Generative AI as a Learning Buddy and Teaching Assistant: Pre-service Teachers' Uses and Attitudes
Project Overview
The document explores the role of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in teacher education, particularly examining pre-service teachers' (PSTs) experiences and attitudes toward its application as a learning companion and teaching assistant. It reveals that PSTs generally hold a positive view of GenAI, appreciating its ability to enhance their understanding of content and provide valuable teaching resources. Nonetheless, there are significant concerns regarding the accuracy and reliability of the information generated by GenAI, which raises questions about its trustworthiness in educational contexts. The findings emphasize the necessity for targeted strategies to effectively incorporate GenAI into teacher education programs while addressing challenges such as insufficient training and ethical implications. Overall, the document underscores the potential benefits of GenAI in education while cautioning against its limitations, advocating for a balanced approach to its implementation in teaching and learning environments.
Key Applications
GenAI as a Learning and Teaching Assistant
Context: Pre-service teacher education programs, where PSTs use GenAI for accessing educational resources, developing lesson plans and assessments, and reflecting on their teaching practices.
Implementation: PSTs utilize GenAI to access reading materials, explanations of concepts, practical examples, develop assessment strategies, lesson objectives, and lesson plans while conducting reflections on their learning.
Outcomes: Enhanced understanding of complex theories, improved lesson planning and assessment methods, access to diverse educational resources, and development of reflective practices.
Challenges: Concerns about the accuracy and trustworthiness of GenAI information, and the need for clear guidelines and policies to support responsible use of GenAI.
Implementation Barriers
Training and Skills
Lack of training in GenAI integration and skills to handle ethical and algorithmic biases. Additionally, there is skepticism regarding the accuracy and reliability of information provided by GenAI applications.
Proposed Solutions: Implement targeted training programs to enhance PSTs' skills in using GenAI responsibly and develop strategies to verify and validate the content generated by GenAI.
Ethical Concerns
Concerns about academic integrity and potential misuse of GenAI in assessments.
Proposed Solutions: Establish clear institutional guidelines and policies for the ethical use of GenAI in education.
Project Team
Matthew Nyaaba
Researcher
Lehong Shi
Researcher
Macharious Nabang
Researcher
Xiaoming Zhai
Researcher
Patrick Kyeremeh
Researcher
Samuel Arthur Ayoberd
Researcher
Bismark Nyaaba Akanzire
Researcher
Contact Information
For information about the paper, please contact the authors.
Authors: Matthew Nyaaba, Lehong Shi, Macharious Nabang, Xiaoming Zhai, Patrick Kyeremeh, Samuel Arthur Ayoberd, Bismark Nyaaba Akanzire
Source Publication: View Original PaperLink opens in a new window
Project Contact: Dr. Jianhua Yang
LLM Model Version: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18
Analysis Provider: Openai