Technology Training’s Influence on Special Education Teachers’ AI Use

Special education teacher preparation programs have a significant influence on pre-service teachers’ technology integration. This study examined the connection between prior technology coursework and current perceptions of AI use among 420 special education teachers, most of whom completed their professional preparation before the rise of generative AI. Findings preliminarily show a statistically significant, positive, weak-to-moderate correlation between technology preparation and AI use. This suggests that early exposure to technology in training programs may lay the foundation for adapting to emerging technologies such as AI.