How Teachers’ Readiness and Instructional Approach Influence Students’ Ethical and Critical Use of AI Tools in School Learning Environments

The rapid emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools is transforming education. This study examines how teachers’ readiness and instructional approaches influence students’ ethical and critical use of AI. A survey of 43 teachers revealed that while AI familiarity is high, structured guidance is inconsistent. Results indicate that teacher preparedness significantly impacts how students engage with AI tools. The study highlights the importance of training, ethical frameworks, and instructional design.