Research on University Teachers’ Perceptions of Gen-AI From the Perspective of Actor-Network Theory

Employing the lens of Actor-Network Theory (ANT), this paper explores university educators’ perceptions of Gen-AI and its potential impact on education through a qualitative research approach. It focuses on how educators perceive generative AI technologies and how these technologies influence their...

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Main Authors: Yunlai Liu, Yuwei Zhang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-01-01
Series:Complexity
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/cplx/8885265
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author Yunlai Liu
Yuwei Zhang
author_facet Yunlai Liu
Yuwei Zhang
author_sort Yunlai Liu
collection DOAJ
description Employing the lens of Actor-Network Theory (ANT), this paper explores university educators’ perceptions of Gen-AI and its potential impact on education through a qualitative research approach. It focuses on how educators perceive generative AI technologies and how these technologies influence their teaching practices and role identification. The study reveals that multiple factors shape teachers’ acceptance and utilization of AI, encompassing personal attitudes, student responses, teaching environments, and institutional policies. The interaction between teachers and AI is conceptualized as part of a human-machine interaction network, where AI transcends being merely a teaching tool and is attributed human-like qualities such as a wise mentor and learning companion. This research underscores that the realization of human-AI integration necessitates a synergistic development between educators and technology, coupled with the concerted efforts of other actors within the educational ecosystem. The paper concludes by discussing the implications and challenges of human-AI integration for educational reform.
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spelling doaj-art-1ceb4481fa87491d8636a29b30da623f2025-08-20T03:32:08ZengWileyComplexity1099-05262025-01-01202510.1155/cplx/8885265Research on University Teachers’ Perceptions of Gen-AI From the Perspective of Actor-Network TheoryYunlai Liu0Yuwei Zhang1School of MediaSchool of MediaEmploying the lens of Actor-Network Theory (ANT), this paper explores university educators’ perceptions of Gen-AI and its potential impact on education through a qualitative research approach. It focuses on how educators perceive generative AI technologies and how these technologies influence their teaching practices and role identification. The study reveals that multiple factors shape teachers’ acceptance and utilization of AI, encompassing personal attitudes, student responses, teaching environments, and institutional policies. The interaction between teachers and AI is conceptualized as part of a human-machine interaction network, where AI transcends being merely a teaching tool and is attributed human-like qualities such as a wise mentor and learning companion. This research underscores that the realization of human-AI integration necessitates a synergistic development between educators and technology, coupled with the concerted efforts of other actors within the educational ecosystem. The paper concludes by discussing the implications and challenges of human-AI integration for educational reform.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/cplx/8885265
spellingShingle Yunlai Liu
Yuwei Zhang
Research on University Teachers’ Perceptions of Gen-AI From the Perspective of Actor-Network Theory
Complexity
title Research on University Teachers’ Perceptions of Gen-AI From the Perspective of Actor-Network Theory
title_full Research on University Teachers’ Perceptions of Gen-AI From the Perspective of Actor-Network Theory
title_fullStr Research on University Teachers’ Perceptions of Gen-AI From the Perspective of Actor-Network Theory
title_full_unstemmed Research on University Teachers’ Perceptions of Gen-AI From the Perspective of Actor-Network Theory
title_short Research on University Teachers’ Perceptions of Gen-AI From the Perspective of Actor-Network Theory
title_sort research on university teachers perceptions of gen ai from the perspective of actor network theory
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/cplx/8885265
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AT yuweizhang researchonuniversityteachersperceptionsofgenaifromtheperspectiveofactornetworktheory