Teaching religious studies with artificial intelligence: A qualitative analysis of Lesotho secondary schools teachers’ perceptions

Artificial intelligence (AI) integration in education is expanding globally due to machine learning and big data advancements. AI has the potential to revolutionize teaching and learning practices by providing personalised experiences and enhancing engagement. However, it also raises concerns regard...

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Main Authors: Lehlohonolo Kurata, Musa Adekunle Ayanwale, Rethabile Rosemary Molefi, Tajudeen Sanni
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-06-01
Series:International Journal of Educational Research Open
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666374024000992
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author Lehlohonolo Kurata
Musa Adekunle Ayanwale
Rethabile Rosemary Molefi
Tajudeen Sanni
author_facet Lehlohonolo Kurata
Musa Adekunle Ayanwale
Rethabile Rosemary Molefi
Tajudeen Sanni
author_sort Lehlohonolo Kurata
collection DOAJ
description Artificial intelligence (AI) integration in education is expanding globally due to machine learning and big data advancements. AI has the potential to revolutionize teaching and learning practices by providing personalised experiences and enhancing engagement. However, it also raises concerns regarding technology infrastructure and ethical considerations. This study investigates the integration of AI in secondary religious studies in Lesotho, focusing on teachers' perspectives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 secondary religious studies teachers in Lesotho using an interpretive paradigm and qualitative approach. Thematic analysis identified patterns and themes within the data, revealing that teachers perceive AI as improving teaching efficiency and student learning outcomes. However, concerns about access, ethical use, and pedagogical implications remain significant. Recommendations include policy initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and targeted teacher training programs. This study provides insights into the adoption of AI in educational contexts, highlighting the benefits and challenges specific to Lesotho's secondary religious studies curriculum.
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issn 2666-3740
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publishDate 2025-06-01
publisher Elsevier
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spelling doaj-art-baa6c59b8af04d13beeb47ac55a61cd82025-08-20T02:14:54ZengElsevierInternational Journal of Educational Research Open2666-37402025-06-01810041710.1016/j.ijedro.2024.100417Teaching religious studies with artificial intelligence: A qualitative analysis of Lesotho secondary schools teachers’ perceptionsLehlohonolo Kurata0Musa Adekunle Ayanwale1Rethabile Rosemary Molefi2Tajudeen Sanni3Department of Languages and Social Education, National University of Lesotho, LesothoDepartment of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Corresponding author.Department of Languages and Social Education, National University of Lesotho, LesothoDepartment of Law, Faculty of Shariah and Law, Villa College, Male, MaldivesArtificial intelligence (AI) integration in education is expanding globally due to machine learning and big data advancements. AI has the potential to revolutionize teaching and learning practices by providing personalised experiences and enhancing engagement. However, it also raises concerns regarding technology infrastructure and ethical considerations. This study investigates the integration of AI in secondary religious studies in Lesotho, focusing on teachers' perspectives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 secondary religious studies teachers in Lesotho using an interpretive paradigm and qualitative approach. Thematic analysis identified patterns and themes within the data, revealing that teachers perceive AI as improving teaching efficiency and student learning outcomes. However, concerns about access, ethical use, and pedagogical implications remain significant. Recommendations include policy initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and targeted teacher training programs. This study provides insights into the adoption of AI in educational contexts, highlighting the benefits and challenges specific to Lesotho's secondary religious studies curriculum.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666374024000992Artificial intelligenceReligious studiesSecondary educationTeachers’ perceptionsLesotho
spellingShingle Lehlohonolo Kurata
Musa Adekunle Ayanwale
Rethabile Rosemary Molefi
Tajudeen Sanni
Teaching religious studies with artificial intelligence: A qualitative analysis of Lesotho secondary schools teachers’ perceptions
International Journal of Educational Research Open
Artificial intelligence
Religious studies
Secondary education
Teachers’ perceptions
Lesotho
title Teaching religious studies with artificial intelligence: A qualitative analysis of Lesotho secondary schools teachers’ perceptions
title_full Teaching religious studies with artificial intelligence: A qualitative analysis of Lesotho secondary schools teachers’ perceptions
title_fullStr Teaching religious studies with artificial intelligence: A qualitative analysis of Lesotho secondary schools teachers’ perceptions
title_full_unstemmed Teaching religious studies with artificial intelligence: A qualitative analysis of Lesotho secondary schools teachers’ perceptions
title_short Teaching religious studies with artificial intelligence: A qualitative analysis of Lesotho secondary schools teachers’ perceptions
title_sort teaching religious studies with artificial intelligence a qualitative analysis of lesotho secondary schools teachers perceptions
topic Artificial intelligence
Religious studies
Secondary education
Teachers’ perceptions
Lesotho
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666374024000992
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AT rethabilerosemarymolefi teachingreligiousstudieswithartificialintelligenceaqualitativeanalysisoflesothosecondaryschoolsteachersperceptions
AT tajudeensanni teachingreligiousstudieswithartificialintelligenceaqualitativeanalysisoflesothosecondaryschoolsteachersperceptions