EMPOWERING LECTURERS IN TERTIARY EDUCATION: AI TOOLS FOR LESSON PLANNING

In the era of digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful ally in higher education. Recognizing the importance of supporting educators in navigating this new landscape, this paper explores the potential of AI tools in enhancing teaching at the tertiary level, with a focus on lesson planning. The research seeks to address two main questions: (1) To what extent are lecturers familiar with AI tools for lesson planning? (2) How effectively are these tools being integrated into their teaching practice? To answer these questions, a quantative approach was used, consisting of a survey distributed to lecturers of the University of Priština in Kosovska Mitrovica and University of Niš. The survey assessed lecturers’ familiarity, current use, and perceived benefits and challenges of AI tools in lesson planning. The core of the paper will highlight key survey findings, which reveal both the potential of AI tools and the barriers teachers face in adopting them. In the final section, specific AI tools for lesson planning will be presented, including tools for content generation, interactive learning activities, and assessment design. These findings underscore the growing importance of AI in educational settings and suggest practical applications for improving teaching efficiency and enhancing student engagement.