Generative artificial intelligence in vocational education and training: A framework for sus-tainable teacher competence development

Abstract

This study examines the development of a four-hour advanced teacher training program designed to equip vocational education and training (VET) educators with the technological, ethical, and operational competencies required to integrate Generative artificial intelligence (AI) into lesson planning and resource creation. Grounded in a design-based research framework, the training balanced theoretical modules on AI functionalities, data protection, multimedia applications, and the future development of AI with hands-on exercises in prompt engineering, aided by a scaffolded prompt library. The prompt library was iteratively refined based on feedback from three VET teachers before implementation. Key findings from the training, attended by 52 participants, indicate that teachers experienced marked improvements in designing effective prompts and critically assessing AI capabilities, as reflected in their self-assessments and overall positive feedback. Qualitative insights highlighted the prompt library's practical utility while also revealing a need for more extensive hands-on practice and structured guidance during collaborative work sessions.