Pre-service teachers’ awareness and utilization of artificial intelligence for learning in universities in Kwara state, Nigeria

Abstract

Pre-service teachers' familiarity and proficiency with AI tools are crucial for effectively integrating these innovations into future classrooms. Yet, limited research exists on AI awareness and utilization among pre-service teachers in Nigerian universities, particularly in Kwara State. This study, therefore, explored the state of AI awareness and utilisation among pre-service teachers in universities in Kwara State. A descriptive research approach of survey type was employed. The population for the study was all pre-service teachers in universities in Kwara State, Nigeria. Two hundred (200) pre-service teachers were sampled for the study using stratified sampling technique. A researcher’ self-developed questionnaire was used for data collection while the data collected for this study were analysed using mean and percentage to answer the two research questions while independent t-test was used totest the hypotheses postulated for this study at 0.05 level of significance. The findings indicate that the level of awareness of Artificial Intelligence for learning was high among pre-service teachers in universities in Kwara State. It was also revealed that the level of utilisation of Artificial Intelligence for learning was low among pre-service teachers in universities in Kwara State. Statistical analysis using independent t-tests revealed no significant differences in AI awareness and utilization based on gender of the respondents. It was however recommended that training on usability of AI should be organised for pre-service teachers so as to ensure effective use of AI.