Are Pre-Service Teachers Ready to Teach the Alpha Generation? The Impact of Pre-Service Teachers' ChatGPT Literacy Levels on Behavioral Intentions Toward ChatGPT-4.0

Abstract

This study seeks to enhance our understanding of how pre-service teachers working with the Alpha Generation (PSTAG) interact with the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in the context of ChatGPT. It specifically examines their perceptions of ease of use (PEOU), perceived usefulness (PU), and behavioral intention (BI) toward ChatGPT-4o, utilizing an extended version of the TAM. The survey method was used, and 450 PSTAG participated in the current study. Data were collected through a survey including the ChatGPT literacy scale (ChatGPT-LS) and TAM to determine PSTAG's ChatGPT-4o literacy level and its relationship with PEOU, PU, and BI. Thirteen hypotheses are developed to test the proposed model. All but one of the hypotheses are supported. This study shows that PEOU and PU play a key role in BI's use of ChatGPT-4o, and the sub-dimensions of the ChatGPT-LS have a statistically significant effect on PEOU and PU. Technical proficiency was found to have no positive effect on PU. It can be suggested that PSTAG's ChatGPT literacy level should be improved through courses to increase their behavioral intention to use ChatGPT-4o for educational purposes. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.