ChatGPT emerges as key tool for teachers’ digital upskilling

The integration of ChatGPT into education is rapidly reshaping the landscape of digital teaching competence (DTC), particularly in how educators plan, deliver, and assess learning. A new systematic review titled “ChatGPT as a Digital Tool in the Transformation of Digital Teaching Competence: A Systematic Review,” published in the journal Technologies, explores this transformation by analyzing 18 empirical studies published between 2022 and 2024.

With the rapid rise of ChatGPT following its public launch in late 2022, the study provides a timely and critical evaluation of how this artificial intelligence tool is influencing the pedagogical skills, practices, and professional development of teachers across diverse educational contexts.

What is the current state of research on ChatGPT’s role in digital teaching competence?

The reviewed studies underscore a clear global uptick in academic interest in ChatGPT, particularly throughout 2023 - a year that saw the highest number of publications in this area. The systematic review covered articles from countries such as Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Germany, Italy, India, and the United States, revealing a predominance of studies from Asia. This regional trend reflects both a high level of digital adoption in these areas and an emerging curiosity about AI’s potential in educational reform.

Methodologically, half of the studies employed a quantitative design, while qualitative, mixed-methods, and theoretical approaches comprised the remainder. This range of methods helped capture both measurable impacts and nuanced educator experiences. Despite variations in scope, all studies converged on the recognition that ChatGPT holds significant promise for modernizing education. However, researchers also pointed to recurring barriers, including insufficient teacher training, ethical concerns, and lack of institutional support.

Keyword analyses revealed that dominant research themes clustered around three major areas: evaluation of digital teaching transformation processes, teacher perceptions of AI integration, and practical strategies for effective AI use in pedagogy. This thematic triangulation emphasized the multifaceted role of ChatGPT as both a catalyst for innovation and a subject of ongoing pedagogical inquiry.

How are teachers using ChatGPT in their professional development and classroom practices?

The review identified several core applications of ChatGPT in educational settings. Chief among them was its use in supporting continuous professional development. Teachers are increasingly relying on the tool to stay informed about emerging instructional strategies and subject content. By offering on-demand explanations, content generation, and curriculum support, ChatGPT is serving as a virtual mentor and tutor not only for students but for educators themselves.

A prominent benefit is ChatGPT’s capacity to simplify lesson planning and reduce administrative burdens. Teachers use the tool to generate quizzes, rubrics, and feedback forms, freeing up time for more meaningful pedagogical engagement. Additionally, the AI's adaptive capabilities make it a valuable asset for personalized learning. Teachers reported using it to tailor content to varied student needs, from differentiated instruction to language support.

Moreover, ChatGPT is actively being used to enhance students’ critical thinking by engaging them in problem-solving dialogues and offering instant clarifications on complex topics. In subjects such as physics and mathematics, studies documented the AI's ability to scaffold student learning by breaking down difficult concepts into manageable parts.

Despite these advantages, limitations persist. Many educators noted that the quality of AI output depends heavily on the prompts given, and ChatGPT still struggles with ambiguous or context-heavy queries. There were also consistent warnings about over-reliance on the tool, particularly in areas requiring human judgment, empathy, and ethical decision-making.

What strategies are recommended for effectively integrating ChatGPT into teaching practices?

Drawing on evidence across the 18 studies, the review outlines a series of actionable recommendations to guide the ethical and effective integration of ChatGPT in education. First, it emphasizes the urgent need for robust teacher training in digital competence. Educators must be equipped not only to operate AI tools but to do so critically - understanding the implications for pedagogy, equity, and student agency.

Second, the research advocates for the development of hybrid pedagogical models where ChatGPT complements, rather than replaces, traditional teaching methods. These models should blend AI-driven personalization with teacher-led instruction to maintain balance between technological efficiency and human-centered education.

Third, ethical and regulatory oversight is imperative. Concerns about academic integrity, plagiarism, and data privacy demand clear institutional policies. Teachers must be trained to navigate these challenges, ensuring that the deployment of ChatGPT adheres to established norms of educational fairness and responsibility.

The review finally calls for further empirical research into the long-term effects of ChatGPT on teacher development, student outcomes, and classroom dynamics. It suggests targeted studies in underrepresented contexts, such as early childhood education, rural schools, and low-resource environments, to broaden the evidence base and ensure inclusive policy design.