Artificial Intelligence in Education: Changing the Future of Learning (A Case Study of Schools in Taita-Taveta County in Kenya)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the future of learning with a specific focus on secondary schools in Taita-Taveta County. The research was guided by three key objectives: to determine how AI is influencing teachers’ pedagogical practices, to examine the benefits of AI integration in the teaching and learning process, and to identify the challenges hindering effective adoption of AI in education. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised of 1200 public secondary school teachers,80 administrators (principals and deputies) and all County ICT champions. Both stratified sampling and purposive sampling were used to obtain a sample size of 80 teachers and 20 school administrators (principals, deputies and ICT champions).data was collected through questionnaires and interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative responses. The findings revealed that AI is beginning to influence teaching practices by enhancing lesson preparation, supporting personalized learning and assisting teachers in automating routine tasks such as grading and student monitoring. Respondents also reported several benefits of AI integration, including improved learner engagement, timely feedback increased efficiency in classroom management. However, the study found significant challenges that limit AI adoption, including inadequate ICT infrastructure, limited teacher training in AI tools, unreliable internet connectivity, high implementation costs and insufficient government support. Therefore, the study concludes that while AI has the potential to transform teaching and learning in Taita -Taveta County, widespread adoption remains constrained by systems and infrastructural barriers. The study recommends increased investment in ICT, infrastructure, capacity building programs for teachers, development of school level AI policies and collaboration between government and education stakeholders to support integration of AI driven innovations.