A Review of CIDDL’s Presentations at TED
Authors: Samantha Goldman; info@ciddl.org
CIDDL recently participated in the TED Conference from November 5-8, 2024. This event convened educators, researchers, and thought leaders to discuss advancements in teacher education and innovative practices. Our team, including Dr. James Basham, Dr. Sean Smith, Dr. Matt Marino, Dr. Trey Vasquez, Dr. Angelica Fulchini Scruggs, Dr. Kait Brennan, and Samantha Goldman, contributed to the dialogue on the integration of artificial intelligence in special education, sharing research and strategies aimed at enhancing learning outcomes for all students. The conference provided a valuable collaboration and knowledge exchange platform, reinforcing our commitment to fostering educational environments for all learners.
We look forward to sharing further insights and reflections from this significant gathering.
Pre-Conference - Embracing Artificial Intelligence in Educator Preparation and Professional Development: A Path to Excellence:
In this session, the CIDDL team, including Dr. James Basham, Dr. Angelica Fulchini Scruggs, Dr. Kaitlyn Brennan, and Samantha Goldman, explored the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and its transformative potential in education, particularly for supporting students with disabilities. We discussed how AI can enhance personalized learning experiences and provide tailored resources, thereby making education more accessible to all learners. Additionally, we delved into the future of education, considering how emerging technologies will shape teaching and learning environments. To reinforce our understanding, we engaged in a hands-on activity highlighting the significance of crafting effective prompts and demonstrating how precise communication can optimize AI interactions and outcomes.
Inclusion through Innovation: AI-Driven Tools that Foster Inclusion
In this session, Dr. Sean Smith and Samantha Goldman provided a comprehensive overview of artificial intelligence and its potential to enhance inclusion in educational settings. We discussed various ways AI can be leveraged to support students with disabilities, emphasizing its role in creating learning environments for all learners. By aligning AI initiatives with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, we explored how technology can foster practices that cater to all learning needs.
CIDDL Tech Alliance: Preparing Special Education for Innovation
This session, led by CIDDL’s Dr. Sean Smith, Dr. Matt Marino, and Samantha Goldman, our panelists, Dr. Caitlin Criss from Georgia Southern University, Dr. Sarah Howorth from the University of Maine, Dr. Alisa Lowrey from the University of Southern Mississippi, and Dr. Tal Slemrod from California State University, Chico—shared valuable insights from their respective universities and departments. Their diverse perspectives enriched the discussion, highlighting innovative practices and collaborative efforts in the field. They discussed baseline data, challenges faced in integrating technology, and their goals for enhancing support for students with disabilities. Each panelist highlighted the unique implications for future work within their institutions, emphasizing the collaborative efforts to develop Technology Integration Plans (TIPs). This initiative showcased the diverse needs and strategies of participating universities. It fostered a rich dialogue on best practices and innovative approaches to improve technology adoption in special educator preparation programs.
Artificial Intelligence: The Impact of AI on Education for All Learners
In this session, Drs. James Basham, Kait Brennan, Angelica Fulchini Scruggs, and Trey Vasquez explored the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in education, particularly for students with disabilities. They discussed how AI can enhance teaching practices and learning experiences, emphasizing the need for approaches that address all learning needs. The presenters highlighted the importance of integrating AI into educational frameworks, ensuring all learners benefit from technological advancements. By fostering collaboration among educators, parents, and industry, the session aimed to promote equitable access to AI resources, ultimately enhancing educational outcomes for all students.
Why Preparing Teachers to Teach Online Matters
This presentation highlighted the urgent need for effective training in these environments. CIDDL’s Samantha Goldman and Dr. Sean Smith highlighted the critical need for integrating online and hybrid pedagogical skills into teacher preparation programs, emphasizing that many educators lack the training to teach in these environments effectively. Participants gained insights into the current research on teacher preparation, learned key reasons for the necessity of this training, and explored guidelines for incorporating online pedagogy into existing curricula. Our discussion underscored the importance of developing comprehensive professional development programs and adapting teacher education to meet the evolving demands of diverse student populations, particularly in light of the increasing prevalence of online and hybrid learning models.
Villain or Sidekick: AI and What It Means for Preparing Special Education Teachers to Teach Writing
Samantha Goldman and Dr. Sean Smith explored the potential of AI to enhance student writing outcomes, particularly for those with disabilities. They highlighted accessible, free AI technologies that support written expression, emphasizing the importance of integrating these tools into teacher preparation programs. By framing AI as a supportive ally rather than a replacement, educators can empower students to take charge of their writing journeys.
Aligning AI to the TPACK Framework in Special Education Teacher Preparation
Samantha Goldman and Dr. Sean Smith addressed the evolving role of artificial intelligence in education. They emphasized the necessity for pre-service teachers to understand how AI can enhance their teaching practices within the Technological Knowledge, Pedagogical Knowledge, and Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework. Participants learned to articulate the components of TPACK, brainstorm assignments that leverage AI, and compile a list of AI tools suitable for special education. The discussion highlighted the importance of preparing future educators to use AI effectively, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, can benefit from these technological advancements. By framing AI as an integral part of teacher preparation, the presentation aimed to equip educators with the skills to navigate and utilize these emerging tools in their classrooms.
AI and the Workforce
This session, facilitated by Dr. Kaitlyn Brennan, Dr. Trey Vasquez, Dr. Sean Smith, and Samantha Goldman, provided a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and its transformative potential in the education workforce, particularly for supporting students with disabilities. We explored what AI is and how it can be harnessed to create more learning environments for all learners, emphasizing the ethical considerations that must guide its implementation. Effective prompting emerged as a key strategy for educators to maximize the benefits of AI tools, enabling them to tailor learning experiences to individual student needs. Additionally, we discussed the future of education and the workforce, highlighting the important policies and guidance that ensure equitable access to AI resources. This session illuminated the practical applications of AI in special education. It sparked important conversations about preparing educators for a rapidly evolving landscape, ultimately aiming to empower all students to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Join the Conversation
Interested in learning more about these presentations and/or gaining access to the accompanying slide decks? Reach out to the CIDDL team at info@ciddl.org. CIDDL’s involvement at the TED Conference has continued the critical discussions on the role of artificial intelligence in education, especially in special education contexts. Join these conversations and share your insights at www.community.ciddl.org.