Neural networks in professional education: opportunities, risks, and implementation strategy

This article analyzes the application of artifi cial intelligence (AI) technologies in professional education. Neural networks are increasingly being used by teachers and students at universities and colleges. However, effective and responsible implementation of AI requires a clear understanding of its limitations and ethical and legal risks. The purpose of this article is to answer key research questions: how are artifi cial intelligence technologies being integrated into modern vocational education practices, what attitudes do teachers and students demonstrate toward their use, and what measures need to be taken today to ensure AI becomes an effective digital assistant in academic and professional activities. The study analyzed scientifi c publications devoted to the key aspects of artifi cial intelligence technologies and their application in vocational education. This analysis revealed, on the one hand, the growing role of AI technologies in academic and professional activities, and, on the other, the insuffi cient understanding of the capabilities, risks, and limitations of modern neural network tools among teachers and students. The authors of the article conducted a survey of teachers and students at a pedagogical university to identify correlations and differences in the perception, use, and understanding of neural networks in an educational context. The survey results indicate that today's students are generally wellinformed and fairly confi dent users of AI services. Among the teachers surveyed, there is a lower level of confi dence in the use of AI technologies, as well as polarization — from active use in research and teaching to complete rejection or lack of understanding. Expanding our understanding of the correlation between modern practices of neural network application by teachers and students defi nes the novelty of the proposed study. Overall, the obtained results allow the authors to conclude that a proactive response to changes caused by the rapid implementation of AI in education is necessary. The practical recommendations proposed in the study can form the basis for modernizing educational programs and developing regulations in vocational education organizations.