AI is quickly becoming part of education, but many learning tools are still designed around the idea of an “average” learner. This creates a problem for students who process information, manage attention, remember, communicate, or show understanding in different ways.

This OER explores an emerging opportunity in learning technology: neuroscience-informed AI tools designed for cognitive diversity and cognitive independence.

Many current AI tools can generate answers, explanations, summaries, hints, and study supports. However, they do not always identify why a learner is struggling or what kind of support they actually need. A student may need help with working memory, retrieval, attention, transfer, self-regulation, or communication — and each of these requires a different design response.

In this OER you will:

• explore what the research says

• investigate a learner scenario

• compare different cognitive profiles

• explore executive functions and neuroscience

• evaluate future AI ventures

• decide which opportunity deserves investment