Artificial Intelligence in University Didactic Planning: evidence from the BICU El Rama Regional University Center, Nicaragua

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) has established itself as a tool in various fields of knowledge, transforming the way knowledge is generated, processed, and applied; therefore, in the educational field, its incorporation represents a significant opportunity to strengthen teaching practice. Through these technologies, educators can innovate in academic planning, diversify teaching strategies, and optimize assessment processes, promoting more dynamic and contextualized learning experiences. The literature acknowledges that artificial intelligence (AI) tools can contribute to the personalization of learning and the optimization of teachers’ time; therefore, this article focused on analyzing the use of artificial intelligence in the instructional planning of teachers at BICU CUR El Rama during the first semester of 2024. The study employed a quantitative approach supplemented by qualitative methods, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative techniques and instruments to collect data through an online survey and semi-structured interviews. One hundred percent of the 67 active faculty members participated. For the student population, consisting of 1,339 students, a sample of 299 participants was selected. Additionally, five university authorities were interviewed to supplement the information obtained. The findings reveal that the integration of artificial intelligence into instructional planning is marked by disparities in faculty members’ digital competencies. Its use is not systematic due to a lack of specialized training, as well as limitations in infrastructure, connectivity, and institutional support to guide its pedagogical application. In conclusion, it is evident that the incorporation of artificial intelligence into instructional planning is in its early stages, conditioned not only by technological limitations but also by educational and institutional factors that influence its development.