Date of Award

2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

First Advisor

Dr. PATRIC OJOK

Department

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

Abstract

College tutors' readiness to incorporate AI in teaching practices was explored in this study in selected teacher-training colleges in Tanzania. The study examined tutors' AI knowledge and experience, readiness variables, current use, and attitudes and perceptions. The study showed how ready college tutors were to use AI in education by addressing these issues.

Tanzania aimed to develop a knowledgeable society by 2025 as outlined in Vision 2025. Teacher Training Colleges play a crucial role in preparing future teachers, yet there is minimal research on tutors' preparedness to integrate artificial intelligence in education (AIED). While AIED holds the potential to enhance learning through personalized instruction, barriers like lack of readiness limit its use. Additionally, existing African AIED studies primarily focus on ethics and complex solutions without considering practical implementation challenges.

The study employed a qualitative case study to explore readiness for AIED integration in one Teachers' Training College in Tanzania. Ten tutors were purposively sampled based on teaching experience and participated in focus group discussions and interviews. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the qualitative data. The study was significant because incorporating AIED could benefit Tanzanian students' learning if proper support is provided. However, the studies suggested that effective implementation depended on individual user readiness.

Preliminary findings indicate tutors understand AI's potential yet remain cautious due to cost and capacity constraints. While they agree AI can simplify teaching, concerns around over-reliance on technology and loss of human connection were raised. Training initiatives are needed to strengthen tutor competency for successful AI integration aligned with educational goals. Overall, this study provides baseline insights into one college's readiness to adopt AIED and informs recommendations for supportive policies and training to realize AI's learning benefits.

First Page

1

Last Page

80

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