ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN SCHOOL EDUCATION: OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS WITH EVIDENCE FROM UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a revolutionary technology that has significantly made impacts on the educational fields including teaching, learning, assessment, educational support and school management in school education. Further, the emergence of generative AI has contributed significantly to this shift, offering teachers and students tools to create content, tailor learning, aid in instructional writing, and streamline mundane tasks. However, the integration of AI in school education also raises concerns related to academic integrity, data privacy, algorithmic bias, overreliance on AI, and institutional readiness. This research critically reviews contemporary literature on the opportunities and challenges associated with AI, integration in school education, with particular attention to the emerging context of Uzbekistan’s school education. The review synthesizes international research alongside recent studies examining AI adoption among educators in Uzbekistan, while recognizing that direct evidence from school education remains limited. The literature suggests, that AI can improve personalized learning, feedback and assessment, teachers’ lesson planning and professional learning, and minimize teachers’ administrative burden. Meanwhile, AI literacy, professional development, ethical governance, and institutional support are key to effective implementation. Evidence from Uzbekistan demonstrates growing acceptance of AI among educators but also indicates, that school-level guidance and professional expertise remain underdeveloped. The study believes that Uzbekistan may learn from worldwide experiences while pursuing a context-sensitive, human-centered approach to AI integration in school education.