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Title: Exploring Elementary Educators’ Perceptions of AI in the Context of Professional Development.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on education is a topic gaining attention due to the opportunities and challenges it presents for K-12 classrooms. While educators are crucial in integrating AI technology into instruction, empirical evidence documenting elementary educators’ perceptions of AI and its integration in classroom instruction is scarce. This study explores elementary educators’ perceptions of AI during and after participation in a professional development (PD) program which incorporated AI-focused sessions. Analyzing data from interviews, exit tickets, and group discussions, findings indicate that perceptions are shaped by factors such as the perceived usefulness of AI tools, ethical considerations, risks for younger students, and pedagogical concerns. Further, findings indicate that educators responded positively to the AI concepts and associated resources introduced in the PD. These findings offer important insights for research, practice, and policy to better support educators’ AI integration into classroom instruction.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1923483
PAR ID:
10657402
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ;
Publisher / Repository:
Research Highlights in Technology and Teacher Education 2025. AACE2025
Date Published:
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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