The TRAIN Framework for AI-Assisted Development of Novice Accounting Instructors

Abstract

Novice accounting instructors in higher education, and particularly in specialized fields like accounting, face significant challenges, including the need to frequently update curricula, balance theoretical and practical instruction, master new technologies, and integrate sustainability principles into their teaching. These demands are compounded by limited access to professional development resources and growing pressures for educational sustainability. This study evaluates the potential of AI chatbots to address these challenges by enhancing the capacity of junior instructors to create and deliver effective, sustainability-aligned course materials. It introduces the TRAIN framework (Technology-enhanced Responsible AI Integration for Novice Instructors), a structured model designed to align AI capabilities with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 4.c (Teacher Training). Through a systematic literature review (2019–2024), the research identifies key themes, including chatbot integration in education, AI’s capabilities and limitations, and its broader implications for accounting education. The findings demonstrate that AI chatbots can streamline content creation, provide personalized instructional support, and foster sustainable teaching practices. By bridging critical gaps in AI literacy and sustainability integration, the TRAIN framework offers a roadmap for empowering educators to meet evolving educational demands while advancing environmentally responsible teaching methodologies. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.