Between Promise and Practice: A Critical Review of AI Implementation in Primary Education and Literacy Development

Abstract

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in primary education has transformed how young learners engage with knowledge and develop foundational literacy skills. This article critically examines AI implementation in primary education, focusing on AI literacy development, pedagogical applications, teacher preparedness, and ethical considerations across diverse contexts. A systematic critical synthesis of 40 scholarly sources published between 2023 and 2025 was conducted using thematic coding and comparative analysis. The findings reveal a clear gap between AI’s promised benefits and classroom realities. Although AI tools demonstrate potential to enhance learning engagement and literacy outcomes, their effectiveness is strongly shaped by teacher readiness, contextual factors, and unresolved ethical issues. Moreover, existing AI literacy frameworks remain fragmented and inconsistently applied across education systems. The study concludes that AI integration in primary education requires a context-sensitive approach that balances technological innovation with pedagogical quality and ethical responsibility, supported by comprehensive teacher training and inclusive literacy frameworks.