South American Research Journal, 4(2), 5-15
https://www.sa-rj.net//index.php/sarj/article/view/57
ISSN 2806-5638
Each search formula was adjusted to fit the specific
functionalities of the different databases, respecting their
syntax and order. For example, in databases such as
Scopus and Web of Science, the use of connectors such as
AND, OR and parentheses was prioritized to structure
complex queries, while in regional databases such as
Scielo or Redalyc, searches were simplified with exact
phrases to capture relevant publications in Spanish. Field
filters such as “title,” “abstract,” and “keywords” were also
included to optimize the relevance of the results.
validity and applicability of qualitative and quantitative
research. Each study was assessed for the clarity and
consistency of its design, the transparency of the data
collection and analysis process, and the appropriateness of
the conclusions based on the data presented. In addition,
special attention was paid to the possible presence of
biases, both in the selection of the sample and in the
interpretation of the results.
RESULTS
The initial search yielded a total of 418 potential
articles. To ensure thematic relevance, additional language
filters were applied, limiting the results to publications in
English and Spanish, which represented the languages
handled by the review team. This multilingual approach
allowed research from various regions to be captured,
broadening the geographic scope, but ensuring linguistic
consistency for the interpretation and detailed analysis of
the texts.
Finally, the search formulas and specific criteria were
fully documented to ensure replicability and transparency
in the methodology, allowing future researchers to
reproduce the process or adapt it to new research
approaches.
Overview of Studies
The final sample of 53 studies on the
implementation of AI in education spans a period
between 2020 and 2024, covering a notable geographic
diversity, with research coming from North America,
Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The most represented
countries in these studies include the United States,
China, and European countries, such as Germany and
the United Kingdom (Table 1). However, contributions
from emerging regions in the field of educational AI,
such as the Middle East (United Arab Emirates) and
Africa (Nigeria), also stand out, suggesting a global
interest in the adoption and study of AI in different
educational and socioeconomic contexts.
The majority of studies (39%) use quantitative
methodologies, such as structured surveys and advanced
statistical analysis, to measure factors such as
acceptance, willingness, and self-efficacy in the use of
artificial intelligence (AI) in education (Table 2).
Qualitative approaches (35%) employ interviews and
focus groups to explore subjective experiences and
perceptions, including ethical and pedagogical
challenges.
Eighteen percent opt for mixed methodologies that
combine quantitative and qualitative data, while 8% rely
on iterative designs such as design-based research
(DBR) to develop AI-related curricula. This
methodological diversity reflects an interest in
integrating objective and subjective analyses to address
both the practical impacts and contextual challenges of
AI in educational settings.
In terms of objectives, most studies explore two
main lines: (1) teachers’ perceptions and attitudes
towards AI as an educational tool and (2) the factors that
facilitate or hinder its implementation in the classroom.
Some studies stand out for focusing on specific
contexts, such as STEM education (science, technology,
engineering and mathematics) and language teaching,
where AI is used to personalize and enhance the learning
of technical and linguistic skills. Particular approaches
to equity and ethics in the use of AI are also identified,
especially in studies from Europe and the United States,
indicating a concern about the social and ethical impacts
of AI in education.
The study selection process followed the four stages
established by the PRISMA framework: identification,
screening, eligibility and inclusion. In the first stage, 418
potential studies were identified using the search terms
previously mentioned. Subsequently, 145 duplicate studies
were eliminated and the remaining 273 were screened,
reviewing their titles and abstracts to determine their
alignment with the review objectives. This phase allowed
us to discard studies that did not specifically address AI in
education, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, or that,
although they mentioned the topic, focused on areas
outside of teaching practice, such as the design of
algorithms or the analysis of large volumes of educational
data without a practical application in the classroom. At
the end of the screening, 113 studies were obtained that
advanced to the eligibility stage. In this third phase, the
full texts of the studies were reviewed to verify that they
met the inclusion criteria in an exhaustive manner, leaving
a total of 53 studies for final inclusion and in-depth
analysis of their findings.
Data extraction was carried out using a structured
form that allowed the key information of each selected
study to be captured and organized. This form included
details such as the author and year of publication, the main
objective of the research, the methodology used (whether
qualitative, quantitative or mixed), and the main findings
in relation to the implementation of AI in educational
contexts. Attention was also paid to the limitations
recognized by the authors themselves, such as the sample
size, the geographical context, and the generalization of
the results, which facilitated a critical interpretation of the
findings. This systematic extraction stage was carried out
thoroughly, allowing the data to be organized in a
homogeneous manner and providing a solid basis for the
comparative analysis of the different investigations.
To assess the methodological quality of the studies,
the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) guide was
This exhibition provides
a
comprehensive
overview of current trends in the use of AI in education,
highlighting both the predominant methodological
approaches and the thematic and regional areas of
greatest interest over the past five years.
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