Navigating AI in elementary education: Teacher insights on its effectiveness and challenges

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the perspectives of elementary teachers in the Philippines regarding the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the classroom. While AI is rapidly transforming educational landscapes globally, its implementation in the local context requires an in-depth understanding of the experiences of front-line educators (UNESCO, 2021). Using a qualitative research design, this study interviewed 15 elementary teachers to identify their perceptions of AI's effectiveness in enhancing instructional delivery, its impact on student engagement (Bond et al., 2020), and the specific challenges faced during integration. Thematic analysis was employed to interpret the data (Mercado, 2024). Preliminary expectations suggest that while teachers recognize AI's potential for reducing administrative burdens, they encounter significant barriers such as technological limitations and ethical concerns (Selwyn, 2019). The findings provide essential insights for policymakers to develop teacher-centric AI integration strategies.