AI Chatbots for Educators: Transforming Online Learning in Higher Education

Abstract

This study explores the experiences of pre- and in-service teachers using AI chatbots in Pedagogical Information and Communication Technology (ICTPED) Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), an online course designed to develop professional digital competence. Data was collected through an online questionnaire completed by 46 participants and follow-up interviews with eight students. The findings reveal that 52.2% of participants used chatbots to support their learning, while 47.8% did not. Participants primarily used chatbots to clarify course content, generate learning materials, and explore curriculum-related topics. Many students found chatbots to be valuable for developing conceptual understanding, providing instant feedback, and serving as brainstorming partners. Motivation for chatbot use included curiosity, ease of communication, and trust in the tool’s feedback. Despite the reported benefits, some participants expressed concerns regarding the accuracy and reliability of chatbot-generated content. The study contributes to the growing body of research on AI in education by highlighting how chatbots can facilitate personalized learning experiences and self-regulated learning in online teacher education. Further research is needed to address challenges related to chatbot accuracy, over-reliance, and ethical considerations.