Investigating effective ways to use artificial intelligence in teacher education

Abstract

The current advancements in natural language processing (NLP) have paved the way for the development of highly effective AI-powered language models. These models can produce human-like writing, making them valuable in various domains, including education. Given the importance of preparing pre-service teachers who can effectively facilitate student learning in the ever-evolving digital landscape, it becomes crucial to explore innovative approaches. This study focuses on investigating the potential integration of ChatGPT, an NLP model, in teacher training programs. The qualitative research involved 2nd and 3rd-year pre-service teachers enrolled in ICTs in the Education curriculum. Data collection was done through a questionnaire and class discussions to gain insights into the pre-service teachers' experiences with using ChatGPT. The findings shed light on the potential strategies for leveraging ChatGPT to enhance lesson planning and classroom activities, as it generates text that closely resembles human communication and exhibits independent learning capabilities. Implementing ChatGPT in teacher training programs holds promise for empowering pre-service instructors in creating engaging educational materials.