AI Adoption Among Europe’s School Evaluators: Awareness and Challenges

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62695/TQQM2623

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), External School Evaluation, Evaluator Awareness, Educational Inspectors, Mixed-Methods Research, Ethical Considerations, School Improvement

Abstract

This study examines European external school evaluators’ awareness, perceptions, and acceptance of artificial intelligence (AI) in external school evaluation. Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) theoretical framework, this research explores how evaluators’ familiarity with AI, perceived ease of use (PEoU), and perceived usefulness (PU) shape their willingness to integrate AI tools. A mixed-methods approach incorporated a questionnaire (n=56) and semi-structured interviews (n=6), revealing moderate awareness of AI’s capabilities and an overall optimism about potential efficiency gains. However, adoption remains limited, hindered by insufficient training, infrastructural challenges, and ethical concerns regarding data privacy and algorithmic bias. The findings underscore the importance of targeted professional development, robust ethical frameworks, and adequate technological support for successful AI adoption in external school evaluation processes. By addressing these barriers, policymakers and inspectorates can leverage AI’s potential to enhance the accuracy, consistency, and efficacy of external school evaluations.

Author Biography

Keith Aquilina, Ministry for Education and Employment: Floriana

Keith Aquilina specializes in digital education and quality assurance with over two decades in education. He holds a Master's in Online and Distance Education from Open University, UK, and a diploma in computing in education. An expert in the European Commission’s IFREG advisory group, he serves as a digital evaluator with MFHEA and a visiting lecturer with IfE.

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Published

07-05-2025

How to Cite

Aquilina, K. (2025). AI Adoption Among Europe’s School Evaluators: Awareness and Challenges. Malta Journal of Education, 6(1), 22–43. https://doi.org/10.62695/TQQM2623

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