Leadership Programs

Let's Talk AI and Special Education with Hosts Olivia Coleman and Danielle Waterfield. Topic: AI and IEP Development. Tuesday, September 30 at 3pm CT.

Using AI to Support IEP Development: Insights from CIDDL’s AI Office Hours

At CIDDL’s most recent AI Office Hours, the conversation focused on one of the most pressing questions in special education today: Can artificial intelligence (AI) meaningfully support the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)? Dr. Olivia Coleman, assistant professor at the University of Central Florida, and Danielle Waterfield, doctoral candidate at the University of Virginia, led a thoughtful discussion on both the opportunities and the risks of integrating AI into IEP practices.

Let's Talk AI and Special Education with Host James Basham. Topic: Starting to Discuss AI Literacy.

CIDDL Office Hours: Exploring AI Literacy in Education

The latest CIDDL Office Hours brought together educators, researchers, and technology developers to discuss the growing importance of AI Literacy in education. Led by Dr. James Basham, Professor at the University of Kansas and Director of CIDDL, the session explored how educators can integrate AI responsibly into classrooms and prepare students for an AI-driven future.

Technology Innovations in Rural Special Education

The brief begins with context on the background of rural special education, highlighting longstanding unequal access to services, evidence-based practices, and representation in research. Readers will learn how Dr. Hott’s work addresses these challenges by combining simple technologies with strong community partnerships to support instruction and behavioral interventions. The brief also shares how her team engages rural schools in meaningful research and coaching, and how teacher preparation programs can foster technology-enabled, relationship-driven approaches that respond to the realities and assets of rural communities.

CIDDL Office Hours: Practical AI Applications for Educators

As the new school year begins, many special educators are once again juggling a familiar set of tasks: modifying assignments, preparing guided notes, breaking down complex presentations, and supporting students through homework completion. These tasks are essential, but they are also time-consuming. What if artificial intelligence (AI) could take on much of this workload, giving teachers back valuable time to focus on evidence-based practices and specially designed instruction? During a recent CIDDL Office Hour, Dr. Sean Smith highlighted practical ways AI can support special educators. His message was clear: AI is not here to replace teachers, but to reduce the time spent on routine accommodations so educators can invest more energy in effective instruction.

office hour image with james bashams picture highlighted

CIDDL Office Hour: Welcome Back! Start the Semester with CIDDL Updates

On August 19, 2025, CIDDL hosted an Office Hours session that brought together faculty, researchers, and practitioners to discuss one of the most pressing topics in education today: how to responsibly integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into teacher preparation and special education. Led by CIDDL Co-PI Dr. James Basham, the conversation highlighted both big-picture frameworks and low-lift classroom practices, making AI integration approachable for educators at all levels.

What Does Data Tell Us About AI in K-12 Education

Generative AI is no longer a “future of education” conversation. It is already shaping lesson planning, language support, and student feedback in schools across the country. During a recent CIDDL Office Hour, evaluator Cheryl Lemke shared statewide survey data from Utah’s Digital Teaching and Learning (DTL) program. With more than 7,500 teachers, 700 school leaders, and 100 district leaders responding, the findings give us a rare, large-scale glimpse into how AI is actually being used and what still keeps educators up at night.

CIDDL Office Hours: What are you Reading, Watching, and Listening to Learn about AI?

On May 27, 2025, CIDDL hosted a summer-themed Office Hours session centered around a deceptively simple yet essential question: What are you reading, watching, and listening to Learn about AI? As AI continues to reshape education, the CIDDL community gathered to share their favorite podcasts, articles, tools, and personal habits for keeping up with the rapidly evolving field. Facilitated by Dr. James Basham, Dr. Katie Tuck, and the CIDDL team, this session offered a wide-ranging collection of resources that participants can explore throughout the summer and beyond.

End-of-Year Reflections on Using AI in the Classroom: Insights and Innovations from CIDDL Office Hours

As the academic year wraps up, educators across the country are pausing to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and how technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping teaching and learning. At the Center for Innovation, Design, and Digital Learning (CIDDL), our recent Office Hours on May 13th offered a space for teachers and teacher educators to share their experiences integrating AI into instruction. What emerged was a thoughtful, energizing conversation about authentic learning, AI collaboration, and preparing teachers for the future of education.

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Is Generative AI Reshaping How We Think? Implications for Higher-Order Executive Functions

On April 29, 2025, CIDDL hosted an Office Hours session focused on one of the most requested topics: how to create customized GPTs for educational use. Led by CIDDL Co-PIs Dr. James Basham and Dr. Matt Marino, this session went beyond demonstration. It was a space for real-time Q&A, shared experiences, and forward-thinking conversations about the future of AI in education.

CIDDL Office Hours: How to create your own GPTs

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