Supporting Mathematics Teaching Practices in Security and Defence Education through Generative Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies

Generative artificial intelligence is currently used for disparate purposes, including education, particularly concerning STEM disciplines, among which Mathematics is prominent. Given the importance of both mathematical and digital skills in the world today, it is useful to inquire about the impact of this novel AI form on the didactics in Mathematics, by considering it in conjunction with accustomed technologies for more effectiveness. A survey directed at more than 60 teachers instructing at military academies and universities in several European Union Member States allows us to investigate the relationship between using generative AI and performing certain teaching choices under the methodological domain. Furthermore, we assessed the tandem between AI and traditional digital tools, both as a feature itself and in terms of repercussions on the methodologies instructors adopted. Quantitative analyses of scaled responses, performed by means of both descriptive and inferential statistics, are considered along with reflections on the qualitative answers, in the spirit of a mixed methods approach. As main outcome, we found that teachers’ use of generative AI is associated with paying more attention to specific mathematical skills during lectures, and with using teaching practices possessing a solid methodological base. Additionally, we detected interesting insights concerning integration with the use of other digital tools, resulting in instructing practices being favored by both kinds of technology, thus confirming AI as a complementary tool, rather than a replacement. The study was conducted within the framework of the DIMAS project, an international initiative aimed at deepening learners’ interest in Mathematics and taking advantage of digital tools to provide students with more manageable mathematical problems and applications.