Examining U.S. Parents’ Perceptions of the Use of AI in K-12 Education

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Saturday 7:45 am
  In Poster Session: Ethics, Epistemology, and Critical Perspectives on AI in Education

Abstract

This survey study explored U.S. parents’ perceptions of AI in K-12 education. Using data from 487 parents nationwide, we conducted descriptive and regression analyses to highlight parents’ perceptions towards AI and identify demographic variables that predict differences in perceptions. Descriptive results indicate that parents viewed AI positively, recognizing its potential to transform education and the need to learn more to support their children – while also expressing concerns about privacy, ethics, and overreliance. Regression results indicate that gender, age, living in a state with AI policies, educational level, and employment status predicted differences in parents’ perceptions of AI. These findings offer a foundation for targeted interventions to boost parents’ AI knowledge and better engage them as partners in their children’s education.

Authors

• Rachel Min Wong, University of Tennessee

• Timara McCollum, University of Tennessee

• Lynn L. Hodge, University of Tennessee

• Catherine Schuman, University of Tennessee