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DisKURSO_IMJR-Journal-TemplatePre-Service Teachers’ Experiences with ChatGPT: Toward Responsible AI Use in Teacher Education
Author: Jeddah B. Quiño-Justol, Kharen Jane S. Ungab
Country: Philippines
Volume & Issue: Volume 1, Issue 1, October 2025 - December 2025
Page No.: 81-93
DOI.: https://doi.org/10.63941/DisKURSO.2025.1.1.8
Publication Date: November 12, 2025
Abstract:
The emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, is reshaping how teachers and learners interact with content. While its use in teacher education is growing, little is known about how pre-service teachers experience, interpret, and utilize this tool during critical phases like practice teaching. This study explores the lived experiences, perceptions, and reflections of pre-service teachers in using ChatGPT for academic and instructional tasks. It aims to inform the development of an AI literacy program grounded in ethical and pedagogical principles for teacher education institutions. A qualitative descriptive-phenomenological approach was used, involving in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 25 fourth-year pre-service teachers from Tagoloan Community College during 2nd Semester SY 2024-2025. Braun and Clarke’s (2023) thematic analysis framework guided data analysis to capture emergent themes. Participants reported diverse uses of ChatGPT, including academic writing support, lesson planning, research guidance, and content clarification. A central finding was the recognition of ChatGPT as a personalized learning companion, especially during periods of cognitive load or instructional planning. While most highlighted its role in enhancing efficiency, creativity, and confidence, concerns were raised about overreliance, diminished critical thinking, and ethical boundaries. Thematic findings reflected a balanced perspective, valuing ChatGPT’s convenience while recognizing the need for responsible and reflective use. Based on these findings, the study recommends integrating a structured AI literacy and ethics program, AI-TEACH (Artificial Intelligence – Training for Ethical and Accountable Classroom Harnessing), into teacher education curricula. This initiative promotes digital competence, ethical awareness, and pedagogical innovation, contributing to inclusive and quality education as emphasized in Sustainable Development Goal 4.
Keywords:
ChatGPT; Pre-Service Teachers; AI Literacy; Teacher Education; Ethical Use of AI