UAE: Some teachers still reluctant to use AI
UAE teachers show reluctance toward integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into classroom teaching because they worry about its educational effects and ethical issues and have not received necessary training.
A top UAE educator pointed out on Wednesday that AI brings notable advantages including administrative automation and personalized learning but many teachers remain unprepared and skeptical about its application.
President Ebrahim Al Hajri of Khalifa University of Science and Technology described educators' resistance toward adaptability and innovation as the primary obstacle to change implementation at universities during the AGF Summit 2025. The primary barrier universities encounter during their evolution process stems from their institutional hesitation towards change.
Educators often ask how students should be trusted to handle new technologies. Throughout history we can observe how human beings have shown persistent adaptability to technological progress across many centuries. The majority of technology usage demonstrates responsible behavior although a small portion experiences misuse.
Hajri demonstrated people's initial reluctance to input their credit card information online during PayPal's launch period.
The majority of households now possess credit or ATM cards while average people experience low fraud rates. The advent of artificial intelligence does not represent an unprecedented challenge when compared to past technological developments. AI should be recognized as a chance to produce benefits that exceed potential harm rather than being seen as a dangerous technology. The responsibility to utilize AI for positive outcomes rests with us as humans who possess a conscience despite the likelihood of some people misusing it.
What advantages exist for institutions to fund AI literacy programmes?
Educational institutions along with policymakers need to fund AI literacy programs and provide practical training to demonstrate that AI serves as an educational support tool for teachers and helps students learn better.
Associate Professor and Research Scientist Alavikunhu Panthakkan from the University of Dubai warns faculty members who resist technology adoption may become obsolete in the job market. Educators from the new generation recognize that using cutting-edge technology is imperative rather than optional. Traditional teaching methods which depended solely on lecture slides and textbooks now belong to a different era.
He noted that students can leverage AI tools and advanced technologies to check and build upon classroom learning delivered by teachers.
Panthakkan emphasized that teachers need to deliver content that remains accurate while being engaging and compatible with new learning methods. My teaching methods aim to facilitate students' engagement with learning tools to reinforce their understanding and expand their knowledge base.
Artificial Intelligence serves to improve teaching efficiency and produce personalized learning materials rather than taking the place of educators. Previously faculty members had to use predetermined textbooks for their teaching materials. The development of generative AI has opened up numerous resources which enable educators to create more personalized and impactful learning experiences.
The current technological era demands that student evaluation techniques must undergo significant transformation. The usage of technology is possible for students but they need to understand its foundational principles in relation to any given topic.
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