Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer merely a promise for the future; it is already a tool present in university classrooms.
A research project from the University of Extremadura has explored how AI can be incorporated into the initial training of teachers, particularly within the Early Childhood Education degree. In the study, 76 preservice teachers participated in an online course where they learned to design educational resources using AI, through the development of projects with LearningML, a machine learning platform adapted for educational settings.
The results show that students not only perceive AI as a technology capable of making learning more engaging and personalized, but also feel confident in their ability to use it in their future teaching practice, provided they receive appropriate support from their instructors.
The project has revealed significant progress: over 80% of participants believe that AI enhances student engagement and motivation, and more than half stated that its integration could boost academic performance. However, challenges remain. Future teachers highlight the lack of resources in schools, the need for time to familiarize themselves with AI tools, and the urgent need for more systematic training in digital competencies, especially regarding the ethical considerations associated with AI use.
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This experience underscores that, in order to fully harness the potential of technology, universities must adapt their curricula and integrate the development of technological skills as a core element of teacher training.
Beyond academic outcomes, this initiative reflects an unstoppable trend: 21st-century education demands new competencies not only from students but also from teachers. Integrating AI into preservice teacher training poses a crucial challenge: to build a more inclusive, personalized form of education aligned with the demands of a rapidly changing world.
As the study’s authors, Desirée Ayuso-del Puerto and Prudencia Gutiérrez-Esteban, point out, preparing future teachers to use AI critically and creatively is a fundamental step towards achieving a more equitable and high-quality education, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
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How to Cite: Ayuso del Puerto, D., & Gutiérrez Esteban, P. (2022). Artificial Intelligence as an Educational Resource during Preservice Teacher Training. RIED. Revista Iberoamericana De Educación a Distancia, 25(2), 347–362. https://doi.org/10.5944/ried.25.2.32332
