Preferences towards artificial intelligence in Ecuadorian university professors

Abstract

The general objective of this research was to analyze the preferences towards Artificial Intelligence (AI) in university professors in Ecuador, particularly those who teach the subject of Microeconomics. The methodology used was quantitative, descriptive, field-typed, and non-experimental, based on documentary research. The population consisted of 25 teachers from three state universities in the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador. The data collection technique was the survey and the instrument was a questionnaire of closed questions, which was applied through the Google Forms platform. The results found indicate that a large majority know about the use of AI in higher education; they also consider that the benefits that AI brings to education are to improve teaching, a large percentage indicated not to use AIs to teach Microeconomics, a small number of teachers who use AI, do it for data analysis through Machine Learning, the fact of the little use of this technology among teachers is mainly due to the absence of university policies on the use of artificial intelligence. Among the conclusions, the formulation of educational policies oriented to the implementation of artificial intelligence in Ecuadorian universities, the adaptation of infrastructure, and the investment of resources for this purpose are considered essential, as well as the training of teaching staff to take full advantage of this technology that is already a reality in many national and international contexts.