Teaching in the Age of AI: Empowering Educators Through Professional Development

• In Event: Faculty as Teacher-Scholars

Abstract

This mixed-methods study examined how a three-day professional development workshop influenced 29 university educators’ readiness to integrate artificial intelligence in teaching. While their prior experience with AI varied, the findings show a significant improvement in their self-efficacy, attitudes, professional expectations, and personal experience with AI, while willingness to use AI remained high. Subgroup analyses showed the greatest improvements among beginner and intermediate users. Follow-up interviews reinforced these findings, highlighting enthusiasm for AI integration, the importance of AI literacy, and concerns about ethical use. Results suggest that structured professional development can effectively prepare educators to adopt AI tools responsibly and confidently, supporting innovative and informed instructional practices.

Authors

• Xi Lin, East Carolina University

• Kristen H. Gregory, East Carolina University

• Kenneth J. Luterbach, East Carolina University

• Todd Blake Finley, East Carolina University

• Sarah Sconyers, East Carolina University