Advancing Higher Education with GenAI: Factors Influencing Educator AI Literacy

Zuheir N Khlaif^1*Abedalkarim M. Ayyoub¹Mahmoud Shamali¹Belal Abu Eideh¹Alia Assali¹Muayad Kamal Hattab¹Kefah A. Barham¹Dr.Tahani Bsharat²

• ¹An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
• ²Faculty of Science & Technology, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy has emerged as a crucial a critical skill across knowledge and skill within various disciplines and industries, including education. This study aimed to identify the factors that influence educators' AI literacy and to examine the relationships among these factors.'s objective was to find out the elements that have an impact on educators' AI literacy and to find out the relationship among these factors. A sequential mixed methods approach was used to investigate the factors influencing faculty members' AI literacy. , with qualitative data collected from 33 faculty members through focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews The qualitative part participants were 33 participants in the focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews.. Quantitative data were then gathered using the finalized survey instrument, completed by 538 faculty members from diverse disciplines and higher education institutions in Palestine.Data analysis was conducted using Smart PLS.The quantitative data were gathered using the survey's final version from 538 participants. The participants in this study were from various fields and teaching in various higher education institutions in Palestine. Data was analyzed using Smart PLS from the participants.The findings of this study revealed several various key factors that could influence the impact educators' AI literacy, including AI competencies, perceived usefulness of AI, ease of use, professional development, and community support. Additionally, prior experience with technology played a significant role in developing AI literacy. While the study's mixed methods design provided depth, one limitation was that the qualitative phase involved a relatively small sample. Future research should further explore the broader implications of AI in education and its integration across various academic fields.Teaching experience with technology plays an important role in developing the educator's AI literacy. The study's limitation was using only a quantitative method. Future research could explore the implications of AI in various fields.