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The AI Revolution in Education: Will AI Replace or Assist Teachers in Higher Education?

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Abstract

This paper explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education, specifically its capacity to replace or assist human teachers. By reviewing relevant literature and analysing survey data from students and teachers, the study provides a comprehensive perspective on the future role of educators in the face of advancing AI technologies. Findings suggest that although some believe AI may eventually replace teachers, the majority of participants argue that human teachers possess unique qualities, such as critical thinking, creativity, and emotions, which make them irreplaceable. The study also emphasizes the importance of social-emotional competencies developed through human interactions, which AI technologies cannot currently replicate. The research proposes that teachers can effectively integrate AI to enhance teaching and learning without viewing it as a replacement. To do so, teachers need to understand how AI can work well with teachers and students while avoiding potential pitfalls, develop AI literacy, and address practical issues such as data protection, ethics, and privacy. The study reveals that students value and respect human teachers, even as AI becomes more prevalent in education. The study also introduces a roadmap for students, teachers, and universities. This roadmap serves as a valuable guide for refining teaching skills, fostering personal connections, and designing curriculums that effectively balance the strengths of human educators with AI technologies. The future of education lies in the synergy between human teachers and AI. By understanding and refining their unique qualities, teachers, students, and universities can effectively navigate the integration of AI, ensuring a well-rounded and impactful learning experience.
The AI Revolution in Education: Will AI Replace or Assist Teachers in
Higher Education?
Cecilia Ka Yuk Chan*1, Louisa H.Y. Tsi2
Affiliation: The University of Hong Kong
Address: Centre for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning (CETL), Room CPD-1.81,
Centennial Campus, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
Email: Cecilia.Chan@cetl.hku.hk1 *Corresponding Author
Email: loui0626@hku.hk2
Abstract
This paper explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education, specifically
its capacity to replace or assist human teachers. By reviewing relevant literature and analysing
survey data from students and teachers, the study provides a comprehensive perspective on the
future role of educators in the face of advancing AI technologies. Findings suggest that
although some believe AI may eventually replace teachers, the majority of participants argue
that human teachers possess unique qualities, such as critical thinking, creativity, and emotions,
which make them irreplaceable. The study also emphasizes the importance of social-emotional
competencies developed through human interactions, which AI technologies cannot currently
replicate.
The research proposes that teachers can effectively integrate AI to enhance teaching and
learning without viewing it as a replacement. To do so, teachers need to understand how AI
can work well with teachers and students while avoiding potential pitfalls, develop AI literacy,
and address practical issues such as data protection, ethics, and privacy. The study reveals that
students value and respect human teachers, even as AI becomes more prevalent in education.
The study also introduces a roadmap for students, teachers, and universities. This roadmap
serves as a valuable guide for refining teaching skills, fostering personal connections, and
designing curriculums that effectively balance the strengths of human educators with AI
technologies.
The future of education lies in the synergy between human teachers and AI. By understanding
and refining their unique qualities, teachers, students, and universities can effectively navigate
the integration of AI, ensuring a well-rounded and impactful learning experience.
Keywords: ChatGPT; Generative AI; AI Literacy; Social-emotional competencies; Holistic
competencies
Introduction
Robots will replace human teachers by 2027
this was the prediction made by Sir Anthony Seldon in September 2017 (Houser, 2017). With
the recent launch of ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2023), a generative AI software that can generate
human-like responses to a wide range of topics and the increasing capabilities of AI
technologies, the question of whether AI can completely replace the role of teachers is
becoming more pressing. It seems that this possibility may be closer than ever before. With the
anticipation that more than five million jobs will be replaced by AI, news media is definitely
mulling with the idea whether teachers will be the next to be replaced (Cerullo, 2023).
This study aims to explore the perceptions and experiences of students and teachers
towards generative AI, seeking to understand whether they believe that AI will replace teachers
or whether they will work alongside them.
AI in Education
Application of AI in education dates back to the 1950s with the introduction of
computer-assisted instruction. Over the decades, it has evolved into intelligent tutoring systems
(ITS), which are now widely used for teaching and learning (Nwana, 1990). Currently, a broad
range of AI technologies, from ITS offering 1-on-1 tutoring to virtual teaching assistants, is
being employed in education. In their review of AI research in education, Goksel & Bozkurt
(2019) identified three primary themes that have garnered significant attention from researchers:
adaptive learning, expert systems and ITS, and the future role of AI in educational processes.
These themes also highlight the prevailing trends in AI development within the field of
education.
Studies on AI implementation in education have explored various forms of AI usage in
classroom settings, emphasizing the benefits they offer for student learning. Beyond ITS,
dialogue-based tutoring systems driven by natural language processing can be utilized to
facilitate knowledge co-creation as students engage in conversations with AI (UNESCO, 2021).
Web-based AI systems can also provide personalized feedback and handle administrative tasks
previously managed by human teachers (Chen, Chen, & Lin, 2020). Chen, Xie, Zou, & Hwang,
(2020) highlighted natural language processing and machine learning such as AI-powered
language learning platforms as the most commonly adopted AI methods in education due to
their effectiveness. As AI technologies continue to advance, they hold promising potential for
personalized and adaptive learning, real-time feedback, and intelligent administrative and
support systems (Renz, Krishnaraja, & Gronau, 2020), liberating teachers from time-
consuming tasks, allowing them to concentrate on higher-level responsibilities like curriculum
development and student mentoring.
In addition to traditional computer-based AI systems, innovative technologies such as
humanoid robots, chatbots, and virtual reality systems are being integrated into the educational
process (Chen, Chen & Lin, 2020; ThinkML Team, 2022; UNESCO, 2021). These
technologies can enhance student engagement by providing interactive, personalized, and
immersive learning environments (Malik, Tayal & Vij, 2019; Chen, Chen & Lin, 2020). And
not just that, in a study by Blikstein (2016), he found that AI-supported classrooms yielded
higher engagement levels and greater student achievement compared to traditional classrooms.
Consequently, research into the integration of AI technologies in education is expected to
accelerate, as the potential benefits of AI in education become more widely recognized.
Literature on AI vs. Teachers
Amid the growing development and implementation of AI in education, concerns have
emerged regarding the potential for AI to replace teachers altogether. Some argue that AI is
better equipped than human educators to deliver standardized content and assessments, and can
work tirelessly without fatigue or bias. However, others contend that AI lacks the empathy and
emotional intelligence necessary for effective teaching and learning.
On the bright side, the wide array of functions that AI is capable of performing can take
over some of the duties that teachers are responsible for. Teachers need to allocate a certain
amount of time in handling administrative tasks such as attendance checking, assignment and
classroom monitoring, and paperwork. With the introduction of AI, not only can these tasks be
relieved from teachers, but also be accomplished in a much more efficient way. Multiple
studies and reports have provided evidence to support the notion that the time-consuming
administrative tasks involved in the teaching and learning process can be done through AI
technologies while not compromising the tasks quality (Chen, Chen & Lin, 2020; Felix, 2020;
UNESCO, 2021). A survey revealed that teachers spend as much as 15% of their time on such
tasks (McKinsey & Company, 2020). Utilizing AI technologies for these tasks can save time,
allowing teachers to focus on addressing students learning needs. As pointed out by Popenici
& Kerr (2017), AI poses a particular threat to university staff and teaching assistants primarily
responsible for administrative duties. Prof. Luckin from UCL Knowledge Lab even predicted
that every teacher could have a dedicated AI assistant by 2030 (Luckin, Holmes, Griffiths, &
Forcier, 2016). Moreover, AI has the capability to assist teachers in student assessment, as
developments in natural language processing facilitate applications such as plagiarism
detection, assessment scoring, and automated feedback provision (Chen, Chen & Lin, 2020;
Goksel and Bozkurt, 2019). Owing to their dependence on algorithms and data, AI technologies
can provide more objective and efficient feedback compared to human teachers (Celik, Dindar,
Muukkonen & Järvelä, 2022; Terzopoulos & Satratzemi, 2019). Furthermore, tracking the
learning progress of a group of students can be challenging for teachers. However, AI can assist
in this area by ensuring more effective monitoring of students learning progress, as various
ITSs include functions to track and record each students learning journey, enabling teachers
to gain a better understanding of their students and intervene when needed (Celik, Dindar,
Muukkonen & Järvelä, 2022). In the context of language education, AI technologies have
fostered a student-centered approach and increased learner autonomy by allowing students to
monitor their own learning pace through AI-supported systems (Pokrivcakova, 2019).
While there are certainly advantages to using AI in education, its important to
recognize that AI has limitations that raise doubts about the feasibility of replacing human
teachers with AI. Firstly, AI currently lacks sentience and self-awareness, producing only
mechanical responses without emotions (Felix, 2020; Pavlik, 2023). Timms (2016) emphasized
that emotional support from teachers is essential for student engagement and motivation, which
AI technologies have yet to automate (Schiff, 2020, p.341). Moreover, values and social norms
cannot be quantified and reduced to algorithms (Felix, 2020). Thus, humans still outperform
AI in social and emotional aspects, emphasizing the irreplaceable role of human teachers
(Jarrahi, 2018). Secondly, AI-student interactions fall short of the educational value provided
by real-life human interactions. A crucial element in education is how teachers motivate and
facilitate students in their learning. As mentioned by Schiff (2020), a teacher must know their
students in order to deliver effective guidance and facilitation for the students (p.335).
Additionally, relying on AI and online platforms may limit peer interactions and hinder the
development of essential social skills (Wogu, Misra, Olu-Owolabi, Assibong, & Udoh, 2018).
Teacher-student relationships, peer interactions, and connections between students, families,
communities, and schools form the social milieu of education, where teaching and learning
occurs (Yang & Zhang, 2019, p. 4). Despite AIs capabilities, scholars only view AI as
cognitive prostheses that can aid teaching and learning, but not yet capable of replacing the
values of human thoughts or collaborative relationships between teachers and students (Cope,
Kalantzis & Searsmith, 2021; Felix, 2020; Kim, Lee & Cho, 2022). Thirdly, other concerns on
the limitations and drawbacks of AI technologies also confine their roles in education. Some
of the notable concerns include the dubious technical capacity and reliability of algorithms
(Celik, Dindar, Muukkonen & Järvelä, 2022), the necessary human input or training from
human operators in order for AI to function properly (Wilson & Daugherty, 2018), inequality
and prejudice issues arising from reliance on AI (Wogu, Misra, Olu-Owolabi, Assibong, &
Udoh, 2018), and the comparative disadvantage of AI in holistic and visionary thinking (Jarrahi,
2018). Overall, Popenici & Kerr (2017) concluded the value of AI at its current state of
development lies in augmenting teachers rather than replacing them completely. Based on a
review of the literature, there are 8 categories and 26 aspects that highlight the unique skills,
qualities, and experiences of human teachers that AI cannot yet replicate, (note that it is
possible some aspects may fit into multiple categories). Table 1 shows a roadmap
demonstrating the 8 categories and 26 aspects highlighting the limitations of AI in education
from the literature.
Emotional and Interpersonal Skills
1. Human connection: The emotional bond and interpersonal skills that teachers have are essential for students personal
growth and development. Teachers can understand, empathize, and motivate students in a way that AI cannot.
2. Cultural sensitivity: Teachers can understand and navigate the cultural nuances of their students and adapt their
teaching approach accordingly. AI systems may struggle to replicate this level of cultural sensitivity.
3. Developing resilience and perseverance: Teachers play a vital role in helping students develop resilience and
perseverance by offering support, guidance, and encouragement in the face of challenges. AI systems may not be as
adept at providing this emotional and motivational support.
4. Building trust and rapport: Teachers build trust and rapport with their students through personal interactions, which
helps create a positive learning environment. AI systems may struggle to replicate the trust-building process that
human teachers can foster.
5. Social and emotional learning: Teachers support students social and emotional learning by modeling appropriate
behavior, discussing emotions, and helping students develop self-awareness and empathy. AI systems might have
limited capacity to engage in these complex aspects of human development.
6. Role model: Teachers serve as role models for their students, demonstrating a passion for learning, a commitment to
personal growth, and the importance of hard work and perseverance. AI systems, while helpful in providing
information, cannot serve as role models in the same way human teachers can.
Pedagogical Skills
1. Real-world context: Teachers can provide real-world examples and experiences that AI systems may not be able to
offer, which helps students better understand and relate to the material being taught.
2. Encouraging curiosity: Teachers can inspire students to be curious by sharing their own enthusiasm for learning and
fostering a growth mindset. While AI systems can provide resources and support, they may not be able to instill the
same sense of curiosity and passion for learning.
3. Professional development: Teachers continuously engage in professional development to improve their teaching
practice and stay up-to-date with the latest educational research. AI can provide resources and tools for professional
development, but human interaction and discussion with colleagues remain essential for growth and improvement.
4. Encouraging debate and open-mindedness: Teachers can foster an environment of open-mindedness and encourage
debate by presenting diverse perspectives, asking challenging questions, and facilitating discussions. AI systems may
not have the same level of effectiveness in stimulating meaningful debates and encouraging open-mindedness.
5. Conflict resolution: Teachers often help mediate conflicts between students and teach them essential conflict resolution
skills. AI systems may not be as effective in addressing conflicts and facilitating resolution.
6. Experiential learning: Teachers often design and facilitate hands-on, experiential learning opportunities for their
students, such as field trips, lab work, or other interactive experiences. While AI systems can support some aspects of
experiential learning, human teachers remain essential for planning, executing, and supervising these activities.
Holistic Competency Development
1. Adaptability: Teachers are able to adjust their teaching methods and strategies based on the specific needs of their
students, which AI systems may struggle to do as effectively.
2. Critical thinking and creativity: Teachers can foster creativity and critical thinking in students by designing engaging
lessons, asking thought-provoking questions, and encouraging open discussions. AI systems are limited in their ability
to engage in these activities.
3. Collaboration and teamwork: Teachers help students develop collaboration and teamwork skills through group
projects, discussions, and other cooperative activities. AI systems can facilitate some collaborative tasks, but the
human touch is still essential for promoting a true sense of teamwork.
4. Nurturing creativity and innovation: Teachers help cultivate creativity and innovation by allowing students to explore
new ideas, take risks, and think outside the box. AI systems can offer some support for creative tasks, but they may
lack the ability to truly nurture and develop creative potential in students
5. Teaching life skills: Teachers often help students develop essential life skills, such as time management, goal setting,
and decision making. AI systems can provide resources and tools for teaching these skills, but the guidance and
personal experiences shared by human teachers can be invaluable for students.
Ethical and Moral Considerations
1. Ethical considerations: There are numerous ethical concerns surrounding the use of AI in education, such as data
privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential for misuse of AI-generated content.
2. Moral and ethical guidance: Teachers often play a role in shaping students moral and ethical values by discussing
complex issues and encouraging reflection. AI systems lack the capability to provide such guidance.
Personalized Support
1. Behavior management: Teachers are skilled at managing classroom behavior and addressing issues as they arise. AI
systems might not be as effective in dealing with behavioral issues or understanding the underlying reasons behind
them.
2. Support for students with special needs: Teachers provide tailored support to students with special needs,
accommodating their learning styles and addressing any unique challenges they may face. AI systems can offer some
level of personalization, but the nuanced understanding and empathy of human teachers are critical for effectively
supporting students with special needs.
Community and Civic Engagement
1. Parent-teacher communication: Teachers communicate with parents to discuss students progress, share concerns, and
offer guidance. AI systems could assist with some communication tasks, but the personal touch and emotional
understanding that teachers bring are crucial for effective parent-teacher communication.
2. Encouraging civic engagement: Teachers help students understand the importance of civic engagement and develop a
sense of responsibility to their community and society. AI systems may provide information about civic engagement
opportunities but may not be as effective in inspiring students to take action and become engaged citizens.
Career and Personal Mentorship
1. Career guidance and mentorship: Teachers can offer valuable career guidance and mentorship by sharing their own
experiences, offering advice, and connecting students with relevant resources and opportunities. AI systems may not
be able to provide the same level of personal insight and guidance.
Physical and Artistic Education
1. Physical education and sports coaching: Teachers play a crucial role in promoting physical fitness and coaching sports
teams. AI systems may assist with tracking performance data or providing some instructional content, but they cannot
replace the hands-on guidance and encouragement of human teachers and coaches.
2. Artistic expression and appreciation: Teachers help students develop their artistic skills and appreciation for various
art forms. AI systems can offer some support for creative tasks but may lack the ability to inspire artistic expression
and foster a deep appreciation for the arts.
Table 1: Human Teachers Unique Qualities: A Roadmap Highlighting the Strengths of Teacher Vs the
Limitations of AI in Education
Literature on Collaboration between AI and Teachers
Rather than presenting a dichotomy between AI and teachers, many researchers argue
that the most effective approach involves collaboration between the two. In corporate settings,
such collaboration has been found to be conducive for achieving the most significant
improvements in performance (Wilson & Daugherty, 2018). Synergistic relationship between
AI and humans in organizational contexts also shed lights on how both can complement each
others weaknesses (Jarrahi, 2018). AI can support teachers by automating routine tasks,
providing personalized feedback, and generating insights from student data. Conversely,
teachers can offer the human touch that AI lacks by providing emotional support, facilitating
social interaction, and adding context to learning experiences.
Siemens and Baker (2012) found that a combination of human and machine intelligence
resulted in more effective learning outcomes than working alone. In their review of literature
within the field of AI in education, Roll & Wylie (2016) also revealed the increased
collaboration of teachers and AI technologies in creating interactive learning environment (ILE)
over the past 20 years. Consequently, researchers are increasingly focusing on conceptualizing
the relationship between human teachers and AI to enhance both the learning capabilities of AI
and teaching in general (Chen, Chen & Lin, 2020).
In 2016, Georgia Tech introduced a virtual teaching assistant named Jill Watson by
using the AI function from IBM and it was responsible for engaging in conversation with
students on online forums, answering queries concerning the coursework and lesson content
(Georgia Tech, 2016). In 2019, the humanoid robotic lecturer Yuki started helping out in
lectures in Germany by delivering the content put in by technicians beforehand and performing
some other administrative duties (RoboticsBiz, 2019). Technologies like these were expected
to be playing an even more important role in aiding teachers in class and providing support to
cater the learning needs of students (Popenici & Kerr, 2017; Timms, 2016).
Konjin & Hoorn (2020) demonstrated how AI could be effectively implemented in
teaching and learning by introducing social robots capable of offering verbal encouragement
and gestures for remedial teaching tasks in mathematics. In language education, conversational
AI has been found to provide individualized feedback and practice opportunities for students,
which can be lacking due to teacher workload, allowing teachers to focus on designing and
decision-making aspects of the instructional process (Ji, Han & Ko, 2023). Furthermore, AI
learning ecosystems can be used by teachers for assessment purposes, facilitating peer reviews,
generating machine-generated feedback, and more (Cope, Kalantzis, & Searsmith, 2021).
There are also many intelligent functions of AI technologies that teachers can use to
improve teaching such as the ITSs ability to record students learning and characteristics
(Schiff, 2020), intelligent tutoring that perceives and analyses the emotions of students (Yang
& Zhang, 2019), and sensors, monitors and facial recognition cameras that help teachers
manage the class and handle learning tasks (Timms, 2016). In fact, the prevalent application of
AI in teaching and learning contributed to the burgeoning of EdTech companies and introduced
more related practitioners into the field of education such as instructional designers and course
developers who specialize in e-learning and mobile learning (Renz, Krishnaraja, & Gronau,
2020).
Rationale for this study
The research questions of the study are
1. whether generative AI technologies can replace teachers, and
2. how generative AI technologies can work with or against teachers.
The rationale for this study can be explained on two levels. First, by understanding the potential
impact of AI technologies on the role of human teachers, it assists educators in preparing for
the integration of AI into educational settings. As AI continues to develop and evolve at an
unprecedented rate, it is crucial for educators to be ready for the changes that will impact
traditional teaching and learning. Second, as both the opportunities and challenges of
implementing AI in education are being explored, this study can offer new insights on the
discussion of how AI and human educators can collaborate to enhance the quality of education.
Instead of creating a dichotomy between the two, educators need to adapt and determine the
best way to optimize their value in teaching and learning while co-exist and co-partner with
the ever-evolving AI technologies.
Methodology
In this study, a survey design was employed to collect data on the usage and perceptions
of generative AI in teaching and learning from students and teachers in Hong Kong universities.
The online questionnaire featured a combination of closed-ended and open-ended questions,
addressing topics such as the integration of AI technologies like ChatGPT in higher education,
potential risks associated with these technologies, and their impact on teaching and learning.
Participants were recruited through bulk email invitations, and a convenience sampling
technique was applied, selecting respondents based on their availability and willingness to
participate. Before completing the survey, participants were provided with an informed consent
form.
The final sample consisted of 384 undergraduate and postgraduate students and 144
teachers from various disciplines. Descriptive analysis was employed to analyse the survey
data, while a thematic analysis approach was used to examine responses from the open-ended
questions. Prior to the main survey, two rounds of pilot study were conducted with 20 students
and teachers, chosen randomly. The survey was revised based on feedback from the pilot study
and discussions with a team of researchers working on the project.
Findings
Quantitative Data Findings
The findings reveal that both groups provided valuable insights into these two research
questions (refer to Table 2). This table presents a survey on students and teachers perceptions
regarding the potential of AI to replace teachers. The survey contains 11 items, with higher
scores indicating greater agreement. The table displays the number of participants (n), mean
(M), and standard deviation (SD) for both students and teachers.
From the findings, students were found to have a higher mean score (M=3.86,
SD=1.008) than teachers (M=3.61, SD=1.183), suggesting that students are more open to
integrating generative AI technologies into their learning practices compared to teachers
(t=2.238, df=215.111, p=.026). Students, especially younger generations, are more accustomed
to using digital tools and technology for various aspects of their lives. They may be more open
to embracing AI technologies for educational purposes and value the convenience and
accessibility they provide. In relation to student learning, students (M=3.08, SD=1.142) had a
higher mean score than teachers (M=2.67, SD=1.127), suggesting that students believe
generative AI technologies can provide guidance for coursework as effectively as human
teachers, more so than teachers do (t=3.636, df=531, p=<.001). AI technologies can provide
immediate feedback, answers, or guidance without students having to wait for a teachers
availability or response. This enables students to get help with their academic tasks whenever
they need it, fostering a sense of independence and control over their learning process.
Similarly, students (M=3.47, SD=.979) were found to have a higher mean score than teachers
(M=3.29, SD=1.115) in relation to academic performance, suggesting that students are more
optimistic about the potential of generative AI technologies to improve their overall academic
performance (t=1.792, df=507, p=.074). Also, students (M=3.32, SD=1.162) had a higher mean
score than teachers (M=3.01, SD=1.273), indicating that students believe generative AI
technologies can help them become better writers more than teachers do (t=2.577, df=525,
p=.010).
Students and teachers both believe generative AI can bring them unique insights and
perspectives, although, students (M=3.74, SD=1.076) had a slightly higher mean score than
teachers (M=3.47, SD=1.079), suggesting that students believe generative AI technologies can
provide unique insights and perspectives that they may not have thought of themselves, more
so than teachers do (t=2.533, df=526, p=.012). Students enjoy the 24/7 availability of AI
technologies (M=4.13, SD=.826) with a higher mean score than teachers (M=3.69, SD=1.068),
(t=4.483, df=216.752, p=<.001). Students have diverse learning styles and preferences. Some
may prefer to study late at night or during the weekends, while others might find it challenging
to focus during conventional school hours. The 24/7 availability of AI technologies caters to
these individual preferences, enabling students to access educational resources whenever it
suits them best.
With technology on their finger tip, it is not difficult to understand that students can ask
generative AI questions that they may not ask their human teachers. In this case, teachers
(M=3.73, SD=.883) had a higher mean score than students (M=3.39, SD=1.094), indicating
that teachers believe students are more likely to ask questions to generative AI technologies
that they would not ask their human teachers (t=-3.695, df=308.968, p=<.001). Students may
feel more comfortable asking questions or seeking help from AI technologies due to the
anonymity they offer without the fear of judgment or embarrassment. This could be particularly
beneficial for students who are shy, introverted, or hesitant to ask questions in a classroom
setting. Teachers are more concerned than students about the potential negative impact of AI
technologies on the development of generic or transferable skills (t=-3.087, df=523, p=.002),
teachers (M=3.48, SD=1.238) had a higher mean score than students (M=3.10, SD=1.227). In
relation to AI detection, teachers (M=2.20, SD=1.125) had a lower mean score than students
(M=2.54, SD=1.102), indicating that teachers are less confident in their ability to identify the
use of generative AI technologies in students assignments (t=3.066, df=486, p=.002).
Regarding the main focus of the study, whether AI technologies can replace teachers,
both students (M=2.02, SD=.919) and teachers (M=2.03, SD=.946) had similar mean scores,
indicating that both groups do not strongly believe that AI technologies will replace teachers
in the future (t=-.057, df=539, p=.955). This echoed the question on whether students would
pursue a degree through a fully online AI-assisted program, students (M=2.70, SD=1.270)
and teachers (M=2.84, SD=1.220) had similar mean scores, indicating that both groups are
not strongly in favor of pursuing a degree through a fully online AI-assisted program (t=-
1.140, df=514, p=.255).
Both students and teachers showed openness to integrating generative AI technologies
into teaching and learning, the survey results suggest that students tend to have a slightly more
positive outlook towards the integration and potential benefits of generative AI technologies in
education as compared to teachers. They recognized the potential benefits of these technologies,
such as improving academic performance, assisting in writing, and providing unique insights.
However, both groups do not strongly believe that AI technologies will replace teachers in the
future. Teachers appear to be more concerned about the potential negative impact of AI on the
development of generic or transferable skills. These findings highlight the need for further
exploration into how AI and human educators can collaborate effectively to enhance the quality
of education, rather than creating a dichotomy between the two.
Students
Teachers
Item
n
M(SD)
n
M(SD)
MD
t
(df)
1. I envision integrating generative
AI technologies like ChatGPT
into my teaching and learning
practices in the future.
382
3.86
(1.008)
139
3.61
(1.183)
.252
2.238
215.111
2. Generative AI technologies such
as ChatGPT can provide
guidance for coursework as
effectively as human teachers.
389
3.08
(1.142)
144
2.67
(1.127)
.404
3.636
531
3. I believe Generative AI
technologies such as ChatGPT
can improve my / students
overall academic performance.
371
3.47
(.979)
138
3.29
(1.115)
.182
1.792
507
4. I think generative AI
technologies such as ChatGPT
can help me / students become a
better writer.
384
3.32
(1.162)
143
3.01
(1.273)
.301
2.577
525
5. I believe AI technologies such as
ChatGPT can provide me /
students with unique insights and
perspectives that I / they may not
have thought of themselves.
387
3.74
(1.076)
141
3.47
(1.079)
.268
2.533
526
6. I think AI technologies such as
ChatGPT is a great tool (for
students) as it is available 24/7.
392
4.13
(.826)
148
3.69
(1.068)
.436
4.483
216.752
7. I / Students can ask questions to
generative AI technologies such
as ChatGPT that I / they would
otherwise not voice out to their
teacher.
387
3.39
(1.094)
142
3.73
(.883)
-.342
-3.695
308.968
8. Generative AI technologies such
as ChatGPT will hinder my /
students development of generic
or transferable skills such as
teamwork, problem-solving, and
leadership skills.
385
3.10
(1.227)
140
3.48
(1.238)
-.375
-3.087
523
9. Teachers can already accurately
identify a students usage of
generative AI technologies to
partially complete an assignment.
353
2.54
(1.102)
135
2.20
(1.125)
.344
3.066
486
10. AI technologies like ChatGPT
will replace teachers in the
future.
397
2.02
(.919)
144
2.03
(.946)
-.005
-.057
539
11. If a fully online programme
with the assistance of a
personalized AI tutor was
available, I/ students should be
open to pursuing their degree
through this option.
379
2.70
(1.270)
137
2.84
(1.220)
-.143
-1.140
514
Table 2: Descriptive analysis and T-test results
Qualitative Data Findings
Generative AI technologies replacing teachers
Concerning whether generative AI technologies can replace teachers, the qualitative
findings revealed valuable perceptions from the teachers and students. In general, majority of
the teachers and students cannot foresee generative AI replacing teachers. Some students who
believe teachers are irreplaceable perceive generative AI technologies as auxiliary tools
controlled by human beings. One student asserted, Its ultimately a toy to play with by asking
questions. An auxiliary tool at most. Another student stated, I dont think I have a great
concern because, as for the time being, all these tools are still controlled by humans.
(1) Replacing the Role of the Teacher
Some teachers and students perceive the possibility that generative AI technologies can replace
teachers roles. A teacher stated, Id like to see if AI can teach students like a human. Students
can already communicate with AI as a human. If yes, AI can replace teachers. A student also
mentioned, Knowledge and data are easily accessible by every stakeholder. Teachers will
lose their value and contribution if they continue to use the old way of teaching.
However, some teachers perceive their roles as irreplaceable. It cannot replace teachers input,
at least at the moment, because AI cannot tell the students in detail, and the students need to
know what question to ask, emphasized a teacher. Another teacher also mentioned, The tech
is a game-changer - but its our job to teach students how to work in a changing world.
(2) Replacing the Social-Emotional competencies developed from a Teachers Human
Connection
Some teachers and students perceive teachers as irreplaceable because generative AI
technologies cannot replace human thinking, creativity, and emotions. A student commented
on generative AI technologies, It (AI) can gather and properly process the information, but it
cannot make expansion or innovate. He further emphasized, Creativity and emotion are the
most precious personality of our human at whatever time. Apart from cognition, some
teachers also perceive generative AI technologies are incapable of mastering cultural qualities
and traditional values as humans. A teacher commented, I believe such qualities have to be
mastered by students/scholars in this field through the accumulation of knowledge and
experience, as well as interaction with different people across a range of contexts. These
cannot be replaced by AI technologies.
Generative AI technologies working with teachers
Based on the quantitative findings of this study, it is evident that generative AI
technologies have the potential to collaborate effectively with teachers, yielding a range of
benefits. In the qualitative findings below, teachers and students voiced out how these
technologies can facilitate their work and enhance student learning. By leveraging the
capabilities of generative AI, educators can optimize their teaching strategies, thereby
enriching the overall learning process and outcomes for their students. The symbiotic
relationship between teachers and generative AI technologies demonstrates the transformative
impact of AI integration in the educational domain.
(1) Enhancing Course Planning, Design, and Pedagogy
The studys qualitative findings reveal that some teachers are utilizing AI technologies,
particularly generative AI, to enhance course planning, design, and pedagogy. Teachers employ
these technologies to brainstorm, summarize ideas, gather information, generate inspiration,
and design engaging courses, ultimately improving their teaching methods. The findings show
that teachers use generative AI technologies for preliminary searching and identifying
knowledge in various areas, allowing for a broader consideration of topics and a quick
understanding of ideas to save time.
In addition, some teachers also collaborate with generative AI technologies to design engaging
courses. They share their experiences of using generative AI technologies in course design,
such as generating scenarios tailored to students majors, engaging them in problem-solving
related to real-world issues, and creating MCQ questions for Kahoot games, in order to make
their courses more interesting and engaging.
Another teacher mentioned instructing students to generate an assignment using ChatGPT to
answer a prompt and critique that essay and make corrections using ChatGPT. Some students
also suggested teachers to evaluate students learning outcomes with these technologies. For
instance, a student mentioned, ChatGPT can provide features such as automatic scoring and
speech recognition to help teachers better assess students learning outcomes and oral
presentation skills.
(2) Developing Students Research and Writing Skills
One remarkable aspect of generative AI is its proficiency in producing well-crafted text (Morris,
2023), teachers can take advantage of this to enhance students writing and research skills with
the technology. One teacher noted, AI can definitely function as a guide to writing. It writes
excellent papers in terms of structure, clarity, and logic (at least by appearance). Aligning
with teachers perceptions, a student also mentioned, ChatGPT could be used to help students
improve their writing skills by generating suggestions for improving sentence structure,
grammar, and vocabulary. This aligns with the quantitative findings.
Teachers also work with generative AI technologies to assist students in research and enhance
students research experience by helping students to identify keywords for a topic of research
and test search phrases for researching and search references and prepare the reference
sections of academic papers.
(3) Preparing Students for an AI-driven Workplace and Future
Teachers focus on ensuring students become proficient at using AI technologies and understand
their implications on the workplace and future careers. A teacher noted, Students will need to
learn how to use the tool to enhance their productivity in the workplace. Another teacher also
emphasized, This is a tech that my students will have access to all their lives. It is my job to
make sure they are proficient at using it.
(4) Improving Time Efficiency and Reducing Costs
Teachers agree that generative AI technologies improve their time efficiency and reduce costs,
the technologies speed up routine tasks, fasten the pace of lesson preparation, and design
assessments. One teacher mentioned, it can help me finish some administration work,
especially regarding course logistics and tutorial registration, as these are very time-
consuming and labour-intensive and generate some email templates. Students also perceive
similar benefits. A student noted, For future teaching, I believe that the use of ChatGPT will
reduce teachers workload for answering students questions. I may also use it to generate
some lesson plans.
(5) Encouraging Personalized Learning and Immediate Feedback
AI technologies are utilized as virtual tutors, providing personalized learning experiences and
immediate feedback on student responses. Generative AI technologies such as ChatGPT are
capable of acting as a virtual intelligent tutor (Qadir, 2022), some teachers work with
generative AI technologies to engage in personalized learning. One teacher commented, I
think AI like ChatGPT could be used as a personal tutor. But instead of showing the answers
directly, providing advice or directions might be better. In addition, some teachers also
perceive using these technologies to provide students with immediate feedback. For instance,
a teacher suggested, Perhaps its possible to have ChatGPT review student writing and give
them feedback on how and where to improve their writing. A student also agree that teachers
can use generative AI technologies such as ChatGPT to provide immediate feedback on
student responses.
Generative AI Technologies Working Against Teachers
While some teachers and students perceive the possibilities to work with generative AI
technologies, some perceive these technologies may work against teachers for specific tasks
such as the development of holistic competencies indicated in the quantitative findings.
(1) Lacking AI Literacy
Some teachers perceive generative AI technologies will work against teachers if they fail to
provide proper guidelines and training to students using these technologies properly. One
teacher mentioned, Its very important to train our students how to use such AI technologies
sensibly with a responsible and professional manner. Some teachers emphasised the lack
of AI literacy could be detrimental. They suggested AI literacy for staff and students, for
example, Ethics of use (when/why) equity, privacy/property, knowledge of affordances
(features/benefits/limits of various tools), effective use (e.g prompt engineering),
critique/evaluation of outputs, role/integration in workflows/product in study and professional
settings. A student also raises her concern, AI technologies will only become more mature
which leads to heightened difficulties in identifying works of man vs. AI technologies. In light
of this, a student commented, It is very important for tutors to figure out whether a student is
using AI and how AI can be used to enhance learning.
(2) Failing to Ensure Equity, Preventing Academic Misconduct and Addressing
Governance of Generative AI Technologies
Some teachers raise the concerns that generative AI technologies will work against teachers if
students violate ethical and academic integrity issues when using these technologies. A teacher
commented, Seeing as the technology is based on rehashing existing data, including original
work by unacknowledged (human) creators, AI is by definition a plagiarizing technology. This
may further lead to a loss of trust between students and teachers. The widespread use of AI
will definitely make professor lose trust in students, stated a student. Therefore, in order to
ensure proper and fair use of generative AI technologies, it is necessity of establishing
regulations and frameworks. A teacher noted, I think it is a boon to teaching and learning.
However, some regularity mechanism must be undertaken for fair usage in the university for
the students.
In addition, teachers also emphasized the importance of avoiding students over-relying on these
technologies. A teacher commented on the consequences of students over-reliance on
generative AI technologies, There will be a dearth of original ideas as people become lazy
and use AI. Another teacher also expressed his fear of students over-relying on these
technologies, I fear this is fostering over-reliance on tools like this, limiting the development
of critical thinking.
(3) Undermining Holistic Competency Development
Some teachers express concerns that generative AI technologies may hinder students potential
for new and original discoveries. As one teacher stated, I require students to discover things
for themselves and to do their own research, emphasizing the counterproductive nature of
generative AI technologies that only copy existing information. Other teachers believe that
generative AI technologies undermine students learning by producing text with little or
incomplete understanding of the content, as it no longer demonstrates learning. Furthermore,
teachers acknowledge the failure of generative AI technologies to ensure the accuracy of AI-
generated content, potentially leading to factuality errors, which could undermine student
learning. While generative AI technologies can assist in idea generation and research, some
teachers believe that they may hinder the development of students cognitive and holistic
competencies. These teachers believe that generative AI technologies may bring negative
impacts on creativity, prevent students from critical thinking and handicap students
intellectual and mental development. However, while generative AI technologies may not be
able to replace the development of these competencies, some teachers believe that they may be
able to use the technologies to develop them such as practicing exercising judgment.
Discussion
The study presents a complex and nuanced perspective on teachers potential role in
the future of education as generative AI technologies immersed in education. Some teachers
and students believe that these technologies may eventually replace teachers, as evidenced by
a teachers statement expressing the desire to see if AI can teach students like a human, and a
students concern about teachers losing their value if they continue using traditional teaching
methods. However, most participants argue that teachers roles are irreplaceable due to the
unique human qualities they bring to the educational process, such as critical thinking,
creativity, and emotions. One student emphasized that creativity and emotion remain the most
precious aspects of human personality, which AI cannot replicate or replace. This is also
evidenced in the quantitative data with teachers showing a slightly higher concern on
students development of holistic competency. Teachers are responsible for providing a well-
rounded education that not only focuses on subject-specific knowledge but also nurtures
students overall development (Chan, Fong, Luk, & Ho, 2017). They may be concerned that
an overreliance on AI technologies could lead to a more fragmented learning experience,
where students might excel in acquiring knowledge but struggle to develop essential life
skills. In addition, they might be more aware of the importance of developing holistic
competencies, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork, for
students long-term success in their personal and professional lives.
Additionally, the study found that some teachers believe generative AI technologies
cannot replace the social-emotional competencies developed through interactions with human
educators. These participants argue that, beyond cognitive abilities, AI technologies lack the
capacity to master cultural qualities and traditional values in the same way humans can
through knowledge accumulation, experience, and interaction with diverse individuals across
various contexts. Furthermore, teachers serve as crucial communicators with parents and the
community while inspiring civic engagement and providing career guidance and mentorship.
Human teachers are indispensable in promoting physical fitness and artistic expression,
nurturing students appreciation for the arts, and designing hands-on, experiential learning
opportunities. Despite AIs ability to provide information and support, it lacks the emotional
intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and capacity for trust-building essential for students
personal growth and development. Human teachers excel in their ability to adapt their
teaching methods and strategies to individual students needs and engage them in critical
thinking, creativity, and collaboration. They also play a vital role in guiding students through
moral and ethical dilemmas, managing classroom behavior, and addressing the unique
challenges faced by students with special needs. These aspects of teaching illustrate the
irreplaceable value of human teachers in education, even as AI continues to advance and
support the learning process. These findings align with the literature as shown Table 1.
The findings also suggest that, instead of considering generative AI technologies as
tools to replace teachers, teachers can incorporate these technologies to enhance teaching and
learning. However, to incorporate these tools effectively, teachers should have a
comprehensive understanding of the dimensions where generative AI technologies can work
well with teachers and students, the conditions that need to be avoided to prevent generative
AI technologies from working against teachers. This is also supported by scholars, who
believe that it will be crucial to develop teachers competencies and capacities (AI literacy)
for collaborating with AI to support their teaching in the future (Kim, Lee & Cho, 2022).
Other practical issues such as data protection, ethics, and privacy must also be resolved
before further integrating AI into the classroom (Renz, Krishnaraja, & Gronau, 2020).
Contrary to the belief that young generation might prefer technology approach to
learning, this studys findings reveal that teachers are valued and possess many qualities that
students respect and appreciate. Generative AI is here to stay, and it will help us in our
personal, social, and professional lives. To become more efficient, teachers and students need
to harness AI, ensuring that guidelines and training are available to upgrade their AI literacy
and collaborate with AI effectively and prepare students future. From the findings, neither
students nor teachers foresee a future without teachers in the classroom. However, if teachers
continue to rely solely on traditional content-driven lectures, surface learning assessment, and
unconstructive feedback, they risk becoming obsolete, as mentioned in the findings. Teachers
are often resistant to change and some may view AI technologies as a threat to their role as
educators. A visiting professor in signals, systems, and cybersecurity featured in Times
Higher Education (Farrell, 2023) also warns, AI will replace academics unless our teaching
challenges students, adding that delivery of educational material chunked at the optimal
grade for retention by passive student-consumers is ripe for automation.
Conclusions
In 2008, renowned educational researcher Prof. John Hattie discovered that teachers
had the most significant in-school impact on student learning, as discussed in his book
Visible Learning (Hattie, 2008). Fifteen years later, his recently published book Visible
Learning: The Sequel (2023) reaffirms that teachers continue to be the most influential
factor in student learning success, particularly in regard to what teachers think. This remains
true despite the challenges of COVID-19 and the resulting distance learning. Although in
general the findings of this study follow Hatties belief and finding with human teachers
being irreplaceable. However, there is potential for these AI technologies to eventually
replace teachers. As AI advancements progress, generative models capabilities could surpass
human educators expertise and skills in various aspects of teaching and learning. This
paradigm shift could lead to a reimagining of the educational landscape, with generative AI
assuming a more prominent role and ultimately displacing traditional teaching roles.
In my opinion, this study is a rude awakening for teachers and universities, on one
hand, our immediate concern is subsided as the findings in this study demonstrated the
irreplaceable role of teachers, but on the other hand, teachers and universities need to
reconsider the importance of education what should we teach? How should we teach? Why
are we teaching that with that approach? What do we really want our students to learn and
develop? All these questions need to partner with technologies in mind, that may mean
upskilling our teaching skills depending on the evolution of AI technologies and the values
society places on human qualities in the educational process.
Table 1 highlights the unique qualities of human teachers across eight categories and
26 aspects, emphasizing their strengths compared to the limitations of AI in education.
Understanding these strengths can help teachers, students, and universities make informed
decisions about the future of education in a world increasingly influenced by generative AI.
For teachers, this table serves as a roadmap for areas where they can focus on refining
their skills and abilities, particularly those that are difficult for AI to replicate. Emphasizing
emotional intelligence, pedagogical skills, and personalized support, teachers can ensure that
they remain indispensable in the educational process. Additionally, continuous professional
development will allow teachers to stay ahead of advancements in AI and integrate
technology effectively in their classrooms.
Students can benefit from this table by recognizing the importance of the human
touch in their education. While AI can provide resources and support, the emotional and
interpersonal skills of human teachers are essential for personal growth, resilience, and
critical thinking. Understanding the value of human teachers will encourage students to seek
out personal connections and make the most of the learning opportunities that AI cannot fully
replicate.
Universities should use this table as a guideline to design curriculums that capitalize
on the strengths of human teachers while leveraging AI to enhance learning, obviously costs,
workload and timing need to be all accounted for. By incorporating AI as a tool to support,
rather than replace, human teachers, universities can provide a comprehensive and well-
rounded educational experience for their students.
As generative AI continues to emerge rapidly in education, it is crucial to focus on a
symbiotic relationship between human teachers and AI. Teachers can adopt AI to handle
mundane tasks, freeing up time to focus on the aspects of teaching that require a personal
touch. At the same time, educators should advocate for ethical considerations in AI
development, ensuring that AI systems are designed to complement, not replace, their human
counterparts.
In conclusion, the future of education lies in the synergy between human teachers and
AI. By understanding the unique qualities of human teachers outlined in the table, teachers
can hone their irreplaceable skills, students can appreciate the value of human connection,
and universities can create educational environments that effectively balance the strengths of
teachers and AI.
Limitations
This research study comes with certain limitations, such as a comparatively small
sample size that might not accurately represent all post-secondary educational institutions.
Moreover, the investigation concentrated solely on text-based generative AI technology,
without considering other forms or variations. Lastly, the study depended on self-reported
data from participants, which could potentially introduce bias or inaccuracies.
Declarations:
Availability of data and material: The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study
are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request
We declare no competing interests.
Acknowledgements: The author wishes to thank the students and teachers who participated the
survey.
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... To date, previous studies on attitudes consistently revealed that users had a generally positive attitude regarding ChatGPT. It is shown across studies encompassing diverse cohorts, including students (Chan & Hu, 2023;Ibrahim et al., 2023;Shoufan, 2023), teachers (Chan & Tsi, 2023;Ibrahim et al., 2023), healthcare professionals (Praveen & Vajrobol, 2023a;Temsah et al., 2023), and social media users (Koonchanok et al., 2023; as subjects. For instance, Chan and Tsi (2023) focused on the application of ChatGPT in the field of education. ...
... It is shown across studies encompassing diverse cohorts, including students (Chan & Hu, 2023;Ibrahim et al., 2023;Shoufan, 2023), teachers (Chan & Tsi, 2023;Ibrahim et al., 2023), healthcare professionals (Praveen & Vajrobol, 2023a;Temsah et al., 2023), and social media users (Koonchanok et al., 2023; as subjects. For instance, Chan and Tsi (2023) focused on the application of ChatGPT in the field of education. Their study showed that both students and teachers exhibited a positive and open attitude, while teachers expressed more concerns. ...
... While recent attitude research toward ChatGPT has offered several meaningful findings, there are still several notable limitations. For example, the majority of relevant studies have been carried out using interview methods (Chan & Tsi, 2023;Mohamed, 2024;Shoufan, 2023) and topic modeling methods (Koonchanok et al., 2023;Praveen & Vajrobol, 2023a, 2023bTian et al., 2023). These methods are descriptive in nature and have failed to explore the potential causal relationship. ...
... They argue that the growing adoption of AI in education may result in a reduction of interpersonal interaction, both student-teacher and student-student, depersonalising the education and affecting students' social skills and emotional intelligence (Brynjolfsson & McAfee, 2014;Kuhail, 2023;Rasul et al., 2023). However, it is that lack of ability to replicate teachers' role in those crucial areal of students' holistic development what makes AI not likely to replace educators entirely (Chan & Tsi, 2023). ...
... Another crucial aspect was the human factor, which mirrors what has been documented in prior studies, referring to the depersonalization (Brynjolfsson & McAfee, 2014;Kuhail, 2023;Rasul et al., 2023), the loneliness that it can provoke (Hehir et al., 2021), and the fear for the jobs that could be replaced by it (Selwyn, 2019). On the contrary, other researchers claim that AI has advanced significantly and is now able to consider parameters such as - 122 -formality, tone or context (Huang & Wang, 2021;Schmidt & Strasser, 2022;Yang, 2022), that AI tools such as AICLS can foster social interaction (Pokrivcakova, 2019) and that AI will not replace teachers, but be used as a tool to enhance the teaching-learning process (Alam, 2021;Chan & Tsi, 2023;Holmes et al., 2023). ...
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In a world where every area of our life is experiencing constant and rapid changes due to the unstoppable progress of Artificial Intelligence (AI), its effects on education are a highly discussed topic. Specifically, its implication on language learning is believed to be particularly important in a society that is becoming increasingly multilingual due to globalization and mobility between countries. In that context, and considering their task of forming the new generations, teachers come to play an essential role in the acceptance and development of AI. The objective of this exploratory qualitative study is to explore the perceptions, attitudes, and concerns of pre-service primary teachers (n = 83) of the University of Córdoba (Spain) regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence in foreign language learning. All the participants took part in an activity in which they had to use the Speech Analyser feature of the AI tool ELSA Speak (https://elsaspeak.com/). Then, opinion essays written by the participants were used as the instrument to collect the data. The instrument had two sections: (i) Pros and cons of using AI for language learning; and (ii) Personal experience using AI for language learning. The qualitative analysis of the data was made with Atlas.ti, identifying three main categories: advantages, disadvantages, and risks. After their experience with AI, the findings demonstrated participants’ keen interest and favourable outlook on AI, as the number of entries coded regarding the advantages was the highest of all of them (54.92%). Moreover, the subcategory “benefits” was one of the most mentioned ones, referring to the positive experience that they had while using AI. Considering those, it is interesting to see how the thoughts of the pre-service teachers mostly line up with the ideas suggested in the literature. Regarding the advantages, we could highlight the improvement in language skills, assessment, adaptability, resources, accessibility, and motivation. As for the disadvantages, difficulties in classroom implementation, lack of human factor or reliability. Lastly, the most mentioned risks were technical limitations and dependence, as well as those associated with the young age of primary age students. In that last category, teacher training was proposed as a solution to the negative aspects of AI in education. In conclusion, this research adds to the existing literature, reaching the conclusion that AI can have a positive influence on language learning while considering potential risks and drawbacks that need to be worked on. Additionally, and with teacher training being noted as an essential part of the use of AI in education, studies like this one play an essential role in the success of this type of technology, representing a step in the right direction as they give educators the opportunity to reflect and learn about AI. Furthermore, a gap in the literature was found in relation to AI in Primary Education language learning. Hence, the importance of this study is amplified, though further research is needed to delve deeper into this field of knowledge.
... AI has been integrated into myriad domains (Xu et al., 2021), with the education field not being an exception (e.g., Du Boulay, 2016;Florea & Radu, 2019;Kandlhofer et al., 2016). The education community is now even raising concerns about AI's potential to replace human teachers, although extant studies have revealed some skepticism regarding this possibility among in-service teachers (e.g., Chan & Tsi, 2023;Tao et al., 2019). Despite this skepticism, statistics suggest that AI will play a larger role in education in the future (GMI, 2022). ...
... First, with the ITS being the most widely categorized (e.g., Heilman et al., 2010;McNamara et al., 2006;Mills-Tetty et al., 2009;Poulsen, 2004), it seems necessary to examine in more detail the ITS aspects that facilitate language learning, ideally alongside qualitative data (e.g., examining user patterns). Second, the role of human instructors deserves closer evaluation within the wider array of AI technology employment, particularly in view of the existing skepticism regarding the AI's role in education (e.g., Chan & Tsi, 2023;Tao et al., 2019), including developing and designing curricula and managing the rules of learning material assignment. An exemplary empirical question would be whether the involvement of human instructors (or experts) would be more effective than the lack thereof in terms of utilizing the data obtained from the formative assessment for instruction afterward. ...
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... AI systems can improve cognitivist techniques by using data analytics to watch how students interact with content, uncover gaps in their knowledge, and change educational materials in real time. AI can provide scaffolding comparable to human teachers by adjusting the complexity of content based on the learner's progress, allowing for more efficient cognitive processing and knowledge creation (18). Differentiated education is another critical paradigm that aims to meet learners' various requirements by providing individualized instruction based on their learning styles, preferences, and abilities (19). ...
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... This limitation stems, for example from AI's deficiency in emotional intelligence (Megill, 2014) and its inability to engage in flexible thinking and contextual adaptation (Marcus & Davis, 2020). These shortcomings become particularly evident in tasks like guiding nuanced discussions during literature classes or offering feedback tailored to specific contexts (Chan & Tsi, 2023). Therefore, discussions on alternative hybrid approaches, like hybrid intelligence (HI), have emerged (Bredeweg & Kragten, 2022;Järvelä et al., 2023). ...
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Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) have significantly influenced educational technologies, reshaping the teaching and learning landscape. However, the notion of fully automating the teaching process remains contentious. This paper explores the concept of hybrid intelligence (HI), which emphasizes the synergistic collaboration between AI and humans to optimize learning outcomes. Despite the potential of AI‐enhanced learning systems, their application in a human‐AI collaboration system often fails to meet anticipated standards, and there needs to be more empirical evidence showcasing their effectiveness. To address this gap, this study investigates whether formative feedback in an HI learning environment helps law students learn from their errors and write more structured and persuasive legal texts. We conducted a field experiment in a law course to analyse the impact of formative feedback on the exam results of 43 law students, as well as on the writer (students), the writing product and the writing process. In the control group, students received feedback conforming to the legal common practice, where they solved legal problems and subsequently received general feedback from a lecturer based on a sample solution. Students in the treatment group were provided with formative feedback that specifically targeted their individual errors, thereby stimulating internal cognitive processes within the students. Our investigation revealed that participants who were provided with formative feedback rooted in their errors within structured and persuasive legal writing outperformed the control group in producing qualitative, better legal text during an exam. Furthermore, the analysed qualitative student statements also suggest that formative feedback promotes students' self‐efficacy and self‐regulated learning. Our findings indicate that integrating formative feedback rooted in individual errors enhances students' legal writing skills. This underscores the hybrid nature of AI, empowering students to identify their errors and improve in a more self‐regulated manner. Practitioner notes What is already known about this topic Collaboration between humans and AI in educational settings advances learning mutually, fostering a unified developmental process. Collaborative education models advocate leveraging human and AI strengths for adaptive learning. Despite abundant theoretical research, empirical studies in HI remain limited. This gap underscores the need for more evidence‐based approaches in integrating AI into educational settings. What this paper adds Field experiment investigating the impact of formative feedback in a hybrid intelligence learning environment based on the theory of learning from errors. Comparison of a traditional legal learning environment (lecturer teaching using sample solutions) versus formative feedback in a hybrid intelligence learning environment. Implementing formative machine learning‐based feedback supports law students in producing more structured and persuasive legal texts, leading to enhanced exam performance and higher grades. Implications for practice and/or policy Our research contributes significantly to computer‐based education by presenting empirical evidence of how formative writing feedback impacts students' legal knowledge and skills in educational settings. This underscores the importance of incorporating empirical data into the development of AI‐based educational tools to ensure their effectiveness. By focusing on individual errors corrected by formative feedback, we contribute to the learning from errors literature stream. This perspective offers valuable insights into how such feedback can support students' writing and learning processes, filling a gap in empirical evidence. Our findings demonstrate the potential impact of ML‐based learning systems, particularly in large‐scale learning environments like legal mass lectures. Formative writing feedback emerges as a scalable and beneficial addition to traditional learning environments, triggering internal learning processes, fostering self‐regulated learning and increasing self‐efficacy among students. By demonstrating the effectiveness of formative feedback within the framework of HI, particularly in legal education, our research underscores the potential of combining human understanding with AI‐supported feedback to enhance learning outcomes.
... Por ejemplo, algunos estudios resaltan que los docentes universitarios perciben el uso de la IA en sus prácticas docentes como una herramienta con potencial significativo para enriquecer la educación y fomentar resultados equitativos. Estos reconocen tanto las ventajas que ofrece la IA como su capacidad para agilizar los procesos de enseñanza y aprendizaje, aunque también manifiestan ciertas reservas y preocupaciones relacionadas con la equidad, la responsabilidad, y la insuficiencia de conocimientos y recursos para su utilización efectiva (Chan & Tsi, 2023 ). Esto sugiere la necesidad de profundizar en el conocimiento de sobre la IA, sus beneficios y riesgos, de manera que podamos articular fórmulas y prácticas educativas eficientes (McGrath et al., 2023). ...
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La emergencia de la inteligencia artificial generativa (IAG) plantea desafíos complejos al sistema educativo, especialmente en el ámbito universitario. La adopción de esta tecnología promete mejorar tareas administrativas, apoyar la práctica docente y personalizar el aprendizaje, entre otros beneficios. Sin embargo, su integración y aprovechamiento requieren que el profesorado disponga de unas competencias instrumentales, pero también críticas y reflexivas sobre el alcance y riesgos asociados a estas tecnologías. Este artículo describe la disposición del profesorado de la Facultad de Educación de la Universidad de la Laguna (Canarias, España) hacia la integración de la inteligencia artificial (IA) en su práctica profesional. Mediante un análisis empírico con enfoque de género, se revela que, aunque no existen diferencias significativas entre géneros en cuanto a la disposición para adoptar la IA, sí las hay en la percepción de riesgos y sesgos asociados. Por otra parte, se evidencia la necesidad de promover actividades formativas desde la gestión universitaria para facilitar una alfabetización de todos los colectivos.
... Such tutors have the potential to enhance students' learning experiences as they can provide personalized support to meet individual students' unique needs and learning styles. However, when using GAI for personalized tutoring, Chan and Tsi (2023) caution that it must be kept in mind that chatbots may lack the needed humanlike interaction and cannot understand and think to provide accurate answers to individual students. Although such tools might become more sophisticated than only providing data they have been trained on, this limitation can hinder individualized and specific student feedback and support. ...
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