Opportunities and Risks of Using Artificial Intelligence in Education: Impact on Teachers' Digital Competence

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to analyze the opportunities and risks associated with using artificial intelligence (AI) in education and assess their impact on the quality of the learning process and the development of teachers’ digital competence. To achieve the goals, the study employs methods such as analysis of scientific sources dedicated to the use of artificial intelligence in education, as well as synthesis, which involves combining theoretical knowledge with practical examples that illustrate the opportunities and risks of using this technology, as well as its impact on the development of teachers' digital competence. The results of this study highlight that AI is becoming an essential part of modern education due to the accessibility of commercial platforms. The study emphasizes that AI offers significant opportunities for learners, such as increasing the effectiveness of information retrieval, facilitating personalized learning, reducing educational costs, and providing a supportive environment for skill practice. Additionally, for educators, AI provides such benefits as the automation of routine tasks and the development of more effective teaching programs. At the same time, the article provides a detailed analysis of various risks associated with implementing and using AI in the education sector, which can significantly affect the efficiency and quality of the educational process. Among them are academic integrity issues, including increased plagiarism and the spreading of inaccurate information, a decline in the development of critical thinking, students' reliance on technology, digital inequality, and concerns regarding learners' data privacy. The article underscores the importance of enhancing teachers' digital competence, which facilitates the integration of AI tools into the educational process and enables educators to anticipate and adapt to how students may use AI. Therefore, by enhancing their digital competence, teachers can promptly respond to emerging challenges through adjustments to learning strategies. This approach helps mitigate the risks associated with the proliferation of AI in education. The conclusions highlight that integrating AI into education requires a comprehensive and balanced approach that considers both its opportunities and potential risks. Enhancing educators' digital competence is crucial to mitigating these risks, as it plays a vital role in monitoring and adapting the educational process to current realities.