20-02-2025
UAE: Some teachers still reluctant to use AI, says top educator
Many teachers in the UAE remain hesitant to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the classroom due to concerns about its impact on learning, ethical considerations, and a lack of proper training.
A top UAE educator on Wednesday highlighted that while AI offers significant benefits — such as automating administrative tasks, personalising learning, and enhancing student engagement — many teachers still feel unprepared or are skeptical about its integration.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, on the sidelines of The AGF Summit 2025, Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, said, 'As I see it, one of the biggest challenges in implementing change at a university, from my perspective as a President, is the resistance of educators to adaptability and innovation. This reluctance to embrace change is perhaps the most significant hurdle any university faces when trying to evolve.
He added, 'Some educators say how can we trust students with new technologies? But if we look at history, human beings have consistently adapted to technological advancements over hundreds and even thousands of years. In most cases, technology has been used responsibly, with only a small percentage of misuse.'
Citing the example of the time when PayPal first emerged, Hajri highlighted how several people were hesitant to enter their credit card details online.
'But today, almost every household has credit or ATM cards, and incidents of fraud for the average person remain relatively low. Similarly, I don't believe AI presents a fundamentally different scenario. Instead of viewing AI as a threat, we should see it as an opportunity to create more good than harm. Some will misuse it, but as human beings, we have the conscience and responsibility to harness it for positive change,' he added.
Why should institutions invest in AI literacy programmes?
Experts emphasised that to overcome these barriers, educational institutions and policymakers should invest in AI literacy programmes, offer hands-on training, and highlight AI as a tool that supports — rather than replaces — teachers while assisting students in their learning.
Alavikunhu Panthakkan, Associate Professor and Research Scientist in AI, University of Dubai said, 'If faculty members are reluctant to adopt technology, they risk becoming obsolete in the market. The new generation of educators understands that embracing cutting-edge technology is not optional, it is mandatory. In the past, teaching could rely on lecture slides and textbooks alone, but today, the scene is very different.'
He pointed out that students now have access to AI tools and advanced technologies that allow them to verify and expand upon what educators teach in classrooms.
Panthakkan noted, 'As educators, we must ensure that our content is accurate, engaging, and aligned with these evolving learning methods. In my lectures, I focus on delivering knowledge in a way that encourages students to validate and deepen their understanding using these tools.
'AI is not replacing educators, instead, it is enhancing teaching efficiency and enabling the creation of personalised learning materials. In the past, faculty members were confined to using specific textbooks. However, with the emergence of generative AI, we now have access to a vast array of resources that allow for more tailored and effective learning experiences. Likewise, in this era of advanced technology, assessment methods for students must evolve. While students can make use of technology, they must ensure they grasp its (any topic's) underlying concepts,' he added.
