Exploring Instructional Design Methods and Perception Changes Using Generative AI: A Case Study from A Graduate School of Education

Objectives This study aimed to analyze the perceptual changes experienced by pre-service teachers as they derived the final products of lesson plans using generative AI, and to explore educational implications for enhancing their Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK). Methods For this purpose, a preliminary training on the educational use of generative AI was conducted for 20 students in a teacher education course at A Education Graduate School in Seoul. Subsequently, the students explored applicable lesson design strategies for various subjects and reflected on these processes and experiences through mid-term assignments, which were then qualitatively analyzed based on the TPACK framework. Results Firstly, pre-service teachers recognized the educational utility of selecting and using generative AI tools aligned with educational objectives and confirmed their potential as tools for delivering subject content. Secondly, through experiencing the limitations of generative AI, they recognized the importance of carefully integrating technology and cultivating digital and AI literacy among teachers. It was found that their repeated and experimental approaches to lesson design contributed to the enhancement of problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Thirdly, pre-service teachers who were initially hesitant to use generative AI developed a positive perception and showed a willingness to use it more extensively in lesson design. Lastly, they were able to effectively integrate elements of generative AI and TPACK, developing new and innovative customized teaching methods and strategies suitable for each subject, and expanded their educational thinking and perspectives by experiencing lesson design cases from fellow pre-service teachers. Conclusions Teacher training institutions should develop and operate more practical curricula that include excellent examples of technology-integrated classes and practical exercises. Additionally, the curriculum should include content that simulates real issues encountered while using generative AI, and develop customized professional courses that facilitate the systematic integration of generative AI according to each major.