Higher education is undergoing rapid transformation, requiring faculty to consistently update their curricula to equip future educators, related service professionals, and leaders with the latest research-backed best practices. The challenge is navigating the overwhelming influx of new studies, teaching methodologies, and technological advancements.
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!
On February 12th, 2025, CIDDL hosted Community Office Hours, which offered an in-depth exploration of AI’s role in education and a comprehensive preview of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) 2025. The session featured expert insights from Dr. Lisa Dieker and Laurie VanderPloeg, who shared practical strategies for integrating AI into teaching and highlighted key events at the upcoming CEC convention.
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.
On a recent episode of the CIDDL AI Community Office Hours on December 10th, 2024, Dr. Katie Tuck, an associate professor at the University of Kansas, shared her expertise in utilizing AI tools for literature reviews. The session covered innovative AI tools that simplify locating, analyzing, and synthesizing academic literature. This post synthesizes key insights from the event.
The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming education, presenting both opportunities and challenges for teachers. The new UNESCO AI Competency Framework for Teachers addresses the urgent need for educators to develop the skills necessary to integrate AI effectively and ethically into teaching. This framework helps teachers navigate AI’s ethical, technical, and pedagogical dimensions while ensuring that education remains human-centered and inclusive.
In our community chat, Let’s Talk AI and Special Education, on October 15, CIDDL focused on AI and Special Education Research. Our guest expert, Dr. Trey Vasquez, an associate professor at the University of Central Florida, introduced AI’s current state and future in education and delved into key basic research areas of AI in education and applied research topics.
In our community chat, Let’s Talk AI and Special Education, on October 15, CIDDL focused on AI and Special Education Research. Our guest expert, Dr. Trey Vasquez, an associate professor at the University of Central Florida, introduced AI’s current state and future in education and delved into key basic research areas of AI in education and applied research topics.
CIDDL’s latest recorded webinar series highlights the authors of the special issue on Artificial Intelligence of the Journal of Special Education Preparation (JOSEP). JOSEP is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to transforming research into practical applications for preparing special education teachers and leaders. The journal is published in partnership with and funded by Ball State University Libraries and the Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children. It is edited by Dr. Andrew M. Markelz, with associate editors Drs. Argue Chitiyo, Benjamin S. Ridden, Margaret (Peggy) Weiss, and Naima Bhana Lopez. This blog post highlights several articles featured in this special issue.
CIDDL’s latest recorded webinar series highlights the authors of the special issue on Artificial Intelligence of the Journal of Special Education Preparation (JOSEP). JOSEP is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to transforming research into practical applications for preparing special education teachers and leaders. The journal is published in partnership with and funded by Ball State University Libraries and the Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children. It is edited by Dr. Andrew M. Markelz, with associate editors Drs. Argue Chitiyo, Benjamin S. Ridden, Margaret (Peggy) Weiss, and Naima Bhana Lopez. This blog post highlights several articles featured in this special issue.
We, as a national center, aim to provide inspiring thoughts, topics, and narratives around the use of educational technology. Check out this post to read more about Thought Leadership within the CIDDL framework.
Why CIDDL? A Glimpse of Our Mission
Author: The CIDDL Team; info@ciddl.org The Center for Innovation, Design, and Digital Learning (CIDDL) team brings together known leaders in the areas of special education, early intervention, related services, educational …
May 13, 2021
Designing for Use of Technology and Innovation
Author: CIDDL Team; info@ciddl.org Technologies designed based on UDL The power of technology in improving student learning and engagement is contingent on its effective design and innovative use in various …
April 27, 2021
Current State of Affairs: Technology in Preparation Programs
Author: CIDDL Team; info@ciddl.org Despite innovations in digital technology and instructional design, tools to improve student engagement, and opportunities for digital learning, multiple decades of research in educator preparation and …
April 21, 2021
AI Episode 3: Implications for Thought Leaders and Policy Developers
Author: Matthew Marino; info@ciddl.org In Episode 1 and Episode 2, we briefly described Artificial Intelligence in education and discussed how an AI teaching assistant looks like. To continue the conversation, what will the …
April 19, 2021
AI Episode 2: What Does An AI Teaching Assistant Look Like?
Author: Matthew Marino; info@ciddl.org Jill Watson, an AI teaching assistant developed at Georgia Tech, turned 5 this year. Jill has been steadily improving since her 2016 rollout in Ashok Goel’s …
April 15, 2021