Opinions of primary school teachers regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence in education

Generative artificial intelligence is a type of artificial intelligence designed to generate original content. It can generate content such as visual and auditory materials using algorithms without human intervention. For example, it can create realistic images and videos, generate unique music, melodies, and rhythms, and generate personalized content. The purpose of this research is to reveal primary school teachers' opinions and experiences regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence in education. The Basic Qualitative Research design was used in this study. The study group consists of 27 primary school teachers working in Istanbul during the 2023-2024 academic year. The data for the research were collected using a semi-structured interview form and analyzed using content analysis techniques. Themes and codes were utilized in the analysis. At the end of the research, primary school teachers stated that generative artificial intelligence would enhance the effects on learning and teaching, increase creativity, motivation, and innovation when used in a controlled manner, improve student-teacher interaction, enhance teaching quality by providing ease and increasing efficiency, improve academic achievement, and be needed for acquiring 21st-century skills. They also noted that it could assist in student assessment, extracurricular tasks, and school management. Additionally, the study revealed that uncontrolled use of generative artificial intelligence could negatively affect creativity, motivation, and innovation, and that attention must be paid to security and privacy during its use. Neglecting security and privacy could lead to ethical and societal problems, and human-centered policies and infrastructures need to be developed. In this context, it is recommended that teachers and administrators integrate generative artificial intelligence into lessons to increase efficiency, take precautions knowing that it can be used for malicious purposes, use it by identifying its advantages and disadvantages, utilize it after practice, participate in in-service training, and recognize its role in imparting 21st-century skills. It is also recommended that those who will integrate generative artificial intelligence into the education system work on integration and make technological investments. For researchers conducting studies on generative artificial intelligence, it is suggested to conduct research at different levels, carry out studies involving parents, expand the sample, conduct research with teachers from different disciplines, and conduct research with prospective teachers.