The teaching of Spanish as a foreign language and artificial intelligence: the beliefs of the student teachers at the University of Jaén

Ensino de espanhol como língua estrangeira e inteligência artificial: crenças de professores em formação na Universidade de Jaén

Abstract

This study presents the findings of an action-research process conducted as part of the Teaching Innovation Project ’Culture and Inclusion’ within the PIMED 2019-2023 plan of the University of Jaen. In particular, we have concentrated on the qualitative analysis of the data obtained regarding to the beliefs about the use of AI of teachers in SFL training through the discussion forum ’ICT and IA in the teaching of culture and ELE’, which was developed from the optional subject Culture in the Classroom of Spanish as a Foreign Language, belonging to the specialisation module II on ’Teaching Spanish as a foreign language’ of the Master’s Degree in Spanish Language and Literature: research and applications of the University of Jaen. The focus group comprised 48 students. The main objective of this preliminary study is to ascertain the trainees’ perceptions regarding the utilisation AI tools in the SLF classroom for the introduction of cultural elements, as well as their initiative and critical expression.

Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence; Teacher training; Higher university education; Spanish as a Foreign Language (SFL)