Date of Award
2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Education
First Advisor
Jonna Stegall
Abstract
As technology progresses and brings enhanced forms of artificial intelligence (AI), such as generative AI (Gen AI), it continues to affect education by introducing opportunities and challenges in its application to higher education teaching. Advances in technology can make instructors reluctant to use applications, leading to missed learning and skill-development opportunities for higher-order thinking skills. This study investigates how AI professional development (PD) training can influence higher education instructors’ willingness to use Gen AI in the classroom. This study employed a qualitative instrumental case study design informed by an exploratory lens. The study investigated instructors’ use of Gen AI in classroom teaching by examining their skills, experiences, feelings, attitudes, and perceptions of Gen AI. This study applied an intervention in which eight instructors participated in a Gen AI PD program that raised their awareness of Gen AI tools and their potential integration into classroom teaching. It was found that participating in a PD program can shift the confidence levels and mindsets regarding instructors’ willingness to use Gen AI in classroom teaching to support student engagement, enhance learning, and promote higher-order thinking skills.
Recommended Citation
Bahra, Sheena, "Generative AI Professional Development Program for Higher Education Instructors" (2026). Dissertations. 4.
https://digitalcommons.andersonuniversity.edu/dissertations/4