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The past year’s headlines have been dominated by Artificial Intelligence, or AI. Whether it’s new companies, new investments, new applications, or new blunders, there is no denying that AI is making waves and will continue to shape our lives in the years to come. Many fields and industries are examining how AI can be integrated into our workflows to improve processes and outcomes. Education is a field ripe for this innovation. Let’s look at how AI is already shaping special education and what the future may look like.
But Wait, What Is AI?
The concept of AI has ancient origins, with Greek mythology’sTalos, a bronze being who guarded Crete. Ideas of “artificial men,” automata, logic machines, and more continued throughout the ages, exciting great thinkers about the possibilities of the future. In the 1940s, English computer scientist and cryptanalystAlan Turingwas among the first to investigate “machine intelligence,” with the field of “artificial intelligence research” emerging in the mid-1950s.
With millennia of background, AI’s meaning has taken many iterations. Today,IBM defines AIas “technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem solving, decision making, creativity and autonomy.” Today, we are seeing AI everywhere, in new products likeChatGPTandGoogle Gemini, or integrating into existing products and businesses, likeGrammarly,Duolingo, andAdobe. AI is already showing up in our classrooms, schools, and homes.
AI in the Classroom
AI is already in our classrooms, and its role will continue to grow as innovations hit the market. Teachers are using AI to help with lesson planning, tailor instruction to students’ skills and needs, and assist with grading.
Students are using AI in a variety of ways. Some of the software students use in class and at home are integrating AI into their platforms. Teachers are utilizing AI in their lessons, with tools likeGoogle Expeditionsfor virtual field trips orLabsterfor virtual laboratories.
Educators are also preparing their students for an AI-filled future.Dr. Danielle Kovach, a longtime classroom teacher and former CEC President, is preparing her college students by having them use AI to generate sample essays to evaluate using research-based evidence, with the goal of teaching them the power and limitations of this emerging technology. Many classroom educators are also starting to teachlessons on AI literacyand utilizing it as a tool to enhance their work, rather than a way to cheat or engage in academic dishonesty.
AI and Special Education
The potential of AI in special education is both exciting and complex. For educators who already personalize instruction, track data, and support a diverse range of learner needs, AI could become a valuable partner. The key is to use it responsibly and creatively to enhance, rather than replace, the human relationships and expertise that characterize great teaching.
AI-driven tools are already enabling teachers todifferentiate instructionmore effectively. Adaptive learning platforms can analyze a student’s performance in real time, adjusting the difficulty of content or the presentation style to better match their learning pace and preferences. For students with reading and writing disabilities, AI-driven text-to-speech and speech-to-text technologies are makingeducational materials more accessible. Additionally, AI captioning and translation tools are improving access to communication for students who are deaf or hard of hearing or who speak languages other than English.
In terms of behavioral support, AI canhelp track patternsin student engagement, attention, or emotional responses. This data can inform interventions and help educators identify when students may need additional assistance. Some AI systems are even being developed to recognize and respond to student emotions, allowing educators toadapt instruction or provide targeted encouragementin real time.
Moreover, AI has the potential toreduce teachers' administrative burden. Time-consuming tasks such as tracking IEP goals, collecting data, and completing documentation could be completed faster and more accurately with AI-assisted tools. By automating routine tasks, teachers may find they have more time and energy to focus on what matters most: explicit instruction, building relationships, and providing individualized support.
The Challenges Ahead
Despite its promise, AI in special education raises important questions.Data privacy, algorithmic bias, and accessibilitymust be front and center in any conversation about implementation. Students with disabilities deserve technologies that are designed with inclusivity and equity in mind, not as an afterthought. Educators must also be part of the decision-making process to ensure that tools reflect classroom realities and truly enhance teaching and learning.
Training and professional developmentwill be critical. Teachers need opportunities to understand how AI works, its limitations, and how to integrate it ethically and effectively. Without this preparation, there’s a risk of overreliance on technology or misuse of tools that don’t align with student needs or IEP goals.
Looking Toward the Future
The role of AI in special education is still evolving. While we can't predict all the changes it will bring, one thing is clear: the best outcomes will result from collaboration among educators, technology developers, researchers, and families. With thoughtful design, ongoing dialogue, and a commitment to equity, AI can become a valuable tool in creating more personalized, accessible, and engaging learning experiences for all students.
As we explore this new frontier, it's important that technology does not take the lead but instead serves to assist educators in their primary mission: meeting each learner where they are and helping them reach their fullest potential.
Looking to better prepare for the future? CEC offers two new events designed to help educators navigate the future of AI.
Artificial Intelligence Quick Takes
Kicks off November 20, 2025
Designed for busy educators, these bite-sized sessions—one per month for the next year—make it easy to stay ahead of the curve and use AI to support every learner’s success. From foundational AI concepts to hands-on tools and responsible implementation, you’ll gain practical insights you can apply right away.
Artificial Intelligence Strategy Summit
January 28, 2026, 11:00 AM – 4:45 PM ET
Artificial intelligence is transforming education, and special education is no exception. The AI Strategy Summit, hosted by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) in partnership with the Center for Innovation, Design, and Digital Learning (CIDDL), is your opportunity to understand what these changes mean for you. In six live, 45-minute sessions, you’ll gain practical knowledge, explore hands-on tools, and learn how to use AI strategically and responsibly in your work.
Without a strong foundation, a child’s learning development can be delayed or become immature. Just like building the foundation of a house, the neural connections in a child need a strong foundation for:
Regulating emotions Retaining facts and information Problem solving Executive function Impulse control
…and so much more! The first few years of a child’s life is when you give them as many opportunities as possible to build:
Sensory connections Motor skills Tactile exploration Emotional grounding
All of these skills lead to better learning in the classroom when the child is ready. To learn more about what a child needs to establish a strong learning foundation, click the link here:
Virtual field trips are a game changer. Not only do they fill in for real field trips when budgets and other roadblocks prevent in-person options, but virtual field trips also open doors to educational experiences all over the country and the world, both past and present. No fundraising or permission slips required!
(Note: For anyone who needs it, YouTube offers a closed-captioning option. Just click the CC button in the bottom right-hand corner.)
FREE PRINTABLE
Printable Field Trip Reflection Sheet
Grab our Field Trip Reflection Sheet to pair with your virtual field trips. We have sheets for both lower and upper grades!
Amazon Career Toursare free virtual field trips that inspire students to pursue careers of the future. Tour whenever, wherever on Kahoot! Each tour comes with a Teacher Toolkit that includes a facilitation guide and student worksheets.
Amazon Prime Video Sports: Behind the Streams: From the stadium to devices, discover how computer science and people work together to bring sports to millions of fans around the world.
Amazon Music: Careers Behind the Beats: From studio to streaming, check out how computer science and amazing professionals make listening to your favorite songs possible.
Innovations in Healthcare: Amazon Pharmacy: Explore how cutting-edge technology, robotics, computer science, and people work together to transform healthcare and send prescriptions more efficiently than ever.
Space Innovation Tour: Learn about the amazing technology on board the Orion spacecraft in NASA’s Artemis I flight test and hear from the engineers who made it all possible.
Want to take your students on a prehistoric adventure? The Walking With Dinosaurs virtual field trip from BBC Learning Hubis a free, ready-to-use resource that brings six incredible dinosaurs to life through stunning visuals and real science. Perfect for grades 3–8, it includes lesson plans, discussion questions, and activities that fit right into your science or literacy block. Just click, explore, and teach!
We found20 art museums with virtual tours, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s #MetKidsand its awesome Where’s Waldo? setup. And you can’t miss the world-famous Louvre in Paris (no passport needed!).Check out the current virtual tours:Traveling Materials and Objects, the Advent of the Artist, the Body in Movement, and Founding Myths: From Hercules to Darth Vader.
ThroughStellarium Web, kids can explore over 60,000 stars, locate planets, and watch sunrises and solar eclipses. If you enter your location, you can see all the constellations that are visible in the night sky in your corner of the world.
Nickelodeon teamed up with two astronauts on the International Space Station to demonstrate how slime reacts to microgravity and had kids reproduce those same demonstrations back here on Earth. It makes for an amazing15-minute virtual field trip.
Discovery Education hosts a variety ofvirtual events—each with a companion guide with hands-on learning activities. Current offerings include “Night Navigators: Build for Bats,” “Mission Possible: Re-powering the Future,” and the civics virtual field trip “The American Ideal.”
12. The Great Lakes
This virtual field trip fromGreat Lakes Nowhas three components: coastal wetlands, algae, and lake sturgeon. Each video is a quick 5 minutes long.
13. The Strong National Museum of Play
Exploreonline exhibitsand discover the history and evolution of play. Check out board games that changed play, sports video games that shaped digital play, and the making of Monopoly to name a few.
14. U.S. Census Bureau
Kids can learn about themost recent U.S. Censusand how census data is collected and used. This virtual field trip also features interviews with subject matter experts and an interactive challenge.
The Georgia Department of Transportation hosts this awesomevirtual field trip to explore great destinations across the state of Georgia. Check out River Street in Savannah, the Appalachian Trail, MLK Jr. Park, and much more. Students will get to select their car and explore these destinations while completing road-safety tasks.
18. Colonial Williamsburg
This living-history museum provides a look into life in an early American community. The website offersfive different webcamsfeaturing areas such as the tavern and the armory.
19. Mount Vernon
This virtual experienceof George Washington’s home is incredibly well done. Enter the different buildings—from the opulent mansion to the chilling slave quarters—and click on different items for video and text explanations.
20. Mount Rushmore
This virtual tourfeatures a real tour guide! Blaine Kortemeyer is the Assistant Chief of Interpretation and Education and lends his expertise on the building of this national monument. The3D Exploreris also an excellent tool.
21. The Manhattan Project
Take a visit tothe National WWII Museumfor “a cross-country virtual expedition to discover the science, sites, and stories of the creation of the atomic bomb.” Don’t forget to download the classroom guide!
22. The White House
For a look inside the iconic building,tour the White House in 360 degrees. Included in the tour are some of the most historic rooms of the People’s House, from the Situation Room to the Oval Office. Examine each room and check out the contents up close.
A collaboration with over 1,200 leading museums and archives,Google Arts & Cultureis an incredible storehouse of monumental works of art. We recommend the Street View and Play sections.
25. 360 Cities
Boasting the world’s largest collection of 360° image videos,360 Citiesprovides kids with the opportunity to see stunning panoramas across the globe, including their video of the ice floe on the Vistula River in Poland. Check out their roundup oftop virtual cities tours.
26. Buckingham Palace
It’s the official residence of the king of England, and boy, is it opulent!Get a peek insidethe gorgeous Grand Staircase, White Drawing Room, Throne Room, and Blue Drawing Room.
27. The Great Wall of China
See one of the wonders of the world with this amazing, thousands-year-old fortification system known the world over.This virtual tourhas four scenes available (you have to pay to get access to all 14). The bird’s-eye view of Mutianyu Pass is a highlight.
28. Easter Island
PBS.org
Most of us recognize the giant stone statues of Easter Island, but what’s the story behind them? Nova’s online adventure“Secrets of Easter Island”delves into the mystery with a virtual tour.
29. Mount Everest
Thisinteractive 3D map of Mount Everestuses the latest satellite technology to check out some of the most heavily climbed routes to reach the top of this monstrous mountain.
30. Ancient Egypt
You don’t need a time machine!Discovering Ancient Egypthas a ton of free resources, but it’s the interactive pyramid map and 3D temple reconstructions that really give it a field trip feel.
31. Back Through Time
Virtually visitTurn Back the Clock, a museum exhibit that ran for two years at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Through compelling personal stories, innovative interactive media, and pop culture artifacts, the exhibit takes guests through seven decades of history—from the dawn of the nuclear age to significant policy questions our leaders face today.
32. Mars
Access Mars
No, really! You can absolutely “go” to the red planet. WithAccess Mars, you can see the actual surface of Mars, recorded by NASA’s Curiosity rover. Trust us—don’t skip the intro. And if your kids liked that, check outthis 4K tour of the moon. These may go down in history as some of the best virtual field trips your students get to experience.
33. Battleship New Jersey
Take avirtual tourof this historical battleship located on the Camden waterfront. This battleship has traveled more miles than any other!
34. The Vatican
No need to travel to Rome! Take in the amazing art and architecture located in the Vatican Museums with these360° views.
35. Space Center Houston
Download the Space Center Houston appand climb aboard the virtual tram line! Take a virtual walk through the Space Center Houston with informational stops along the way.
Thisinteractive tour of Ellis Islandlets students explore places like the Baggage Room and the Stairs of Separation through short stories, historical photographs, videos, and audio clips. Students can also hear the stories of real kids who recently immigrated to the United States, explore colorful charts and graphs with immigration data, and watch a 30-minute movie that includes a Q&A with National Park Service Rangers who explain what coming to America was like for many immigrants.
38. Plimoth Patuxet Museums
Plimoth Patuxet
Travel back to the 17th century with options for free, on-demand, digital resources or a live, 1-hour virtual school program led by aPlimoth Patuxet Contemporary Indigenous Museumeducator. Students explore Wampanoag daily life and history; discover the real history of Thanksgiving and the legend behind it; meet a 17th-century Pilgrim; get an interactive sneak peek into 17th-century wardrobes; and learn about simple machines and water power at the Plimoth Grist Mill. There are also options for virtual hands-on history workshops, including Wampanoag Pottery and Write Like a Pilgrim.
39. Children’s Museum Houston
Children’s Museum Houston
When you can’t visit the museum in person,3D virtual field trips to the Children’s Museum Houstonare the next best thing. All videos are produced and curated by museum educators and feature hands-on activities that can be done in the classroom. Topics include nutrition, math, states of matter, forces and properties of water, and more.
40. Museum of the American Revolution
Museum of the American Revolution
Beyond the Battlefield is a virtual field trip for grades 2-8hosted by Lauren Tarshis, author of the “I Survived” historical-fiction series for kids. Students will meet a museum educator as well as the museum curator, and explore artifacts and documents from the American Revolution. Plus they’ll hear the stories of teens who served during the war. There’s also a Classroom Kit available with a vocabulary list and discussion questions by grade level.
41. Anne Frank House
Bring history to life with a very specialtour of the Secret Annexwhere Anne Frank and seven other people hid during World War II. Carefully built and modeled in 3D by Vertigo Games, see the Secret Annex furnished as it would have been when occupied by the group in hiding, between 1942 and 1944.
42. The Forbidden City
Tour China’sForbidden Citywith this 360° virtual tour of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Imperial Gardens, Meridian Gate, Pavilion of Ten Thousand Springs, and more.
43. Coral Reefs of Palau
Join marine biologist Stephanie Wear on a virtual field trip to the coral reefs of Palau. Produced byNature Lab, this video explores the amazing underwater cities found near a remote network of islands in the Pacific Ocean.
44. Great Salt Lake
Explore Utah’sGreat Salt Lake, the largest salt lake in the Western Hemisphere and a vital ecosystem to many kinds of wildlife, including more than 10 million birds. Also, download the free teachers guide for vocabulary, focus questions, activities, and more.
45. Van Gogh Museum
Take your students on a trip to Amsterdam’sVan Gogh Museum, the largest collection of artwork by Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) in the world. Get a glimpse of some of the permanent collection, which includes more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and more than 750 letters.
46. The Zoo
There are so many amazing online options when it comes to zoos that we couldn’t narrow it down to just one. Most zoos have live webcams in some of their most popular exhibits, such as theKC Zoo Polar Bear Camand theGiant Panda Cam at Smithsonian’s National Zoo. However, some zoos offer a more in-depth look. You’ll definitely want to check out theSan Diego Zooas their site for kids includes behind-the-scenes videos and stories, as well as a variety of printable activities and online games.Check out our full list of virtual zoo goodness.
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