Exploring the Role of ChatGPT in Supporting Special Education Undergraduates in Achieving CEC Standards: Students’ Perception of the Benefits and Challenges

Abstract

As technology advances, AI like ChatGPT has become an important tool in improving education, particularly in special education, supporting fourth Sustainable Development Goal )SDG) related to quality education for all and 10th SDG to reduce disparities. This study is the first to explore the role of ChatGPT in achieving Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) standards among preservice special education teacher (SET) and the challenges they face while using it. A descriptive quantitative approach with purposive sampling was adopted, and data was collected through an online questionnaire, the study sample composed of 166 preservice SETs. The results reported that the preservice SET perceived ChatGPT as a valuable tool that helped them meet the CEC standards (m=3.39), they also face moderate challenges (m=2-7), including validity of generated data and a tendency to over-rely on the tool. These insights highlight the importance of integrating ChatGPT with special education (SE) learning and experiences and providing students with appropriate guidance and support to use this beneficial technology.