The Paradox of AI Empowerment in Primary School Physical Education: Why Technology May Hinder, Not Help, Teaching Efficiency

Abstract

This study investigates why artificial intelligence (AI) may hinder rather than enhance teaching efficiency in primary school physical education (PE). Guided by socio-technical systems theory, we conducted focus group interviews with 13 PE teachers (6 from Nanjing and 7 from Chongqing, China) who had at least three years of teaching experience and two years of AI implementation experience. Participants were purposefully selected through a two-stage sampling strategy: initial screening via open-ended questionnaires to identify teachers reporting negative experiences with AI integration, followed by snowball sampling to recruit additional participants with similar perspectives. Data collection employed a dual-facilitator approach using semi-structured interviews, with one moderator guiding discussions while another observed non-verbal cues. Qualitative content analysis revealed key barriers across four dimensions: technological (interface complexity, infrastructure limitations), employee (professional identity conflicts, interpersonal tensions), task-related (real-time monitoring challenges, reduced pedagogical flexibility), and organizational (inadequate support systems, unclear implementation policies). These findings suggest that successful AI integration in PE requires a holistic approach addressing both technological and human factors, rather than focusing solely on technological advancement. The study contributes to understanding how socio-technical interactions uniquely manifest in physically active learning environments.

Keywords

• artificial intelligence
• physical education
• teaching efficiency
• socio-technical systems theory
• classroom management
• technology integration