Critical AI in Education Pathways: Towards a Human Centered AI for Teacher Educators

• In Event: Critical and Equity-Focused Perspectives on AI in Education

Abstract

As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes educational practice, teacher educators face the critical challenge of preparing future teachers to navigate its complexities. This design-based research study explores how a human-centered approach, grounded in critical AI literacy, can guide the development of professional learning resources for teacher educators. Drawing on interviews, a co-design workshop, and walkthrough interviews, the study identified key priorities and challenges related to pedagogical agency, ethical guidance, and policy consistency. In response, we designed an online curriculum aligned with Human-Centered AI (HCAI) principles, emphasizing educator agency, contextual adaptability, and reflective practice. Findings illustrate how human-centered design can bridge the gap between emerging technological demands and teacher education, offering a values-driven pathway for integrating AI literacy into teacher preparation programs.

Authors

• Evrim Baran, Iowa State University

• Melis Dilek, Iowa State University

• Melika Ziba, Iowa State University