Accessibility in the Natural Sciences: How ChatGPT Serves as a Language Equalizer

published: 2025/11/21
contact: UNO Division of Innovative and Learning-Centric Initiatives (ILCI)
email: innovate@unomaha.edu

An instructor who notices is an instructor who cares.

It all started when Dr. Jodi McKay, instructor in the biology department at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, noticed one of her students struggling to grasp anatomy and physiology topics, because English was not their first language.

McKay saw a potential use for artificial intelligence as an equalizer within her classroom. Learning scientific terms in a language that is not their primary means students may have to take a lot of extra time to learn something just because of translation alone.

So her participation in the ChatGPT EDU Access began. “I see tremendous potential for AI to act as a great equalizer when used thoughtfully. This is especially true for individuals with disabilities and for people who speak English as a second language,” McKay said. “As someone who personally identifies with both of those experiences, I was eager to explore how AI could enhance my own life and support students who face similar challenges.”

AI’s Roles: Creative Partner & Decision Maker

McKay uses AI in two main ways in her work. The first: a creative partner in her teaching. She uploaded existing assignments and asked for feedback on how they could be refined or elevated. In this use case, she could take the work she had already done and get a fresh outlook to ensure her students are continually challenged in new ways.

Second, when faced with different approaches, she used her custom GPT as a decision-making tool. From generating pros and cons, providing a structure to evaluate options, identifying risks and pitfalls in her in-class activities, and so much more.

“I treat AI like a consultant,” McKay continued. “Someone I can turn to for early feedback on first drafts or the initial phases of projects. It helps me refine ideas before presenting them to students, saving time and adding depth to my teaching practice.”

The Heart (and Help) Behind It All

Watching one of her students experiment with ChatGPT in their own learning helped inspire her desire for greater accessibility in communication within her classroom. But where does one even begin? McKay partnered with the AI Learning Lab to access the enterprise version of ChatGPT, as well as learn how to implement the technology while being supported along the way.

“Knowing that I had a dedicated team I could reach out to—whether to brainstorm ideas, troubleshoot challenges, or simply talk through possibilities—was essential,” she said. “That combination of technical access and personal collaboration made it much easier for me to explore AI confidently and creatively in my work. The Lab’s support has been helpful not only in my teaching but also in my personal workflow.”

If you have an idea for AI integration but don’t know where to start, check out UNO’s ChatGPT EDU Access to learn more. But don’t just take our word for it. McKay’s advice for those starting out is simple:

“AI can be intimidating from the outside, but once you step into it with curiosity and intention, it can also be empowering. My advice: start exploring, stay reflective, and let AI be a tool that helps you unlock new possibilities.”

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.