Exploring the Readiness of Pre-Service Teachers for AI Integration in Philippine Education

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly changing the landscape of education, from enhancing curriculum design to simplifying administrative tasks and offering personalized learning experiences. This study examined the readiness of pre-service teachers to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their teaching practices. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were gathered from 72 pre-service teachers through a structured survey and focus group discussions (FGDs). The research explored participants’ familiarity with AI, their confidence in using AI tools, perceived challenges, and expectations for AI integration in education. The findings revealed that while a significant portion of respondents (65%) were familiar with AI in education, the majority (85%) believed that teachers will always be essential, highlighting concerns about AI replacing educators. The study identified AI’s greatest potential in lesson planning and curriculum development (72%), but challenges such as the lack of formal training (55%) and concerns about data privacy and job displacement were prominent. Informants expressed the need for clear, accessible training and hands-on experience with AI tools like Google Classroom and DepEd learning systems to boost their confidence and readiness. Additionally, the study found that AI could help streamline administrative tasks, improve efficiency, and support personalized learning, but its integration must be accompanied by training and ethical considerations. Based on these findings, it is recommended that teacher education programs incorporate AI-focused curricula to enhance digital literacy and adaptability. Future research should evaluate the long-term impacts of AI on teaching practices and explore ways to address ethical concerns while maintaining the human connection in education.