[publication] Empowering Preservice Biology Teachers as Designers of Pedagogical AI Agents: Moving Beyond Data Feeding toward Pedagogical Design #research

Our article about „Empowering Preservice Biology Teachers as Designers of Pedagogical AI Agents: Moving Beyond Data Feeding toward Pedagogical Design“ is published and available online.

Abstract:
Artificial intelligence (AI) influences learning processes, student activities, and the organization of teaching, both in general and specifically in science education. Research indicates that the way AI will affect science learning primarily depends on how it is implemented in teaching. This study examines the ability of preservice biology teachers (PSBTs) to independently develop pedagogical AI agents (TDP-AI agents), most often in the form of chatbots, tailored to teaching goals, content, and students‘ needs. This empirical study, based on a mixed-methods research approach and applying the ICAP theoretical framework, analyzed 54 lesson plans. In addition, the study explored PSBTs‘ perceptions regarding the development and contribution of TDP-AI to biology teaching. The results reveal three patterns of AI agent application in lesson plans: (a) intensive use of TDP-AI agents across all lesson phases, promoting students‘ cognitive engagement, (b) moderate and selective use focused on core activities, and (c) limited use mainly in introductory segments. Five thematic areas reflect PSBTs‘ perspectives: (1) personalization and flexibility of learning, (2) enhancement of student motivation and engagement, (3) development of teachers‘ digital and pedagogical competencies, (4) technical and resource-related challenges in agent development, and (5) pedagogical-methodological barriers in designing student-AI interactions. The findings emphasize the need for systematic support for pre-service teachers in developing digital tools and building pedagogical approaches to ensure AI is used ethically and effectively in science education.

[full article @ publisher’s homepage]
[full article @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Anđić, B., Helm, C., Weinhandl, R. et al. Empowering Preservice Biology Teachers as Designers of Pedagogical AI Agents: Moving Beyond Data Feeding toward Pedagogical Design. Res Sci Educ (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-026-10359-0

This is an impactful contributions, methodological rigor, and exceptional novelty in the research field of AI in education.

[publication] From Gretel to Strudelcity: Empowering Teachers Regarding Generative AI for Enhanced AI Literacy with CollectiveGPT #AIinEducation #research #edtech

Congratulations to Benedikt, who did a great job developing a successful workshop for school teachers. We summarized his results in the publication „From Gretel to Strudelcity: Empowering Teachers Regarding Generative AI for Enhanced AI Literacy with CollectiveGPT.“

Abstract:
In the era of transformative technologies, generative artificial intelligence (genAI) offers profound opportunities and challenges for education. This study explores the development and execution of an interactive workshop designed to equip educators with foundational genAI literacy. Using a design-based research (DBR) framework, the workshop leverages interactivity and contextual relevance to introduce genAI concepts, prompting strategies and ethical considerations. Participants engaged in a scripted learning workshop design, comparing human and AI responses, exploring genAI’s probabilistic foundations, context dependency, and vulnerability to manipulation. Conducted across 12 workshops with 191 participants in Austria, this study revealed significant improvements in self-perceived genAI understanding, with 70% of participants reporting better grades in post-assessment evaluations. Feedback emphasized the workshop’s strengths in interactivity and relevance, alongside recommendations for deeper school-specific applications. Scalability analysis showed that workshop duration remained consistent regardless of group size, suggesting potential for broader implementation. The findings highlight the effectiveness of scripted learning workshop design in fostering critical AI literacy, preparing educators to critically evaluate and ethically integrate genAI into pedagogical practices. This adaptable model contributes to the discourse on professional development in AI-enhanced education.

[full paper @ publisher’s Homepage]
[full paper @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Brünner, B., Schön, S., & Ebner, M. (2025). From Gretel to Strudelcity: Empowering Teachers Regarding Generative AI for Enhanced AI Literacy with CollectiveGPT. Education Sciences15(2), 206. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15020206

[publication] Future Teacher Training of Several Universities with MOOCs as OER – Teaching in #COVID19 Pandemic. Stories from the field #imoox #mooc

#COVID19 was and is a big challenge for many people, for teachers as universities as well. And of course we love to share experiences we made or have seen at the TU Graz as well to enrich the contributions on teaching and learning with technologies in HEI.

This time we contributed to a book which collects 133 (!) experiences from colleagues worldwide, all available under CC BY NC ND. Please have look and check:

https://www.learntechlib.org/p/216903/

Our contribution describes:

To train future Austrian teachers in using digital media, a novel didactic design was implemented at several universities in Austria in summer semester 2019: The course includes the participation in a MOOC (massive open online course) on the topic, an accompanying group work at the universities and multiple-choice tests conducted at the universities. In the summer semester of 2020, due to the COVID-19 crisis, the group work and exams had to be switched to virtual space as well. Because the course materials are available under an open license, i.e. as open educational resources, further use is possible and offered.

Ebner, Martin & Schön, Sandra (2020). Remote Future Teacher Training with MOOCs. In: R.E. Ferdig, E. Baumgartner, E., R. Hartshorne, E. Kaplan-Rakowski, & C. Mouza, C. (Ed). Teaching, Technology, and Teacher Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Stories from the Field. Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Pp. 493-497. Book is available under CC BY NC ND: https://www.learntechlib.org/p/216903/;. Preprint at ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342261714_Remote_Future_Teacher_Training_with_MOOCs

[CfP] Digital Innovations in Teacher Education

I just like to hint to an interesting Call for Papers titled „Digital Innovations in Teacher Education„. The University of Teacher Education Vienna in cooperation with the Reflecting Education Journal solicits original (research) papers framing pedagogic and didactic considerations, applicative scenarios or taxonomies in the field of technology-enhanced (language) learning and teaching within the context of teacher education/development.

There is little doubt that digital innovations have initiated a vivid discussion concerning the reformation or adaptation of higher education in general (cf. Wiley 2009, Strasser & Greller 2014). Especially in the field of teacher education, certain developments concerning a curricular implementation of digital technologies in initial teacher education and teacher training (including post-graduate teacher education, and continuing professional development/teacher development) can be noted. However, experts (cf. Wiley 2009, Siemens 2004) suggest that especially technological developments have often not been didactically implemented in teacher education/development curricula

The deadline for submission is February 7th, 2015 – find here the Call for Paper.