Professor Jing Lei to Deliver AECT25 Presidential Session Address on AI in Inclusive Schools

Professor Jing Lei, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the Syracuse University School of Education, along with instructional design doctoral candidate Yang Liu, will deliver a paper during the Presidential Session at the October 2025 Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) annual convention in Las Vegas.

Jing Lei
Jing Lei

The paper—”Exploring Pre-Service Teachers’ Learning Processes in AI-Integrated Classrooms: Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Directions”—was chosen for this honor by a panel of conference planners led by Professor Christopher T. Miller of Morehead State University at Mt. Sterling, KY, AECT President-elect.

“This study explores the role of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in teacher education by examining the experiences of 45 pre-service teachers using AI tools to support inclusive instruction,” explains Lei, an expert on the integration of AI and other technologies in K-12 classrooms.

Lei and Liu’s findings reveal benefits to educators such as enhanced cognitive engagement, increased efficiency, and opportunities for personalization. They also identify challenges related to ethics concerns, technical limitations, and the risk of over-reliance on technology.

“AI use encouraged active thinking and adaptive lesson design but underscored the need for AI literacy and ethical awareness among PTs,” says Lei. “However, participants envisioned AI as a collaborative and creative partner that requires thoughtful oversight.”

In their conclusion, Lei and Liu highlight the importance of integrating AI literacy into teacher education programs to foster responsible and effective use of AI in inclusive teaching.