Artificial Intelligence Integration on Vocational College Teachers' Professional Development: An Empirical Analysis Using Structural Equation Modeling

Abstract The coupling mechanism and influencing factors of artificial intelligence (AI) in empowering vocational college teachers' professional development. It analyzes the synergistic effects of three subsystems: technological penetration, teaching modes, and talent cultivation. The study highlights that AI technology promotes the transformation of teachers' knowledge system, capability system, and roles through technology embedding, data-driven approaches, and educational scenario reconstruction. Furthermore, through coupling coordination degree analysis, it is found that there is a strong synergy among the subsystems, especially in terms of personalized learning resources, classroom interaction, and the frequency of AI-driven smart classrooms. However, there is a mismatch between the talent cultivation subsystem and industry demand. Moreover, structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis further validates the positive influence of technological penetration, educational models, and talent cultivation on teachers' professional development, with a particular emphasis on the key role of talent cultivation. Finally, to address the deficiency in talent cultivation, the paper proposes countermeasures such as enhancing AI skill training for teachers, government guidance, and self-improvement among educators, aiming to support the high-quality advancement of teachers' professional development.