Uses and Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Teaching Practice: Benefits, Challenges, and Future Expectations among Teachers

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly expanded within educational environments, creating new opportunities for teaching while simultaneously raising pedagogical, ethical, and institutional challenges. Understanding how teachers are incorporating these technologies into their professional practice is essential for promoting their effective and responsible use. The objective of this study was to analyze the use of Artificial Intelligence tools in teaching practice, as well as the benefits, challenges, and perceptions associated with their implementation in educational contexts. A quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional design was employed. Data were collected through an online questionnaire administered to 31 Mexican teachers from different educational levels, disciplinary areas, institutional contexts, and teaching modalities. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze frequencies and percentages related to AI use, applications, training experiences, perceived benefits, challenges, and future expectations. The results indicate that Artificial Intelligence is increasingly integrated into teaching practice, particularly for lesson planning, instructional material development, academic research, and organizational tasks. ChatGPT emerged as the most frequently used tool, while the most commonly perceived benefits included time savings, improved instructional materials, and greater efficiency in professional activities. Ethical concerns, academic integrity, reliability of AI-generated information, and insufficient training were identified as the principal challenges. Despite these concerns, participants recognized the importance of Artificial Intelligence for the future of education and expressed intentions to increase its use in their professional practice. The findings suggest that AI is increasingly perceived as a valuable support resource for teaching; however, its successful integration requires teacher training, ethical guidance, institutional support, and pedagogical strategies that promote critical and responsible use.