AI in Com Sci: A Book Study Discussion

Dates: Monday, 1/19/26 and Monday, 2/16/26
Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m.  Format: Virtual via Zoom

This event is open to all 2026 WSHA Convention attendees for no charge.  Please make plans to join us as we discuss Dr. Tony Frontier's book " AI with Intention: Principles and Action Steps for Teachers and School Leaders."

Artificial intelligence (AI) applications for audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who work in higher education, medical, and school-based settings include AI-assisted training, research, screening, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and administrative tasks.  The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) emphasizes that, “AI cannot replace…but could innovate personal and client-centered care when carefully considered.” Benway and Preston’s (2025) proposed framework, the Critical Appraisal Rubric for Ethical and Equitable Clinical Artificial Intelligence (CARE-AI), and Dr. Tony Frontier’s book AI with Intention: Principles and Action Steps for Teachers and School Leaders provide guidance for this careful consideration. Dr. Frontier will be the keynote speaker at the Wisconsin Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (WSHA) 2026 Annual Convention on Thursday, February 5.

Purpose and objectives: The purpose of this virtual book study will be to (a) discuss select chapters from AI with Intention (pre-reading optional), (b) review related articles and ASHA resources and guidance on AI in communication sciences and disorders, and (c) explore and share AI applications for a range of purposes and contexts. The following learning objectives will be addressed over the course of two, 1-hour sessions via Zoom:

Session 1 (Focus on Chapters 1 and 4):

• Differentiate AI and non-AI tools 
• Discuss misconceptions about AI 
• Describe trends in AI development and use 
• Identify opportunities, limitations, and ethics and equity-related challenges of AI 

Session 2 (Focus on Chapter 7)

• Apply pedagogical knowledge and technological skills to AI decision-making and use
• Develop a proposed framework for evaluating clinical AI tools 
• Discuss purposeful, effective, and culturally and linguistically responsive AI prompts
• Share and generate AI resources 

Note: Articles will be accessible via a shared Google Drive folder and will address AI in communication sciences and disorders. The moderator will reference them in relationship to key concepts in the book and potential applications to our field. Participants will not have to purchase or read the book or articles to engage in the discussion. 

Moderator:
Patricia (Patty) Becker, PhD, CCC-SLP
Associate Professor
Viterbo University

Disclosures:
Financial – Dr. Becker is employed by Viterbo University and receives a salary.
Non-financial – She is a member of the WSHA Board of Directors.

Continuing Education
CEUs will be available.