The changing role of educators in the age of artificial intelligence: Molding minds at the digital dawn

This study investigates the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the roles and practices of educators and outlines the professional development needs in the era of AI. Employing qualitative interviews with 75 teachers across 15 schools in Azerbaijan, the research explores the integration of AI into education. It leverages the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework to examine the convergence of technology, pedagogy, and content expertise in teaching. Findings reveal that while AI has the potential to enhance personalized learning, its adoption poses significant challenges, including teacher burnout, ethical concerns, and the need for professional development programs. The study highlights the importance of practical training to enable educators to effectively integrate AI into teaching. Limitations include context specificity and potential biases in self-reporting. Future research should assess the long-term educational impacts of AI and expand to various educational settings for a broader perspective.