Design - CIDDL

How AI NPCs Could Transform Social Skills Training for Students with Social Communication Disorders

At its core, social interaction is about empathy, a fundamental human need. Research in special education and psychology shows that when students with autism and other disabilities feel understood and supported, they’re more engaged and open to learning. However, traditional settings may not always provide the individualized support they need to develop social skills. AI NPCs are designed to simulate compassionate, responsive dialogue, offering a safe and structured space for students to practice social cues, engage in conversations, and build confidence in interacting with others.

four indiviudals looking at a laptop together

Prompt Engineering 101: Unlocking Your Ability for Smarter Lesson Planning

In today’s ever-evolving digital landscape, technological skill sets are more important than ever, especially those related to artificial intelligence. A commonly overlooked aspect of AI use is prompt engineering. This skill can transform how you interact with AI tools, making the process of lesson planning, content creation, and even assessment design more efficient and innovative.

Individuals sitting around working on laptops

Tools to Help You Find and Evaluate AI

New AI technologies that promise to transform teaching and learning are being introduced almost daily. However, AI tools vary significantly in quality and effectiveness. Identifying the right one for specific needs and contexts can be time-consuming. As a result, numerous organizations have introduced resources to help educators and other decision-makers manage the overwhelming number of AI tools. This blog post will highlight the efforts of EdTech Insider and AI for Education to support efforts to effectively integrate AI into teaching and learning.

CIDDL is Going to Baltimore to Talk about AI!

CIDDL is preparing to head to the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)’s Annual Convention in Baltimore from March 12th to 15th. This convention provides special education personnel (e.g., teachers, administrators, and related service providers) professional development through interactive sessions grounded in application to students with disabilities. It is a fantastic event that brings together special education professionals to “learn, share, grow, and connect.” This year, CEC highlights “AI & Education” as the program chairs strand, making artificial intelligence (AI) a central theme throughout the conference. The CIDDL team is bringing research and practice with technology and innovation to the conference through demonstrations in the Tech Playground, sessions focusing on technology integration and AI, and keynotes by CIDDL PIs, Dr. James Basham, and Dr. Trey Vasquez. Be sure to check out these sessions to explore how AI is shaping the future of special education and join the conversation on AI in education. Below, we will share the various sessions hosted by the CIDDL team. RSVP to them through our community and on the convention’s Whova app!

ChatGPT generated cartoon image of a classroom

Planning Together: A Playbook for Student Personal Device Policies

The widespread use of Personal Electronic Devices (e.g., smartphones, smart watches, handheld games) and their related social media (e.g., Instagram, X, TikTok) in schools has sparked significant debate due to their dual role as tools for learning and sources of distraction. Several research studies highlight the negative impacts of unregulated personal electronic device use on students’ concentration, mental health, and academic performance. This concern prompts schools to explore policies that balance access with focus. The U.S. Department of Education’s “Planning Together: A Playbook for Student Personal Device Policies” offers a structured, research-informed approach to designing equitable and collaborative policies. Centered on co-design with students, educators, and parents, the Playbook provides a four-step framework to build inclusive teams, set clear goals, understand device usage, and iteratively refine policies based on data.

man in grey shirt using grey laptop computer

Canva vs. Venngage: Choosing the Right Tool for Your Design Needs

Understanding accessibility standards is essential for anyone involved in document creation. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) offer a framework to make web content accessible to individuals with disabilities. These guidelines address various elements, including the need for text alternatives, adaptable layouts, and navigable structures.
Recent interpretations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) have extended its reach to digital content, requiring educational institutions and businesses to ensure their documents are accessible. This shift underscores the necessity of adhering to accessibility standards across all forms of communication, including PDFs and online materials.

Unlocking Potential: A Collaborative Roadmap to Technology Integration in Special Education

In the webinar on December 7th, Unlocking Potential: A Collaborative Roadmap to Technology Integration in Special Education, panelists from five institutions of CIDDL Tech Alliance gathered to discuss the progress of their TIP. The panelists consist of faculties at California State University, Chico, Indiana State University, University of Central Missouri, University of Hawaii at Manoa, and University of Maine, Orono. Each school discussed the overview of their institution and special education program, goals and rationale, and the action plan.

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Re-designing and Aligning an Intro to Special Education Class to the UDL Framework through Technology Integration: Minimizing Threats and Distractions

Minimizing threats and distractions falls within the UDL guidelines for engagement. Afterall, how can teacher educators expect their pre-service teachers to engage in lessons if they do not feel safe within the classroom? This checkpoint focuses on meeting the basic needs of learners.

CIDDL Talks How AI Will Change Special Education at TED

This past week, the CIDDL team joined teacher educators throughout the country at the Council for Exceptional Children’s Teacher Education Division’s conference in Long Beach, California. The topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI), its impact on policy, teacher education, special education, university students and courses, and our everyday lives was a common theme throughout presentations, keynotes, and conversations.

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K-12 Generative AI Readiness Checklist

Leading educational policy and professional organizations are continuing to develop and publish guides to the use of Gen AI in K-12 settings and beyond.

Category: Design