K-12 Teachers’ Needs, Experiences, and Attitudes with AI use in Education: Evidence from Facebook Discussions

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Wednesday 9:45am
  In Poster Session: Instructional Technology SIG Poster Presentations

Abstract

Artificial intelligence integration in education serves as both a visible and invisible engine changing learning and teaching. A recent study found 18% of U.S. teachers use AI tools and 15% have experimented with them (Diliberti et al., 2024). As AI becomes more integrated into classroom practice, debates emphasize the need for research on teachers' values, perspectives, and ethical considerations. This mixed-methods study explores K-12 teachers' AI attitudes using 1,515 Facebook posts from an "AI for Teachers" group. The research investigates how subject area and grade level influence teachers' AI discussions, tool preferences, and ethical concerns. Findings reveal STEM teachers show higher technical engagement, ELA teachers demonstrate greater ethical consideration, and elementary teachers have diverse tool needs.

Authors

• Joanne Ma, Rutgers University

• Dake Zhang, Rutgers University