muhammad bin Saad Al-Wahhabi Teacher, Jeddah Education Department, Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33193/JALHSS.133.2026.1736

Keywords:

Generative Artificial Intelligence, Learning Disabilities, Learning Disabilities Teachers, Public Schools, Mixed-Methods Approach

Abstract

This study investigated the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools among learning disabilities teachers in public schools in Jeddah. It examined teachers’ knowledge, areas of use, attitudes, ethical awareness, professional development needs, and implementation challenges. The study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected through an electronic questionnaire, followed by semi-structured interviews to explain the quantitative findings. The overall sample comprised 77 male and female teachers. The analysis of actual use was limited to 57 participants who had previously used generative AI tools, while five participants were interviewed. The findings revealed highly positive attitudes and strong awareness of the importance of responsible and safe use. However, a gap emerged between high professional acceptance and specialized practical implementation, particularly in assessment and evaluation, data management, and learning support and personalization. The interviews indicated that insufficient hands-on training, time constraints, technical difficulties, and limited technical support hindered teachers’ transition from general use to specialized pedagogical integration. The study recommended specialized practice-based training, procedural and ethical guidelines, and adequate technical and organizational support for the effective and safe integration of generative AI tools into learning disabilities practices.

References

1. Al-Ghamdi, I. A., Al-Ghamdi, S. H., & Alfarani, L. A. (2023).

2. أثر استخدام تطبيقات الذكاء الاصطناعي في تحسين الانتباه الانتقائي لدى طالبات صعوبات التعلم في المرحلة الابتدائية [The effect of using artificial intelligence applications in improving selective attention among female students with learning disabilities in the primary stage]. مجلة العلوم التربوية والنفسية، 7(43)، 64–82.

3. https://doi.org/10.26389/AJSRP.N240823

4. Almgren Bäck, G., Nordström, T., & Svensson, I. (2025).

5. Enhancing middle-school students’ textual expression: The complementary role of speech-to-text technology. Reading & Writing Quarterly, 41(2), 160–175. https://doi.org/10.1080/10573569.2024.2398447

6. Al-Otaibi, M. E. S. (2025). استخدام تطبيقات الذكاء الاصطناعي في خفض صعوبات تعلم

7. مهارات الحاسب الآلي لدى التلاميذ بطيئي التعلم بالمرحلة المتوسطة بدولة الكويت [Using artificial intelligence applications to reduce difficulties in learning computer skills among slow-learning students in intermediate school in Kuwait]. مجلة كلية التربية، 41(5)، 229–267.

8. https://doi.org/10.21608/mfes.2025.444537

9. Al-Qahtani, A. M. M. (2024). العوامل المؤثرة على استخدام تطبيقات الذكاء الاصطناعي

10. التوليدي في التعلم في ضوء النظرية الموحدة لقبول التكنولوجيا من وجهة نظر طلبة جامعة الأمير سطام بن عبدالعزيز [Factors influencing the use of generative artificial intelligence applications in learning in light of UTAUT]. مجلة كلية التربية، 40(10)، 77–130. https://doi.org/10.21608/mfes.2024.403707

11. Borgonovi, F., Bastagli, F., Ochojska, M., & Piumatti, G. (2025).

12. AI adoption in the education system. OECD Publishing. https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2025/12/ai-adoption-in-the-education-system_43251cf0/69bd0a4a-en.pdf

13. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology.

14. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

15. Cormack, A., & Moule, T. (2021). A pathway towards responsible and ethical

16. AI in education. Jisc. https://www.jisc.ac.uk/reports/a-pathway-towards-responsible-ethical-ai

17. Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2018). Designing and conducting mixed

18. methods research (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.

19. Evmenova, A. S., Borup, J., & Shin, J. K. (2024). Harnessing the power of

20. generative AI to support all learners. TechTrends, 68, 820–831. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-024-00966-x

21. Giaouri, S., & Charisi, M. (2025). Enhancing IEP design in inclusive primary

22. settings through ChatGPT: A mixed-methods study with special educators. Education Sciences, 15(8), Article 1065. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15081065

23. Harkins-Brown, A. R., Carling, L. Z., & Peloff, D. C. (2025). Artificial

24. intelligence in special education. Encyclopedia, 5(1), Article 11. https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia5010011

25. Kohnke, S., & Zaugg, T. (2025). Artificial intelligence: An untapped

26. opportunity for equity and access in STEM education. Education Sciences, 15(1), Article 68. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15010068

27. Kuerban, Y., Oyelere, S. S., & Sanusi, I. T. (2025). ReadSmart: Generative AI

28. and augmented reality solution for supporting students with dyslexia learning disabilities. International Journal of Technology in Education and Science, 9(1), 159–176. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijtes.599

29. Law, L. (2024). Application of generative artificial intelligence in language

30. teaching and learning: A scoping literature review. Computers and Education Open, 6, Article 100174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeo.2024.100174

31. Li, D., & Samah, N. A. (2025). Generative AI in inclusive classrooms:

32. Enhancing social interactions, personalised learning, and metacognitive skills. Sodobna Pedagogika/Journal of Contemporary Educational Studies, 76(2), 155–176. https://doi.org/10.63384/spB52z813a

33. National Competitiveness Center. (2024). مشروع تنظيمات الذكاء الاصطناعي في

34. التعليم الرقمي [Draft regulations for artificial intelligence in digital education]. https://istitlaa.ncc.gov.sa/ar/Education/nelc/AIRegulationProjectinDigitalLearning/Pages/default.aspx

35. National eLearning Center. (2025). كفايات استخدام الذكاء الاصطناعي في التعليم الرقمي

36. [Competencies for using artificial intelligence in digital learning]. https://nelc.gov.sa/media-center/news/nelc-launches-ai-competencies-for-digital-learning

37. Paglialunga, A., & Melogno, S. (2025). The effectiveness of artificial

38. intelligence-based interventions for students with learning disabilities: A systematic review. Brain Sciences, 15(8), Article 806. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15080806

39. Pahi, K., Hawlader, S., Hicks, E., Zaman, A., & Phan, V. (2024). Enhancing

40. active learning through collaboration between human teachers and generative AI. Computers and Education Open, 6, Article 100183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeo.2024.100183

41. Sakowicz, M., & Hamidi, F. (2025). Generative AI for inclusive education:

42. Supporting students with disabilities through Universal Design for Learning. American Journal of STEM Education: Issues and Perspectives, 15, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.32674/yeyaaq64

43. Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority. (2024). الذكاء الاصطناعي

44. التوليدي في التعليم [Generative artificial intelligence in education]. https://sdaia.gov.sa/ar/MediaCenter/KnowledgeCenter/ResearchLibrary/GenAIE.pdf

45. Sheejamol, P. T., Chacko, A. M., & Kumar, S. D. M. (2025). Beyond the one

46. -size-fits-all: A systematic review of personalized and gamified e-learning for neurodivergent learners. The Electronic Journal of e-Learning, 23(3), 114–133. https://doi.org/10.34190/ejel.23.3.4051

47. Shen, L., Kane-Cabello, J., Candelaria, P. Y., Stratford, D., & Clemens, N. H.

48. (2025). Can artificial intelligence tools generate text that is useful for reading practice? Learning Disabilities Research & Practice, 40(4), 191–204. https://doi.org/10.1177/09388982251352564

49. UNESCO. (2024). إرشادات استخدام الذكاء الاصطناعي التوليدي في التعليم والبحث

50. [Guidance for generative AI in education and research]. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000389351

51. Waqad, H. A. I., Al-Dosari, M. F., & Al-Dosari, H. F. (2024). درجة توظيف

52. تطبيقات الذكاء الاصطناعي التوليدي في مهارات التدريس من وجهة نظر طالبات كلية التربية بجامعة أم القرى [The extent of using generative artificial intelligence applications in teaching skills from the perspectives of College of Education students at Umm Al-Qura University]. المجلة العربية للنشر العلمي، 71، 229–260. https://doi.org/10.36571/ajsp7110

Published

2026-10-26

How to Cite

Fouzan Mohammad Al-Matrafi, & Muhammad bin Saad Al-Wahhabi. (2026). The Use of Generative AI Tools among Learning Disabilities Teachers in Public Schools in Jeddah : (An Explanatory Mixed-Methods Study). Journal of Arts, Literature, Humanities and Social Sciences, (133), 106–129. https://doi.org/10.33193/JALHSS.133.2026.1736

Issue

Section

المقالات