Advances in Technology: Teachers’ Thoughts About Using AI Technologies in Middle School Literacy Teaching

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 3:35 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: AI and Technology: Teacher Learning and Teachers' Perspectives (Table 8)

Abstract

Teachers’ thoughts about adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in middle school literacy instruction were examined. Using a teacher inquiry method, 40 teachers seeking certification as K-12 literacy specialists participated. Inquiry tasks required composing an argument essay about a middle school curricula topic, comparing it with one produced by ChatGPT and indicating whether and how AI might be employed in their teaching. Eighty percent of the teachers indicated they would use AI in their teaching, and the majority of their responses were overwhelmingly positive. Teachers’ responses fell into three categories: (1) generic strategies for lesson planning and locating learning resources; (2) specific strategies related to literacy teaching, and (3) ways middle school students could apply AI technologies in their studies.

Authors

• Peter McDermott, Pace University

• Francine C. Falk-Ross, Pace University

• Kathleen Gormley, The Sage Colleges

• Teja Vuppu, Pace University