The Effectiveness of a Training Program in Overcoming the Obstacles of Implementing and Employing Generative AI Technology (ChatGPT) Among a Sample of University Faculty Members

Abstract

The study aimed to explore the effectiveness of a training program in addressing the obstacles to implementing and utilizing generative artificial intelligence technology (ChatGPT) among a sample of university faculty members. The study employed a quasi-experimental design, with a sample of 20 male faculty members from Al-Baha University in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who were intentionally selected. The main sample was divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group, each consisting of 10 members. The study's tools included a questionnaire on the obstacles to applying and utilizing generative AI technology (ChatGPT) from the perspective of university faculty members, prepared by the researcher, and the training program to address these obstacles, also prepared by the researcher, The results revealed statistically significant differences at a significance level of (0.01) between the mean rank scores of the control and experimental groups in the post-test measurement of the questionnaire on obstacles to implementing and utilizing generative AI technology (ChatGPT) and its sub-dimensions (cognitive and training obstacles, cultural and social obstacles, ethical obstacles), in favor of the experimental group. This indicates that the program had an impact on addressing the obstacles faced by the faculty members in the experimental group. Additionally, there were statistically significant differences at a significance level of (0.01) between the mean rank scores of the experimental group members in the pre-test and post-test measurements for the overall questionnaire score and its sub-dimensions, favoring the post-test measurement. This shows that the program had a significant effect on overcoming the obstacles to applying and utilizing generative AI technology (ChatGPT) in the experimental group, Moreover, no statistically significant differences were found between the mean rank scores of the experimental group members in the post-test and follow-up measurements for the overall score and sub-dimensions of the study’s questionnaire. The study recommended generalizing the training program to include faculty members from various Saudi universities, with a focus on incorporating AI into curricula, in addition to preparing comprehensive educational materials and organizing regular workshops and training courses to enhance technical capacities and overcome ethical and cultural barriers. It also recommended establishing specialized research centers and developing technical infrastructure, along with promoting international cooperation and supporting applied research in this field.