Generative AI in Education: A Study of Educators' Awareness, Sentiments, and Influencing Factors
Project Overview
The document explores the incorporation of generative AI and large language models (LLMs) within the educational sector, emphasizing educators' awareness and attitudes toward these technologies. It reveals a growing recognition among teachers, especially in computer science, of the potential benefits of generative AI for enhancing teaching and learning processes. However, it also raises significant concerns related to academic integrity, particularly regarding cheating and the necessity for innovative assessment methods to adapt to this technological shift. The findings underscore the critical need to consider educators' perspectives to shape effective policies and practices for integrating AI into education, ensuring that its application supports learning while addressing potential challenges.
Key Applications
AI-enhanced teaching and assessment tools
Context: Higher education programming and STEM courses, targeting university instructors and students, as well as K-12 and higher education settings for teachers and students
Implementation: Incorporating LLM-based tools and AI-enhanced scaffolding systems into teaching practices and assessments. This includes using chatbots for educational purposes, integrating AI tools to provide personalized instruction, automate feedback mechanisms, and conducting surveys to gather data on educators' experiences and attitudes towards these technologies.
Outcomes: ['Improved student performance on assessments', 'Enhanced teaching efficiency', 'Opportunities for personalized learning', 'Innovative problem-solving', 'Positive perceptions of AI tools among educators', 'Perceived benefits in providing personalized instruction and automating tasks', 'Identified usefulness of chatbots as teaching aids']
Challenges: ['Potential for cheating and difficulties in detecting AI-generated work', 'Concerns about diminishing critical thinking skills and reliance on AI tools', 'Concerns about accuracy and potential job replacement for teachers', 'Need for educators to learn how to use these technologies effectively and understand their benefits']
Implementation Barriers
Technical Barrier
Limited technical capacity and knowledge among educators regarding AI tools
Proposed Solutions: Providing training and resources to educators to improve their understanding and comfort with AI technologies
Ethical Barrier
Concerns regarding academic integrity, including cheating and plagiarism detection
Proposed Solutions: Developing new assessment methods that account for AI assistance and emphasizing critical thinking skills
Cultural Barrier
Resistance from educators who fear AI will undermine traditional teaching methods and creativity
Proposed Solutions: Encouraging open discussions about the benefits and challenges of AI in education, and integrating AI tools as complementary aids in the classroom
Project Team
Aashish Ghimire
Researcher
James Prather
Researcher
John Edwards
Researcher
Contact Information
For information about the paper, please contact the authors.
Authors: Aashish Ghimire, James Prather, John Edwards
Source Publication: View Original PaperLink opens in a new window
Project Contact: Dr. Jianhua Yang
LLM Model Version: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18