Understanding pre-service teachers' intention to adopt and use artificial intelligence in Nigerian inclusive classrooms

Abstract

Introduction: This study applied the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to provide an understanding of the behavioral intentions of pre-service teachers in the adoption and utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) tools for educational engagement in the inclusive classroom. Methods: The cross-sectional study collected data through a validated questionnaire from 411 pre-service teachers were analyzed with descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and simple percentage calculation, as well as inferential statistics which involved correlational analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Results: The study established that effort expectancy had a positive and direct significant contribution to the perceived behavioral intention of pre-service teachers to adopt and use AI for inclusive education teaching. Technological self-efficacy had no direct contributory effect on these teachers' behavioral intention to adopt and use AI for inclusive education teaching. Technological self-efficacy did, however, have a significant positive and indirect contribution to the effect of performance expectancy and social influence on the pre-service teachers' behavioral intention to adopt and use AI for inclusive education teaching, based on their technological self-efficacy. Discussion: The implication of findings of this study points to the exigency of a need to strengthen institutional policies and teacher preparation curricula in a manner that would advance the infusion of the use of artificial intelligence for teaching of learners with special needs.