The Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Development of Digital Literacy of Teachers in Professional Pre-higher Education

Abstract

The integration of digital technologies into the educational space highlights the need for a new understanding of professional development for teachers. Its main component is digital literacy – the ability of educators to effectively apply digital tools and technologies in the educational process. This issue is particularly important in higher education institutions that prepare students for professional activity in the context of the intensive development of the information society. The quality of teachers’ digital training is mainly determined by the integration of artificial intelligence (hereinafter referred to as AI) as an auxiliary tool in educational, methodological, and organizational activities. The purpose of the study is to clarify the role and capabilities of artificial intelligence tools in the formation of digital literacy among teachers of higher vocational education institutions. The research methods include analysis of current scientific literature, systematization of experience in introducing educational innovations, as well as a comparative and analytical approach to studying the advantages and risks of using AI in the professional activities of teachers. The results showed that digital literacy is the basis for the professional development of teachers, and the integration of AI systems contributes to improving the quality of methodological support, personalizing the educational process, forming critical thinking, strengthening information security, and developing an innovative educational environment. At the same time, challenges were identified, including the insufficient readiness of some teachers to actively implement innovations, limited methodological support, and the need to improve regulatory documents governing digital competence. The conclusions summarize that the use of AI not only improves the digital skills of teachers, but also opens up prospects for modernizing professional development programs, creating educational platforms with AI elements, and updating digital competence standards in the system of pre-higher professional education. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of applying its results in the development of strategies for the digitalization of education, the formation of policies for the professional development of teachers, and the creation of conditions for the sustainable introduction of innovative technologies in the domestic educational environment.