Evaluation of ChatGPT Usage in Preschool Education: Teacher Perspectives

This study aims to determine teachers' views on the use of ChatGPT in preschool education. The study was conducted using a case study, which is one of the qualitative research methods. In the 2023–2024 academic year, the study group consisted of 16 preschool teachers working in a province in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey. The researcher developed a semi-structured interview form and used researcher diaries as data collection tools. An inductive content analysis approach described the data from the interviews with the participating teachers and the research diaries. The findings revealed that most of the teachers thought that ChatGPT was suitable for preschool education due to its potential, such as creating personalized and creative activities and suggesting games and stories. However, negative opinions about potential problems such as obtaining misinformation, technology addiction, decreased social interaction, and deriving age-inappropriate content were also identified. Teachers agreed that ChatGPT has potential in terms of language development, individual learning support, development of creativity, fast access to information, and story creation, but they also had a common opinion that it can be harmful, such as increasing screen time, reducing social interaction, and not fully supporting emotional and social aspects. For successful integration at the pre-school level, technical requirements such as tablets and computers may be needed, as well as teacher trainings, a guide on how to use ChatGPT effectively, and information for parents. School administrators, teachers, and parents should receive training about ChatGPT, as suggested.