AI integration in facilitating learning: Its benefits, challenges and strategies for enhancement

This qualitative study explored the perceptions and experiences of junior high school teachers in the Division of Batac regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in facilitating learning. With AI increasingly integrated into education, the study aimed to uncover how teachers perceive its relevance and usefulness, how they apply it in classroom instruction, and what challenges and strategies emerge from their engagement with such tools. Data were gathered through structured interviews with twelve purposively selected participants and analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that teachers perceived AI as useful primarily for idea generation, assessment creation, and instructional support. Most expressed openness and curiosity toward AI, while others demonstrated confidence or hesitation depending on their familiarity and training. In classroom application, AI was viewed as a supportive tool that enhanced teaching efficiency—especially in lesson planning, feedback generation, and student engagement. However, concerns were raised about ethical accuracy, student overreliance, and AI misuse. Teachers employed personal strategies such as reviewing AI outputs, aligning them with the curriculum, and differentiating content for learners’ needs. Challenges included a lack of digital training, unreliable internet access, and limited institutional support. The study concludes that while AI tools offer valuable opportunities to improve teaching and learning, their successful integration requires structured digital literacy training, ethical usage guidance, and stronger infrastructure support. These findings provide insights into how AI is reshaping instructional practices and highlight the evolving role of teachers in managing technology in the Philippine educational context. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence in Education, Teacher Perceptions, Instructional Technology, AI Integration, Teaching Efficiency, Digital Literacy, Philippine Education, Educational Innovation