Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration in Education: Teachers’ Utilization, Perceptions, and Implementation Challenges

Abstract

This study explored the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in chemistry instruction, focusing on teachers’ utilization patterns, perceptions, and the challenges they encounter. A sample of 18 chemistry teachers from various institutions participated, providing insights into the types and frequency of AI tools used, including ChatGPT, ChemCollective, and PhET Interactive Simulations. Findings indicate that generative AI tools—particularly ChatGPT—are the most widely adopted due to their accessibility, versatility, and ease of integration. In contrast, subject-specific and creative AI platforms remain underutilized, suggesting that familiarity, perceived complexity, and awareness significantly influence adoption patterns. Teachers demonstrated strongly positive perceptions of AI integration in both curriculum and instruction, recognizing its potential to enhance content delivery, student engagement, personalized learning, and the development of 21st-century skills. No significant differences were found across institutions, indicating a shared readiness to integrate AI in chemistry education. Despite these favorable perceptions, effective implementation is constrained by technical limitations, infrastructure gaps, data quality concerns, usability challenges, ethical issues, and privacy risks. Teachers also expressed concerns about over-reliance on AI and the potential reduction of meaningful teacher–student interaction, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced, human-centered approach. Overall, the findings support the strategic and guided adoption of AI as a pedagogical enhancement tool rather than a substitute for professional judgment and instructional expertise. The results highlight the need for structured, discipline-specific professional development that emphasizes prompt literacy, critical evaluation of AI outputs, ethical awareness, and pedagogical alignment. Strengthening technological infrastructure, establishing sustained institutional support systems, and developing clear guidelines for responsible AI use are essential to ensure effective, equitable, and ethically grounded integration of AI in chemistry education.