TAMIU Professor Presents Research on A.I. Integration in Teaching at Spain Conference
A Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) faculty member traveled to Spain this month to present his innovative research at the 32nd International Conference on Learning hosted by the Universidad de Granada in Granada, Spain.
Dr. Heriberto Godina, TAMIU assistant professor of Curriculum & Instruction in the College of Education, presented “Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Teacher Education en la Frontera: Enhancing Literacy Instruction and Ethical Frameworks for Culturally Diverse Teacher Candidates.
Dr. Godina’s research explores the transformative use of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) to support teacher candidates, particularly in linguistically and culturally diverse communities.
His work centers on bridging technology with educational equity in the U.S.-México border region. Drawing from his extensive background in bilingual and literacy education, his research highlights how A.I. tools such as ChatGPT and Grammarly can be used ethically and effectively in preparing future educators for state certification, including the rigorous Science of Teaching Reading exam mandated in Texas.
“Participating in the Conference allowed me to share our local experiences in South Texas with a global academic audience,” Godina said, “It also provided an opportunity to amplify the voices of first-generation, Latina teacher candidates who are redefining what it means to be technologically and culturally competent educators.”
His presentation built upon the findings of his 2025 peer-reviewed publication, “Empowering Teacher Candidates of Mexican Descent: Adapting A.I. for Science of Teaching Reading in the Southwestern United States,” published in the International Journal of Technologies in Learning (Vol. 32, Issue 2).
That article presented an action research study involving over 180 students at a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Godina’s research underscored how A.I. can serve as an empowering pedagogical tool—particularly when balanced with culturally responsive strategies such as hand-drawn concept maps and classroom video demonstrations.
Dr. Godina proposes the term AITED (Artificial Intelligence in Teacher Education) to distinguish the specific applications of A.I. within teacher preparation programs and emphasizes the importance of developing ethical frameworks that prioritize fairness, transparency, and autonomy—critical considerations for educators working in historically underserved communities.
As A.I. continues to redefine the educational landscape, Godina’s scholarship helps to position TAMIU and its College of Education at the forefront of research on the ethical integration of technology in teacher education. It also helps ensure future educators are not only prepared for the challenges of modern classrooms but equipped to serve as agents of change in their communities.
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