Artificial intelligence in the context of teacher education: emerging themes and critical issues

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into teacher education (TE) is said to change, or at least challenge, traditional pedagogical approaches and ways of preparing teachers to teach in an increasingly technological world. This paper identifies emerging themes and critical issues arising from a cross-analysis of the papers in this special issue. It offers insights that should be considered by both teacher educators and TE institutions. The following themes are discussed: AI tools and technologies in TE: Use cases, affordances and constraints; AI literacy in TE; (Teacher) educators’ identities; Pedagogical transformation and innovation through AI; and Ethical and political issues of AI in TE. Moving beyond adoption with optimism or scepticism, this paper highlights what AI enables and limits. We conclude by reflecting on how AI in the context of TE might be used without losing sight of ethical considerations, human interaction, and the broader social, pedagogical, and political aspects.