{"id":78996,"date":"2023-11-01T12:39:18","date_gmt":"2023-11-01T17:39:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/casel.org\/?post_type=blogposts&#038;p=78996"},"modified":"2025-10-08T11:55:42","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T16:55:42","slug":"ai-sel-the-mental-health-crisis-how-can-we-leverage-new-tech-to-meet-the-moment-and-what-are-the-risks","status":"publish","type":"blogposts","link":"https:\/\/casel.org\/blog\/ai-sel-the-mental-health-crisis-how-can-we-leverage-new-tech-to-meet-the-moment-and-what-are-the-risks\/","title":{"rendered":"AI + SEL &#038; The Mental Health Crisis: How Can We Leverage New Tech to Meet the Moment? (and What Are the Risks?)\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"key-points\">Key Points<\/h2><a class=top href=\"#top\">Back to top<\/a>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A veteran SEL program developer offers a \u201cSWOT\u201d analysis to examine the <strong>S<\/strong>trengths, <strong>W<\/strong>eaknesses, <strong>O<\/strong>pportunities, and <strong>T<\/strong>hreats AI presents to the education field.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The potential benefits and opportunities are great, and we would be failing this next generation of kids to not consider the reality of their world. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Now\u2019s the time to lean in and think creatively about how emerging technology such as generative AI can augment and enhance the very human-centered work we do.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>The edu-sphere is buzzing about how AI will impact education, but as a veteran SEL program developer, I\u2019ve been surprised by how little we\u2019ve heard about AI and social and emotional learning (SEL). To fill this void, I decided to talk to other experts in the field and conduct a \u201cSWOT\u201d analysis to examine the <strong>S<\/strong>trengths, <strong>W<\/strong>eaknesses, <strong>O<\/strong>pportunities, and <strong>T<\/strong>hreats AI presents to our field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Here\u2019s what I found: <\/em>The potential benefits and opportunities are great, and we would be failing this next generation of kids to not consider the reality of their world. Therefore, we must confront the challenges and engage our problem-solving skills to embrace AI responsibly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now\u2019s the time to lean in and think creatively about how emerging technology such as generative AI can augment and enhance the very human-centered work we do. Here\u2019s what I learned:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>STRENGTHS<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most promising applications of generative AI tools like<a href=\"https:\/\/chat.openai.com\/\"> Chat GPT<\/a> or<a href=\"https:\/\/bard.google.com\/chat\"> Google Bard<\/a> is the potential to differentiate curriculum in highly personalized ways. For example, a teacher or counselor can plug in lesson material and ask AI to provide variations, such as adapting an activity for various developmental levels or learning differences. AI can also generate ideas to make scenario-based learning, common in SEL, more culturally relevant. With well-crafted prompts that speak to specific interests and life circumstances, AI bots can generate more relatable role-playing variations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another strength: AI can be a force multiplier in the face of staff shortages and help provide innovative solutions to existing challenges in related fields, such as mental health or English Language Learner (ELL) education. For example, AI could help make brief and early interventions widely accessible, says Jay Goyal, CEO of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alongside.care\/\">Alongside<\/a>, a Tier 1 mental health support chatbot for secondary students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While a chatbot providing therapy may feel like cognitive dissonance and will require ensuring high-quality practices are used, experimentation with chatbots in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/monitor\/2023\/07\/psychology-embracing-ai#:~:text=It%20can%20be%20used%20as,performance%20on%20%20cognitive%20%20reframing%20%20exercises\">psychology<\/a> has been underway for decades. This research reveals that, in addition to making mental health support more affordable and accessible, chatbots are often a preferred entry point to therapy for people who are skeptical or have social anxiety. Goyal says this can be especially true for teens, who are often not comfortable opening up to adults.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Perhaps most promising of all is AI\u2019s potential to break through language barriers and create safe spaces for ELL students by providing them with support in their native language. Goyal shared that Alongside currently provides support for students in 30 languages, and they expect that number to double within the coming year.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>WEAKNESSES<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Obvious concerns surrounding AI include privacy, bias, and dehumanization of the learning process. \u201cThis is very human work,\u201d says Corey Layne Crouch, a strategy consultant in the education industry. \u201cWe need really strong safeguards to ensure that AI tools being leveraged in school settings are engineered with protective factors in place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nick Woolf, Executive Director of SEL4VT and founder of<a href=\"https:\/\/insidesel.substack.com\/\"> Inside SEL<\/a> agreed, stating \u201cAI is not all-knowing, which means it can make some really big mistakes. It is really important to understand just how new some of this technology is and to recognize that AI tools are not free from biases.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>OPPORTUNITIES<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Nearly everyone I interviewed cited the many ways that AI can save teachers\u2019 time for foundational social and emotional work so important to teaching. \u201cTeachers can focus more on building individual relationships and working in groups with students instead of mass bulk instruction,\u201d says Daniel Lopez, host of the AI for Education podcast.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking that thought a step further, Woolf notes, \u201cWhile there is so much potential for AI to save educators time \u2026 by reducing effort spent on mundane, tedious tasks, I&#8217;m equally excited about potential solutions that focus on educator wellness and building adult capacity to lead, teach, and model SEL.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One thing I know for sure: when you want a fresh perspective on something, ask an artist. Luckily, my research connected me to Howard Robinson, a STEM educator and VR game designer who integrates SEL into his work and has an incredible knack for \u201cmeeting kids where they are.\u201d Robinson guides students in exploring visual generative AI tools such as<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bing.com\/search?q=Bing%20AI&amp;showconv=1&amp;form=MW00X7\"> Bing<\/a> and<a href=\"https:\/\/docs.midjourney.com\/\"> Midjourney<\/a> as catalysts for inspiration and self-expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The use of AI is inevitable for this next generation, Robinson says, and AI offers a way for students to explore their own ideas by creating visual content. For Robinson, AI does not stand for artificial intelligence, it stands for \u201cArtificial Inspiration.\u201d \u201cI try to show kids that their own ideas are more powerful than AI,\u201d he says. \u201cYou just use AI to help your ideas grow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>THREATS<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One threat that is top of mind is the lack of evidence-base supporting the use of AI to enhance SEL. The field could overcome this by developing SEL-specific AI tools trained on evidence-based practices and high-quality research. These tools can also be designed to ensure compliance with FERPA, COPPA, and other state and local privacy requirements.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, the largest threat is the culture war that has placed many education issues under the microscope. Kaitlin Tiches, research librarian at the <a href=\"https:\/\/digitalwellnesslab.org\/\">Digital Wellness Lab<\/a>, confirmed parents\u2019 concerns about whether tech-based applications will be aligned to their own values. It\u2019s critical to stay the course on measuring outcomes, and AI can play a helpful role by synthesizing and providing access to the large body of research and knowledge that proves the efficacy and universal value of SEL.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>TAKING ACTION<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I hope this analysis has provided food for thought and sparked interest in learning more. Here are a few tips for those who wish to explore how AI pertains to their own work:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Get informed: <\/strong>The resources shared below offer a starting place, including an upcoming <a href=\"https:\/\/aiforeducation.squarespace.com\/ai-sel-the-mental-health-crisis-webinar-registration\">webinar discussion<\/a> with AI for Education.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Try it out: <\/strong>Set aside some time to play with AI tools to see how they work.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Look at your own work<\/strong> and think about how it could be impacted.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Talk to students <\/strong>and get their input. What are they curious about? How much or little technology do they think would be helpful to their academic, social, and emotional needs?&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Imagine the potential that schools may unlock by empowering students to drive the conversation around using AI to support their academic, social, and emotional growth. It just may turn out to be truly transformational.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Resources to Learn More:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/aiforeducation.squarespace.com\/ai-sel-the-mental-health-crisis-webinar-registration\">AI for Education<\/a> &#8211; Register for 11\/29 Webinar on AI + SEL&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/insidesel.substack.com\/\">Inside SEL Blog<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/teachers-aied.beehiiv.com\/\">Teacher\u2019s AIed Blog<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/3wRBnRmuKGmtKzhnTql2m0\">The AI Education Podcast<\/a> (also on other podcast platforms)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.khanacademy.org\/college-careers-more\/ai-for-education\">Khan Academy AI for Ed<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/digitalwellnesslab.org\/research\/research-brief-children-and-artificial-intelligence\/\">Boston Children\u2019s Hospital &#8211; Digital Wellness Lab<\/a> (Lit review on children &amp; AI)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Special Thanks: Corey Layne Crouch, Jay Goyal, Daniel Lopez, Rachel Miller, Lewis Poche, Howard Robinson, Kaitlin Tiches, Nick Woolf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/mmtoppen\/\"><em><strong>Margot Toppen<\/strong><\/em><\/a><em> is a veteran SEL program developer who embraces innovative strategies to engage learners through the body, heart, and mind. Building from her early work using dance as a medium for character education, Margot went on to launch EduMotion\u2019s award-winning SEL Journeys product, which now finds its home in the whole-child wellness portfolio of CATCH Global Foundation.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Graphic by Howard Robinson<\/em><\/strong><em>. Howard Robinson is a self-taught professional freelance designer of web and graphics and educator who grew up in Chicago, Illinois. He has a passion for creating innovative and engaging digital experiences that inspire learning and creativity.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The views in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of CASEL.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related posts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/casel.org\/blog\/how-ai-powered-tools-can-enhance-our-human-centered-work\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How AI-Powered Tools Can Enhance Our Human-Centered Work<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/casel.org\/blog\/lets-make-schools-places-where-students-want-to-be\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Let\u2019s Make Schools Places Where Students Want to Be<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/casel.org\/blog\/from-feedback-to-action-using-student-experience-data-to-transform-learning-environments\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">From Feedback to Action: Using Student Experience Data to Transform Learning Environments<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"write-for-us\"><strong>Write for Us<\/strong><\/h2><a class=top href=\"#top\">Back to top<\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you interested in writing for CASEL\u2019s blog,&nbsp;<em>Constellations<\/em>?&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1zSZFveKA8xsmlCADpfDP8t-y9emN0qswHQh1MnfmqBI\/edit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more<\/a>&nbsp;about what we\u2019re looking for and how to pitch your idea!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key Points Back to top The edu-sphere is buzzing about how AI will impact education, but as a veteran SEL program developer, I\u2019ve been surprised by how little we\u2019ve heard about AI and social and emotional learning (SEL). To fill this void, I decided to talk to other experts in the field and conduct a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26603,"featured_media":78997,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","theme":[201],"class_list":["post-78996","blogposts","type-blogposts","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","theme-deep-dives"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blogposts\/78996","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blogposts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blogposts"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/26603"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=78996"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/78997"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=78996"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"theme","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/theme?post=78996"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}