Artificial intelligence in education: perspectives of future teachers

Paper technical sheet

Official title of the study: Education and artificial intelligence: an analysis from the perspective of teachers in training

Authors: Cristina Goenechea and Concepción Valero-Franco

Affiliations: University of Cádiz, Spain

Study date: 2024

Adaptive Summary: This study examines how prospective Primary Education teachers perceive artificial intelligence ( AI ) and its impact on education. Using a quantitative approach based on questionnaires, the authors analyze the degree of knowledge about concepts related to AI , the perception of its influence on education and its relationship with the key competencies of the educational system. The results show significant differences in perception according to gender and type of previous studies, with a greater self-perception of knowledge among men and those with science training. Students are aware of the broad influence of AI in educational aspects and demand more training in this area.

Descriptors: Teacher training, artificial intelligence, citizenship, key competencies, education

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Comprehensible presentation of content

Artificial intelligence is transforming various aspects of society and education is no exception . This study focuses on understanding how future Primary Education teachers perceive and prepare to integrate AI into their pedagogical practices. The authors , Cristina Goenechea and Concepción Valero-Franco, from the University of Cádiz, carry out a detailed analysis using a questionnaire designed to evaluate knowledge and perceptions about AI among students of the Degree in Primary Education.

Impact on education: AI , affects education in three main areas: decision-making in educational systems, teaching-learning processes and updating citizenship education in a digitalized world . In decision-making, data-driven governance enables detailed and personalized analysis of educational systems, making it easier to identify problems and implement adaptive solutions. For example , in Uruguay, the educational trajectory protection system issues early warnings of possible student dropouts based on socioeconomic and academic performance indicators. This approach allows for faster and more effective intervention by educators and administrators.

In teaching-learning processes, adaptive teaching systems individualize educational strategies according to the student’s needs, increasing motivation and commitment. For example , systems can adjust the content and pace of lessons based on student progress, resulting in a more personalized and effective learning experience. Additionally , AI can identify areas where students need more support, allowing teachers to focus their efforts more precisely.

Updating citizenship education in a digitalized world is another crucial aspect. AI is redefining what it means to be an informed and competent citizen. Students need to develop digital competencies and a deep understanding of how AI influences society to become critical and responsible citizens. This study highlights that, although future teachers recognize the importance of AI in education, many of them feel that their current training does not provide them with the necessary tools to effectively integrate these technologies into their pedagogical practices.

Significance of the study

The study carried out by Goenechea and Valero-Franco is significant both for the field of education and for that of artificial intelligence . In a context where digitalization and automation are reshaping various professions, it is crucial that future teachers are well informed and prepared to integrate AI into their pedagogical practices.

Relevance to education: The research highlights the need for comprehensive AI training for future teachers, highlighting the importance of them understanding not only the technical applications, but also the ethical and social implications of these technologies. In a world where information and data play a central role, AI education can empower teachers to use these tools effectively and ethically, promoting more inclusive and adaptive education.

Impact on citizens: AI not only affects education in terms of methodology and content, but also poses new challenges for citizen education. In a digitalized environment, it is essential that students develop critical and ethical competencies to navigate and contribute positively in a data-driven society. This study provides evidence on the awareness of future teachers regarding these skills and their willingness to adapt to technological changes.

Breakdown of findings

The study by Goenechea and Valero-Franco concludes that there is significant variability in the perception and knowledge of AI among future Primary Education teachers, influenced by factors such as gender and previous academic training. The results suggest several important conclusions:

Gender differences: Men tend to perceive themselves as more knowledgeable about AI than women. This difference may reflect a gender gap in access to and familiarity with digital technologies, which is a crucial aspect to address in teacher training.

Influence of academic training: Students from high school in Sciences and Technology show a greater self-perception of knowledge about AI compared to those from Humanities and Social Sciences. This indicates the need to integrate AI content in all types of academic training, not only in scientific orientations.

Relationship with key competences: Students relate AI mainly to digital competence and mathematical competence and science, technology and engineering competence . However, there is less insight into the relationship between AI and skills such as digital citizenship , highlighting a key area for improvement in teacher training.

Need for more training: Most participants recognize the significant influence of AI in education and request more training in this area. This highlights the need to update curricula in faculties of education to include specific content on AI and its pedagogical applications.

Tools for better understanding

Key concepts

ConceptDefinition
Artificial intelligenceTechnology that simulates human intelligence processes through algorithms and machine learning.
AlgorithmA set of rules or instructions to solve a problem or perform a task.
DataficationProcess of transforming aspects of daily life into digital data.
Machine LearningBranch of AI that allows systems to learn and improve from experience.
facial recognitionTechnology for identifying and verifying people using facial characteristics.
Digital citizenshipSkills and knowledge necessary to participate effectively and ethically in the digital society.
Algorithmic biasesBiases or systematic errors in the results of an algorithm due to biased data.
Data-driven governanceDecision making and administration based on the analysis of large volumes of data.

Visual summary with emojis

📊 Artificial intelligence impacts education:

  • 🏫 Educational decision making
  • 📚 Teaching-learning processes
  • 🌍 Education for digital citizenship

📘 Quantitative study with questionnaires to education students:

  • 📈 Significant differences in perception according to gender and previous training.
  • 💡 Greater knowledge in men and science students.

📌 Conclusions :

  • ⚖️ Gender gap in perception of knowledge about AI .
  • 🎓 Need for comprehensive training in AI for future teachers.
  • 🤖 AI linked to digital and scientific skills, less to citizens.

🔧 Recommendations :

  • 📜 Update teacher training curricula.
  • 🧠 Promote critical and ethical competencies in digital education.

academic appointment TRASLATED FROM By delatorre.ai

Goenechea, Cristina & Valero Franco, C.. (2024). Education and Artificial Intelligence: An Analysis from the Perspective of Teachers in Training. REICE Ibero-American Magazine on Quality, Effectiveness and Change in Education. 22. 33-50. 10.15366/reice2024.22.2.002.

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