Teacher training for the future: insights from a Needs Analysis on Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence

This study aims to contextualize the pressing need for an updated framework in teacher training that responds to rapid technological advancement, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the resulting shifts in educational practices. In today’s evolving landscape, teachers are expected to increasingly adopt the role of facilitators, guiding students in a learning process that is responsive to digital innovation and interdisciplinary knowledge. Consequently, the structure of teacher training must be realigned to prioritize students' needs and core learning objectives, with an emphasis on how much knowledge is conveyed. This contribution provides an in-depth analysis of the skills and competencies currently required by educators to effectively fulfill this evolving role. Through a comprehensive survey, the authors investigated the training needs of a sample of teachers, with a particular focus on digital literacy and Artificial Intelligence. The data gathered highlight the gaps and opportunities within existing training programs, offering insights that are essential for adapting teacher education to align with the demands of a digitally driven student-centered educational environment. The paper concludes with a reflection on the implications of these findings for future teacher training programs, emphasizing the necessity of a flexible, context-responsive, and technology-integrated training framework to equip educators with constructive, meaningful, and future-oriented learning.