Call for Proposals: Research of AI and ICT Tools for Inclusive Education – Extended

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The UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (UNESCO IITE) and the National Engineering Research Center for E-Learning at Central China Normal University (CCNU) are collaborating on a transformative initiative aimed at addressing the global challenge of inclusive and equitable education for learners with disabilities, autism spectrum (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other special educational needs (SEN).

Project Overview

This project leverages the potential of Artificial Intelligence and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance early intervention and support students. The overarching goal is to improve access to education, promote inclusive practices, and empower educators globally, ensuring that students with special educational needs are supported in achieving their full potential.

In the framework of the project, UNESCO IITE invites proposals from individual consultants to conduct a comprehensive research study on the application of Artificial Intelligence and ICT tools in education for students with disabilities. This initiative aims to identify best practices, analyze state-of-the-art developments, and explore the integration of advanced digital tools into educational processes.

Scope of Work

Selected consultant will be expected to:

  1. Conduct desk research and collect data from diverse regions, focusing on innovations, effectiveness, and challenges in the application of AI and ICT tools for inclusive education of students with autism spectrum, ADHD and learning disabilities.
  2. Identify and document best practices and case studies, with particular emphasis on tools supporting educational process of the abovementioned groups of students.
  3. Perform a critical analysis of the collected data to determine trends, gaps, and opportunities for the effective integration of these tools into education.
  4. Provide actionable recommendations for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders.

Deliverables

In particular, the Contractor shall carry out the following tasks:

  1. Select and gather background and contact information on participants of focus group discussions, interviews, and publications authors on the best experiences. The list should consist of minimum 20 experts from at least 10 countries of different regions of the world, specialized in empowering inclusive educational practices for students with autism spectrum, ADHD and learning disabilities by ICT and AI and ready to communicate on the project. Prepare and submit the list of informants’ contacts, including positions, places of work and rationale for informant/participant selection, to UNESCO IITE by April 6, 2025. If make changes in the draft version based on the feedback provided by UNESCO IITE and CCNU, submit the finalized list mentioned above to UNESCO IITE by April 13, 2025.
  2. Conduct online consultations and interviews with the educational stakeholders from the list, indicated above, regarding the state-of-the-art and perspectives of ICT and AI tools integration into educational process to foster development of students with autism spectrum, ADHD and learning disabilities. Submit the recordings and transcribing/interpretation of the consultations and interviews to UNESCO IITE by April 27, 2025.
  3. Carry out the Collection of best practices (at least 15 cases from minimum 10 countries, each case study with a description of approximately 1–2 pages Calibri, font size 12, line spacing 1.5). The list of informants’ contacts, including positions, places of work and rationale for informant/participant selection should be used in the description paragraph of the Collection as well as sections with the found key success factors and challenges, detailed each case background, implementation process details, outcome and learning situation. The advanced examples materials should be illustrated with photos/videos (all multimedia materials must be officially authorized for educational use by UNESCO IITE).
  4. Based on the collected examples of best practices mentioned above produce the Analytical report (30 pages minimum, Calibri, font size 12, line spacing 1.5) on the application of AI and ICT tools to support education of students with autism spectrum, ADHD and learning disabilities.  The Analytical report should outline emerging trends, innovations, and anticipated challenges in integrating AI and ICT in education for students with disabilities and focusing on cutting-edge developments and future directions in the integration of digital tools in education.
    Deliver both drafts of the future publications to UNESCO IITE by July 18, 2025.
    If there are changes in the draft version based on the feedback provided by UNESCO IITE and CCNU, submit the finalized list mentioned above to UNESCO IITE by August 18, 2025.
  5. Promote the results, organizing webinars on the research findings and share best practices. In September – November 2025, on the dates agreed with UNESCO IITE and CCNU, design and arrange two online interactive webinars for educators on AI in education of students with autism spectrum, ADHD and learning disabilities with the special focus on inclusion, sustainable, and equitable learning environments. Prepare and submit for approval by UNESCO IITE the draft schedule and concept note of the webinars by August 31, 2025. Invite at least 100 participants to attend each webinar. Arrange video recording during the webinars. Provide copies of invitation letters, webinar video records, PPT presentations and other materials used during the webinars to UNESCO IITE by December 3, 2025.
  6. During the contract period, participate in the online working meetings with the UNESCO IITE – CCNU project teams and provide consultative support as written responses to their questions through the whole contract period. Prepare a final narrative report on the implemented activities and submit it to UNESCO IITE by December 3, 2025.

Eligibility

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

  • University degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in education, teacher training, social science, and related fields.
  • Proven expertise in digital technologies use for inclusive education. At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in the field of education.
  • Strong capacity for data analysis and reporting, with a commitment to delivering high-quality outputs within the agreed timelines. Demonstrated experience in conducting large-scale research studies, particularly in education. Experience in drafting high-quality, clear, concise, evidence-based documents and reports.
  • Fluency in English.
  • Capacity to remain efficient under time and resource constraints.

Submission Details

Interested applicants should submit the following:

  • A detailed proposal outlining the research approach, methodologies, and timelines.
  • Candidate’s latest CV, demonstrating relevant experience.
  • Proposed budget and justification (in USD).

Interested individuals are requested to submit their application in English via email to e.kondrashova@unesco.org no later than March 7, 2025. Email subject should be: “Application for Call for Proposals – AI and ICT for Inclusive Education”.

6 February 2025
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