CHALLENGES AND POSSIBILITIES OF GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR BASIC EDUCATION: A STUDY WITH TEACHERS AT IFTM PARACATU

Abstract

This research investigates how teachers of integrated technical education at the Federal Institute of Education, Science, and Technology of the Triângulo Mineiro (IFTM) – Paracatu campus perceive and evaluate the pedagogical use of tools based on generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Classified as strategic basic research, the study employed mixed methods with the aim of describing the challenges and opportunities perceived by teachers regarding the pedagogical use of AI-based tools. A semi-structured questionnaire was used, and the responses were organized into two main categories: opportunities and challenges. Within these categories, subcategories were identified to detail different aspects of teacher’s perceptions. The results indicated that teachers see great pedagogical potential in generative AI tools, particularly in facilitating access to information, assisting in computer programming, creating content, and personalizing teaching. However, real challenges were also identified, such as the potential loss of student’s cognitive skills, the need to guide the responsible use of AIs, the risk of technological dependency, and the spread of misinformation. The research concludes that it is essential to promote continuous teacher training so that they and their students can critically use these technologies and harness their pedagogical benefits while minimizing the risks of a technology that is already present in the educational context.