The Use of Artificial Intelligence to Support English Language Teachers in their Professional Development

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming various fields, including education. It is increasingly being integrated into teaching and learning processes worldwide. This study aims to examine the impact of AI on English language teachers' professional development. A total of 207 English teachers from various Iranian institutions participated in the study. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study utilized a Likert-scale questionnaire and semi-structured interviews to gather data. The findings revealed that the majority of participants viewed AI positively, perceiving it as beneficial for their professional growth, curriculum enhancement, and student performance. However, several challenges were identified, including the need for additional training and concerns related to privacy. The study concludes with recommendations for optimizing AI implementation, emphasizing the importance of tailored training programs, robust ethical guidelines, and collaborative tools. The insights from this research are expected to assist educators, policymakers, and AI developers in effectively integrating AI into educational settings.