Transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) on the teaching of students with intellectual disability, Federal College of Education (Special) Oyo

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into education has emerged as a powerful tool for transforming teaching and learning, especially in special education. This study explores the transformative power of AI in enhancing the teaching of students with intellectual disabilities at the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo. The study adopted the descriptive survey research designed and a sample of 120 respondents was purposely selected to participate in the study. A structured questionnaire validated with a reliability of 0.83 using spilt-half method was used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using the Chi-Square statistical method to test the hypotheses. Results from the study showed the use of AI tools awareness significantly transform the teaching and learning process for students with intellectual disabilities,teachers and students perceive AI tools as effective and usable in enhancing educational outcomes and there are significant challenges in implementing AI technologies for teaching students with intellectual disabilities. Based on the findings, the study recommends that Government and educational institutions should invest in robust infrastructure, including internet access and digital devices, to support AI integration, Regular workshops, training, and seminars should be organized to improve teachers’ competence in using AI tools. Adequate funding should be allocated to make AI tools affordable and accessible for special education and a blended approach combining AI tools with human interaction should be adopted to maintain the balance between technology and empathy in teaching.