Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Arak University
2 allameh
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the experiences and perspectives of university faculty members regarding the use of intelligent chatbots as virtual assistants to respond to student questions in blended learning environments. A qualitative research approach using phenomenological methodology was employed. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the collected data. The potential participants included faculty members from universities and higher education institutions specializing in educational technology, distance education, and information and communication technologies in higher education. Participants were selected through purposive and criterion-based sampling. Based on the principle of theoretical saturation, 18 faculty members from universities such as University of Tehran, Allameh Tabataba'i, Shahid Beheshti, Tarbiat Modares, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Payame Noor University, Bu-Ali Sina, and Arak University were interviewed.Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic coding. The findings revealed that faculty members’ lived experiences could be categorized into 22 basic themes and 10 organizing themes. The main themes included: (1) the impact of chatbots on teaching efficiency, (2) privacy and security concerns, (3) trust in technology, (4) the use of chatbots in online courses, (5) the effect of chatbots on human interaction, (6) faculty training and readiness to use chatbots, (7) challenges and limitations in chatbot usage, and (8) perceived benefits of chatbots for instructors.arning environments.
Keywords
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