Generative AI has emerged as a transformative tool in education, offering innovative ways to enhance teaching and learning processes. Since 2024, efforts to train in-service teachers in Malaysia, particularly in rural areas, have focused on equipping them with practical skills to integrate generative AI into their daily responsibilities. These training programs aimed to empower teachers to streamline lesson planning, create engaging learning materials, and deliver effective feedback, ultimately improving classroom experiences.
The primary challenge in these training initiatives lies not in technological barriers but in attitudinal resistance. Many teachers attend sessions under administrative direction and are often hesitant to engage with unfamiliar tools. To address this, training programs were meticulously designed to align with their practical needs and responsibilities in mind. By employing andragogical principles, workshops prioritised hands-on activities, interactive learning, and individualised support to ensure participants understood and could apply acquired skills in the classroom. Small-group facilitation and a slower pace further enhanced the learning experience, fostering confidence and competence among participants.
This keynote presentation will explore the strategies employed to overcome attitudinal challenges, highlighting the importance of relevance, engagement, and personalised guidance in generative AI training for educators. It will also discuss the broader implications of these efforts in transforming rural education, where teachers have begun to embrace AI for more efficient and creative teaching practices. The session aims to provide valuable insights for educators, trainers, and policymakers seeking to implement effective AI training programs in similar contexts, emphasising the potential of generative AI to bridge educational disparities.
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