AI in the Classroom: Insights from Educators on Usage, Challenges, and Mental Health

This study examines educators’ perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational settings, focusing on their familiarity with AI tools, integration into teaching practices, professional development needs, the influence of institutional policies, and impacts on mental health. Survey response...

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Main Authors: Julie A. Delello, Woonhee Sung, Kouider Mokhtari, Julie Hebert, Amy Bronson, Tonia De Giuseppe
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Education Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/15/2/113
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author Julie A. Delello
Woonhee Sung
Kouider Mokhtari
Julie Hebert
Amy Bronson
Tonia De Giuseppe
author_facet Julie A. Delello
Woonhee Sung
Kouider Mokhtari
Julie Hebert
Amy Bronson
Tonia De Giuseppe
author_sort Julie A. Delello
collection DOAJ
description This study examines educators’ perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational settings, focusing on their familiarity with AI tools, integration into teaching practices, professional development needs, the influence of institutional policies, and impacts on mental health. Survey responses from 353 educators across various levels and countries revealed that 92% of respondents are familiar with AI, utilizing it to enhance teaching efficiency and streamline administrative tasks. Notably, many educators reported students using AI tools like ChatGPT for assignments, prompting adaptations in teaching methods to promote critical thinking and reduce dependency. Some educators saw AI’s potential to reduce stress through automation but others raised concerns about increased anxiety and social isolation from reduced interpersonal interactions. This study highlights a gap in institutional AI policies, leading some educators to establish their own guidelines, particularly for matters such as data privacy and plagiarism. Furthermore, respondents identified a significant need for professional development focused on AI literacy and ethical considerations. This study’s findings suggest the necessity for longitudinal studies to explore the long-term effects of AI on educational outcomes and mental health and underscore the importance of incorporating student perspectives for a thorough understanding of AI’s role in education.
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spelling doaj-art-c0889a634a4b442f8b720b94f8fcdeeb2025-08-20T02:44:32ZengMDPI AGEducation Sciences2227-71022025-01-0115211310.3390/educsci15020113AI in the Classroom: Insights from Educators on Usage, Challenges, and Mental HealthJulie A. Delello0Woonhee Sung1Kouider Mokhtari2Julie Hebert3Amy Bronson4Tonia De Giuseppe5School of Education, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX 75799, USASchool of Education, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX 75799, USASchool of Education, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX 75799, USAPhysician Assistant Program, West Coast University, Richardson, TX 75080, USAPhysician Assistant Program, West Coast University, Richardson, TX 75080, USADepartment of Didactics, Special Pedagogy, and Educational Research, Giustino Fortunato University of Benevento, 82100 Benevento, ItalyThis study examines educators’ perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational settings, focusing on their familiarity with AI tools, integration into teaching practices, professional development needs, the influence of institutional policies, and impacts on mental health. Survey responses from 353 educators across various levels and countries revealed that 92% of respondents are familiar with AI, utilizing it to enhance teaching efficiency and streamline administrative tasks. Notably, many educators reported students using AI tools like ChatGPT for assignments, prompting adaptations in teaching methods to promote critical thinking and reduce dependency. Some educators saw AI’s potential to reduce stress through automation but others raised concerns about increased anxiety and social isolation from reduced interpersonal interactions. This study highlights a gap in institutional AI policies, leading some educators to establish their own guidelines, particularly for matters such as data privacy and plagiarism. Furthermore, respondents identified a significant need for professional development focused on AI literacy and ethical considerations. This study’s findings suggest the necessity for longitudinal studies to explore the long-term effects of AI on educational outcomes and mental health and underscore the importance of incorporating student perspectives for a thorough understanding of AI’s role in education.https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/15/2/113educationartificial intelligencestudentsethicsmental healthefficiency
spellingShingle Julie A. Delello
Woonhee Sung
Kouider Mokhtari
Julie Hebert
Amy Bronson
Tonia De Giuseppe
AI in the Classroom: Insights from Educators on Usage, Challenges, and Mental Health
Education Sciences
education
artificial intelligence
students
ethics
mental health
efficiency
title AI in the Classroom: Insights from Educators on Usage, Challenges, and Mental Health
title_full AI in the Classroom: Insights from Educators on Usage, Challenges, and Mental Health
title_fullStr AI in the Classroom: Insights from Educators on Usage, Challenges, and Mental Health
title_full_unstemmed AI in the Classroom: Insights from Educators on Usage, Challenges, and Mental Health
title_short AI in the Classroom: Insights from Educators on Usage, Challenges, and Mental Health
title_sort ai in the classroom insights from educators on usage challenges and mental health
topic education
artificial intelligence
students
ethics
mental health
efficiency
url https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/15/2/113
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