Findings from a study on University of Iceland teachers’ use of artificial intelligence, their attitudes toward AI, and their need for training and support.

Description

Artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education and academic work. This study examined how teachers at the University of Iceland use AI, their attitudes toward its use, and the support they consider necessary. The study was based on an online survey distributed to all teachers at the University of Iceland in summer 2025. A total of 339 valid responses were received (17% response rate; 33% among academic staff). The questionnaire included 79 Likert-scale items and six open-ended questions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and Mann–Whitney U tests, while open responses were analyzed thematically.

The findings indicate that teachers are generally positive toward AI and see opportunities to use it in course preparation, idea generation, assignment and exam design. However, integration into everyday teaching practices remains limited. Major concerns relate to ethical issues, content quality and reliability, critical thinking, data privacy, and academic integrity. Statistically significant differences were identified between the School of Health Sciences and other schools regarding perceived challenges and attitudes.

Teachers call for clearer institutional policies and guidelines, practical and discipline-specific training, improved access to AI tools, and stronger technical and pedagogical support. The findings highlight the importance of listening to teachers’ voices and developing a comprehensive strategy to ensure responsible and evidence-informed implementation of AI in higher education.

Period	11 Dec 2025
Event title	Kennsluþróunardagur Heilbrigðisvísindasviðs
Event type	Other
Location	Reykjavík, IcelandShow on map
Degree of Recognition	National