Talking Technology Tutors: The Perceptions of Conversational AI in Education through the Eyes of Parents and Teachers Worldwide

Abstract

As AI becomes an increasingly prevalent tool across society, conversations have begun on whether it should be implemented into education. Teachers and parents are at the forefront of this dilemma, their opinions being an integral part of the ongoing discussion. This study explores parents’ and teachers’ perspectives on the uses of conversational AI in education through an exploratory survey. Survey results (111 parents, 109 teachers) showed that the majority of parents and teachers believed conversational AI could support their child’s/students’ development, they were likely to use conversational AI for their child/student, and were comfortable with their child/students using it. In addition, there was a moderate amount of apprehension from both parents and teachers toward AI in education to due privacy, plagiarism and lack human contact concerns. Overall, the findings suggest that while there is enthusiasm for integrating AI into education, concerns about its implications need to be carefully addressed.