Industries and fields worldwide are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to drive efficiency, cut costs, boost profitability, and improve outcomes. An estimated 87% of businesses are using some form of AI technology, with healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing among the fields making the greatest use.  

Education, and special education in particular, stands to benefit tremendously from AI. Accessibility, personalization, and adaptive learning capabilities make this technology ideally suited to help educators meet the needs of special education students. 

Implementing AI Into UTPB Special Education Programs  

The University of Texas Permian Basin—part of the acclaimed UT System—is integrating AI into its special education master’s degree programs, preparing student-educators to excel in what is soon to be a standard classroom tool.  

“Special education is all about personalized learning and making sure that it’s specific for [each student],” explains Dr. Kara Rosenblatt, department chair and associate professor of special education in UTPB’s College of Education. “It’s almost impossible for a teacher to do that when there are, I don’t know, 15 kids with different needs in their classroom.” 

AI Research Grant 

One of the biggest developments in the College of Education’s Department of Teaching and Learning has been the recent grant received from the University that will enable research to advance the department’s AI ambitions. 

“The guy that we’re collaborating on with this grant, Curtis Rogers, works in our technology department on campus,” Rosenblatt said. “He’s been creating simulations that we’ve been using for a different grant that we have. So that’s kind of how we got the idea to do this research.” 

The research examines how AI simulations can enhance special education teachers’ and graduate students’ knowledge of evidence-based practices. Using an exploratory case study, participants engage in classroom simulations, compare their strategies with AI-generated feedback, and provide insights through interviews on decision-making, AI’s practicality, and effectiveness. 

“We’re doing this with our current students. We will also do collaborations with the STEM Academy that’s on campus, where we’re currently doing a teacher pathway program. So we want to see how they use AI there.” 

Rosenblatt described this project as “exploratory,” as it will enable students to identify useful AI tools and use them properly. “For this grant specifically, it’ll be ChatGPT, because you can create simulations.” 

Current Curriculum 

“There’s a class, EDSP 6339, which is the Foundations of Special Education class that shows students how to use AI tools effectively, purposefully, and correctly with their students,” Rosenblatt said. “So AI’s in the coursework—the practical application of the coursework is using AI tools.” 

This core course, an integral part of all UTPB’s online special education master’s programs, is currently taught by Dr. Haidee Jackson, assistant professor of special education and special education program co-coordinator. Dr. Jackson has given presentations on AI internationally, in locations including South Korea. 

Canva 

UTPB’s special education students are using the design platform Canva’s AI tools to engage their own students. Canva allows educators to customize, adapt, and personalize content for use in the classroom. The application’s text-to-image capabilities empower them to quickly illustrate even complex and abstract concepts simply by typing in a few words.  

Degrees Designed for Aspiring Special Education Teachers  

Prepare for what’s ahead in your career and the special education field in The University of Texas Permian Basin’s CAEP-accredited online master’s degree programs.  

Delivered in a flexible online learning format, our programs enable you to complete coursework on a flexible schedule from virtually any location as you continue to meet your professional and personal commitments. 

Start any of these UTPB programs with no GRE requirement: 

Online Master of Arts in Special Education 

UTPB’s MA in special education equips you to create inclusive classrooms, address resource limitations, foster diversity, and meet individual student needs. 

  • Graduate in as little as one year. 
  • Receive an annual TEACH Grant of up to $4,000 toward this master’s degree. (Eligibility requirements apply.) 

Online Master of Arts in Special Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders track 

Our MA in special education with a specialized track in autism spectrum disorders explores physical and cognitive development across the lifespan, emphasizing technology, innovation, and inclusion in modern special education. 

  • Graduate in as little as one year. 
  • Receive an annual TEACH Grant of up to $4,000 toward this master’s degree. (Eligibility requirements apply.) 

Online Master of Arts in Special Education, Educational Diagnostician track 

The MA in special education’s educational diagnostician track trains you to evaluate and address students’ unique learning needs using advanced assessment methods and innovative technologies in special education. 

  • Graduate in as little as two years. 
  • Receive an annual TEACH Grant of up to $4,000 toward this master’s degree. (Eligibility requirements apply.) 
  • Qualify for Texas Educational Diagnostician Certification. 

By this time next year, you could be finishing your special education master’s degree, preparing for graduation and the next step in your career! Get started now. 

Sources: 
https://www.dice.com/career-advice/5-industries-benefiting-from-the-a.i.-boom