Rural-Urban Teachers’ Differences in Perceptions and Usage of Applying Generative AI in Teaching Practices

• In Event: Exploring Teacher's Perceptions & Experiences With the Adoption of AI in Education

Abstract

This study examined rural-urban differences in teachers’ perceptions and usage of GenAI in China’s compulsory education. A large-scale survey of 2,255 teachers was conducted using an extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework that incorporated two contextual factors, perceived trust (PT) and perceived risk (PR). Structural equation modeling analysis indicated that the majority of pathways in the extended model reached statistical significance, with the exception of those related to PT and PR, which were non-significant. The multi-group analysis revealed divergences between rural and urban teachers regarding the influence mechanisms on behavioral intention and PR, though no such differences were observed for use behavior. These findings underscore the necessity of tailored intervention strategies for different educational contexts.

Authors

• Shuo Feng, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

• Xin Gao, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

• Mingjie Li, Shibei District Education Research and Development Center, Qingdao

• Qiyu Zhang, Shandong Normal University

• Siqi Shen, Vanderbilt University

• Yangcun Feng, Tongji University

• Shuai Wang, Shanghai Jiao Tong University