Strengthening Competence-Based Education and Training Implementation for Humanities and Language Education through AI-Enabled Professional Development at a Public University in Uganda

Abstract

Recent studies in higher education suggest that the educational value of artificial intelligence (AI) depends not only on the availability of digital tools but also on lecturers’ preparedness to use them in pedagogically sound, ethically responsible, and contextually relevant ways. This study evaluated an AI-enabled Continuous Professional Development (CPD) intervention designed to strengthen AI-Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (AI-TPACK) and Competence-based Education and Training (CBET) implementation in humanities and language education at a public university in Uganda. Using a mixed-methods pretest–posttest design, 40 lecturers participated in a one-week blended CPD programme delivered through the university learning management system and supported by accessible AI tools, including ChatGPT, Copilot, and Grammarly. Quantitative survey data were triangulated with rubric-scored instructional artifacts, classroom observations, and follow-up interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Findings revealed significant improvements in AI-TPACK (ΔM = +0.48, p < .001) and CBET implementation capacity (ΔM = +0.44, p < .001). Participants also reported greater intention to adopt AI-supported teaching practices and lower levels of AI-integration anxiety. The quality of instructional artifacts improved, while classroom observations demonstrated CBET-aligned pedagogical practices. Qualitative findings attributed these gains to competence-focused task design, formative feedback processes, and reflective AI use grounded in transparency, privacy, and professional judgement. The study concludes that AI-enabled CPD can enhance lecturers’ pedagogical capacity and competence-based teaching practices. Universities should institutionalise sustained AI-focused professional development, strengthen digital infrastructure, and establish clear ethical and pedagogical guidelines to support implementation and impact.