THE IMPORTANCE OF ISLAMIC WORK ETHICS IN MOTIVATING THE NON-TECHNOLOGY BACKGROUND EDUCATORS FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) APPLICATION IN EDUCATION

Abstract

With the awareness of Islamic Work Ethics (IWE) and its implementation as an individual’s commitment as an educator, this study intends to see the motivating factors that caused the non-technology background educators to stay inspired in grasping the knowledge on artificial intelligence (AI) and includes the AI tools implementation while educating. As many are aware, AI tools can be an easy application for those with technology fundamentals, but it can be hard for those who are “digitally illiterate”. Using a qualitative research method, an in-depth interview session has been conducted with six participants who are the educators at private higher education in Malaysia. All participants were non-technology background educators. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings showed that all participants agreed that IWE awareness, such as effort and commitment, has driven them to seek knowledge on AI tools. Additionally, institutional support and personal satisfaction have caused them to include AI in their teaching and learning performances apart from valuing Islamic work ethics (IWE) in their profession.