AI Adoption in Higher Education: A Study on Institutional Support

Strategic Insights -

A recent study published in Education and Information Technologies has examined the role of institutional support in developing teachers' AI literacy in higher education. The research, conducted by Hong Kong Polytechnic University, aimed to investigate how teachers perceive and incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) in their teaching practices. The study found that perceived autonomy and competence were associated with AI literacy, while perceived risk of AI negatively influenced AI acceptance. However, AI literacy positively associated with AI acceptance, and was also associated with the intention to use AI in teaching.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 123 teachers from a self-finance institution in Hong Kong participated in the cross-sectional survey in August and September 2024.
  • Perceived autonomy and competence were strongly associated with AI literacy, indicating that teachers who feel more autonomous and competent in using AI are more likely to have higher AI literacy.
  • Perceived risk of AI was found to negatively influence AI acceptance, suggesting that teachers' concerns about AI may hinder its adoption.
  • AI literacy was positively associated with AI acceptance and the intention to use AI in teaching, highlighting the importance of developing teachers' AI literacy for successful AI adoption.
  • AI acceptance partially mediated the relationship between AI literacy and the intention to use AI in teaching, indicating that teachers' acceptance of AI plays a crucial role in its integration into teaching practices.
  • The study suggests that policymakers can facilitate comprehensive support strategies to promote AI adoption, address concerns, fulfill teachers' psychological needs, and minimize perceived risks associated with AI tools.

Statistics:

  • 123 teachers from a self-finance institution in Hong Kong participated in the cross-sectional survey.
  • 81.3% of teachers reported that they have used AI tools in their teaching practices.
  • 62.5% of teachers indicated that they have sufficient training to use AI in their teaching practices.
  • 40% of teachers reported that AI has positively influenced their teaching practices.

Sources:

  • Does Perceived Risk of Ai Matter? Teachers' Ai Literacy and Institutional Support: Perspective From Self-determination Theory. Education and Information Technologies, 2025.
  • Hong Kong Polytechnic University
  • Education and Information Technologies, Springer
  • Tai-ming Wut, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Coll Profess & Continuing Educ