In this article, the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on students in Higher Education Institutions (HEI) was examined from a collaborative perspective. Through a comprehensive literature review and empirical analysis, the study investigates the multifaceted implications of AI integration in educational settings. The literature review revealed diverse perspectives on AI's potential in education. Key findings underscore the transformative potential of AI technologies in enhancing student learning outcomes, and experiences, while also highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to maximize its benefits. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on AI in education by offering insights into the opportunities, challenges, and future implications of AI in student success.
EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON STUDENTS-A COLLABORATIVE PERSPECTIVE
By
Owen Mulima*1and Denise Emma Mulima 2
Owen Mulimais a lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies Education of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Kwame Nkrumah University (KNU), Zambia. He holds a Cert in The Fundamentals of Digital Marketing, from The Open University, India, Cert in Social Work, Dip Ed, BA Ed, and M Ed (Rel. Studies & Education)from The University of Zambia (UNZA). He teaches Religious Studies Education, Religious Education Teaching Methods, Guidance and Counselling in Religious Education and has published scholarly articles in the three areas.
Denise Emma Mulimais a graduate from Ibenga Girls Secondary School, Zambia, Sothern Africa. She is currently an international student at Gulzar Group of Institutes, Ludhiana, Punjab (India) in a Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering Programme, under the Edoofa Program.
Abstract
In this article, the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on students in Higher Education Institutions (HEI’s) was examined from a collaborative perspective. Through a comprehensive literature review and empirical analysis, the study investigated the multifaceted implications of AI integration in educational settings. The literature review revealed diverse perspectives on AI’s potential in education. Key findings underscore the transformative potential of AI technologies in enhancing student learning outcomes, and experiences while also highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to maximize its benefits. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on AI in education by offering insights into the opportunities, challenges, and future implications of AI in student success.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence in Education, Students, Impact, Collaboration
Introduction
According to various international reports, Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIEd) is one of the currently emerging fields in educational technology. Whilst it has been around for about 30 years, it is still unclear for educators how to take pedagogical advantage of it on a broader scale, and how it can impact meaningfully on teaching and learning in higher education, Olaf Zawacki-Richer et.al, (2019).
In the 1960s, Pye (1963: 3) stated that:
It was the pressure of communication which brought about the downfall of traditional societies. In the future, it will be the creation of new channels of communication and the ready acceptance of new content of communications that will be decisive in determining the prospects of nation-building.
Other scholars such as Chan and Zary equally support the notion that AI is widely playing a critical role across various fields in education. “AI-enhanced digital technology has played an essential role in our daily life, with its great power of changing the way we think, act, and interact. Ever since its emergence, AI has developed with prosperity and flourishment, in particular with the emergence of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Deep Learning (DL)”, (Chan & Zary, 2019).
Mulima and Simuchimba (2022) reported that they believe that ICTs do enhance learner engagement and improve the quality of lesson preparation and delivery by the teachers. They further believe that if well used, ICTs can contribute to increased levels of learner motivation, interest, creativity, and performance.
The rise of artificial intelligence in education has been a topic of increasing interest and research. As technology continues to advance, AI is changing the way we learn, bringing both exciting opportunities and challenges. The use of AI in education is expected to revolutionize the learning environment, impacting the role of educators and the way teaching is approached, Malekos (2023). Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the landscape of education in several impactful ways. It introduces personalized learning experiences by adapting to individual learning styles and pacing, ensuring that students receive tailored support. Additionally, AI can automate routine administrative tasks, such as grading and scheduling, freeing up educators to focus more on teaching.
Literature Review
Conceptualization of Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIEd)
The term AI, coined by John McCarthy in 1955, is defined as a computer with the capability to perform a variety of human cognitive tasks, such as communicating, reasoning, learning, and/or problem-solving (Nilsson, 1998). Baker and Smith (2019) further explain that AI represents a generic term to describe a wide collection of different technologies and algorithms (e.g., machine learning, NLP, data mining, and neural networks). In the earlier stage, AI in the education area normally refers to intelligent tutoring systems , which aim to solve problems such as enhancing operator performance automatically (e.g., Ross, 1987; Hwang, 2003).
The current breakthroughs in AI technology seem to be overhauling current educational norms, leading to debates. Some educators see AI as a progressive step toward the future of education and research. In contrast, others are doubtful and view it as a potential danger, with a risk of leading to a decrease in educational activities and fostering laziness among teachers and students due to reduced analytical skills, Skavronskaya, et.a.l (2023).
One key advantage of an AI-centered smart university is its potential to lower costs, while enhancing efficiency and accessibility, Schiff (2021 ). AI systems can handle admissions, enrollment, and course scheduling, thus reducing the workload for administrative staff. This decrease in variable costs, combined with the potential for tailored curriculum offerings, augments accessibility. Moreover, AI systems can design and deliver lessons, assess student performance, and provide personalized feedback. This allows faculty members to focus more on research and other responsibilities, Heilinger et al. (2023 ). Another advantage of a smart university is its ability to individualize the learning experience for each student, Siirtola and Röning (2019 ). By examining student performance data, AI systems can modify lessons to address the distinct needs of every learner, a fact underscored by the successful deployment of AI-powered tutors in online learning platforms.
Methodology
The study adopted a cross-sectional, non-experimental design since a questionnaire was distributed among students enrolled at universities in Cyprus, India, Morocco, and Zambia. Data collection was carried out in the year 2024. A mixed methods research design is a procedure for collecting, analyzing, and “mixing” both quantitative and qualitative research and methods in a single study to understand a research problem, Cresswell, (2012).
Utilizing databases like Frontiers, Elsevier, MDPI, Google Scholar, and seventy-seven (77) university student respondents across Cyprus, India, Morroco, and Zambia. We systematically searched for literature on AI’s impact on HEIs. Our criteria prioritized peer-reviewed articles and a questionnaire to find out if the students used AI in the selected Higher Education institutions. After selection, data extraction focused on authors, study design, and primary findings. The participants were undergraduate and postgraduate students. Participants from various backgrounds were probably going to have varying perspectives on how to use AI in education and how it will affect our future educational system. The analysis combined descriptive and thematic approaches, emphasizing patterns and applications of AI chatbots in HEIs.
Findings and Discussion
The Role of AI in Teaching
When asked how they would rate their understanding of AI, the 77 students' responses varied with the lowest (poor understanding) standing at 5.3%. These 5.3% had a very poor understanding of AI usage in education, Fig.1. summarizes their responses as shown below:
Figures are not included in the reading sample.
When asked if they believed that AI’s influenced the way they learnt and accessed educational resources, the 77 students responded as shown below in Fig.2.
Figures are not included in the reading sample.
Figure.2.
AI-powered tutoring systems offer personalized assistance, answering questions and providing feedback on assignments to enhance students’ understanding of challenging concepts. The analysis of vast educational data by AI facilitates data-driven decision-making. helping educators refine curriculum design, teaching methods, and resource allocation.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) applications powered by AI create immersive learning environments, making abstract concepts tangible. Adaptive learning platforms, driven by AI, dynamically adjust content and difficulty levels based on individual student progress, promoting a more efficient learning process.
AI’s role extends to language translation, breaking down barriers to make educational content more accessible globally. It also supports students with disabilities through real-time transcription and image recognition, fostering inclusivity.
Furthermore, AI assists in identifying learning gaps early on, allowing educators to provide targeted support and resources. Collaborative learning platforms powered by AI facilitate group projects, peer review, and collaborative problem-solving, fostering communication and teamwork skills among students.
AI plays a crucial role in supporting professional development for educators, offering personalized insights into areas for improvement, and recommending relevant training resources. Despite its promise, the integration of AI in education requires careful consideration of ethical, privacy, and human oversight considerations to ensure responsible and effective implementation.
In this study, the commonly used AI by the students are shown in Fig 3 below :
Figures are not included in the reading sample.
Figure 3: Various Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems used by university students in Cyprus, India, Morocco, and Zambia.
Enhancing Learning Outcomes
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education holds the potential to significantly enhance learning outcomes. AI can adapt to individual learning needs, providing personalized experiences that cater to each student's strengths and weaknesses. This tailored approach ensures that students receive the support they require, ultimately improving their understanding and mastery of concepts.
Automation of administrative tasks by AI, such as grading and record-keeping, allows educators to redirect their focus and energy toward teaching. This increased efficiency contributes to a more productive and engaging learning environment.
AI-powered tutoring systems offer additional support to students, providing personalized assistance and feedback on assignments. This one-on-one guidance helps students overcome challenges and reinforces their comprehension of difficult subjects, leading to improved academic performance.
The analysis of extensive educational data by AI enables educators to gain valuable insights into student progress and learning patterns. Informed by data-driven decisions, educators can adjust teaching methods, identify areas for improvement, and tailor instructional approaches to maximize student success.
The use of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) applications driven by AI enhances the learning experience by making abstract concepts more tangible. These immersive technologies provide a dynamic and interactive platform, fostering a deeper understanding of complex topics.
Adaptive learning platforms, powered by AI, dynamically adjust content based on individual student progress. This ensures that students are appropriately challenged, promoting a more efficient and effective learning process. As a result, students are more likely to stay engaged and motivated, leading to better learning outcomes.
AI’s role in language translation and accessibility features helps bridge language gaps, making educational content more accessible to a diverse global audience. Additionally, AI supports students with disabilities by providing real-time transcription and other assistive technologies, promoting inclusivity and equal access to education.
Early identification of learning gaps through AI allows educators to intervene promptly, providing targeted support and resources to address specific challenges. This proactive approach contributes to a more comprehensive and successful learning experience for students.
In essence, the incorporation of AI in education has the potential to revolutionize the learning process, making it more personalized, efficient, and accessible. By leveraging AI technologies, educators can create a dynamic and adaptive learning environment that caters to the diverse needs of students, ultimately leading to enhanced learning outcomes.
Challenges and Ethical Considerations
Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into higher education institutions presents various challenges and ethical considerations that must be carefully addressed to ensure responsible and beneficial implementation. Here are some key challenges and ethical considerations:
AI systems can perpetuate biases present in the data they are trained on, leading to unfair treatment of individuals or groups. This is especially concerning in higher education, where decisions regarding admissions, grading, and resource allocation can significantly impact students' lives. Ensuring fairness and mitigating bias in AI algorithms is crucial to promoting equal opportunities for all students.
AI applications in higher education often rely on vast amounts of sensitive student data. Institutions must prioritize the protection of this data to maintain students' privacy and prevent unauthorized access or misuse. Clear policies and robust security measures are necessary to safeguard sensitive information.
AI algorithms can be complex and opaque, making it difficult to understand how they reach decisions. Lack of transparency can undermine trust in AI systems, especially when they influence important educational outcomes. Institutions should strive to make AI processes transparent and accountable by providing explanations for AI-driven decisions and mechanisms for recourse in case of errors or unfair treatment.
The integration of AI technologies in education may reshape traditional teaching and learning methods. While AI-powered tools can enhance personalized learning experiences and offer valuable insights into student performance, they may also raise concerns about the over-reliance on technology and the potential dehumanization of education. Balancing the benefits of AI with the importance of human interaction and critical thinking skills is essential.
There is a risk that AI implementations in higher education may exacerbate existing disparities in access to resources and opportunities. Institutions must ensure that AI technologies are accessible to all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background or technological proficiency. This includes addressing issues such as digital literacy, infrastructure limitations, and affordability concerns.
When asked whether universities should incorporate more AI-related courses or training programs into their curricula, the 77 students responded as displayed in Fig.4.
Figures are not included in the reading sample.
Figure 4.
Higher education institutions must navigate ethical dilemmas related to the collection, analysis, and utilization of student data for AI-driven purposes. It is essential to obtain informed consent from students regarding data usage and adhere to ethical guidelines and regulations governing data privacy and protection. Additionally, institutions should be transparent about how student data is used and ensure that it is used solely for educational purposes.
The adoption of AI technologies in higher education may lead to concerns about job displacement among faculty and staff. Institutions should proactively address these concerns by investing in reskilling and upskilling programs to prepare employees for new roles and responsibilities in an AI-enhanced educational environment. Emphasizing the complementary nature of AI and human expertise can help mitigate fears of job loss.
Addressing these challenges and ethical considerations requires collaboration among educators, technologists, policymakers, and other stakeholders to develop and implement guidelines, policies, and practices that prioritize fairness, transparency, privacy, and equity in the integration of AI in higher education institutions.
Gender Bias
The study revealed a gender bias towards the use of AI in education, as displayed in Fig.5., males were seemingly recorded to be the higher users of AI in education. The pattern was similar across higher education institutions in Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Figures are not included in the reading sample.
Figure 5: Usage of AI by gender
The different statistics of higher education students using AI were drawn from university undergraduates and Postgraduate students. They were drawn various fields including; Education, Engineering, Economics, French, B. Tech Civil Engineering, Statistics and Data Science, Religious Studies, Business Studies, Applied Science, Medicine and Surgery, Chemical and Materials Science Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Journalism, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Engineering, Architecture, Industrial Engineering Management, Cyber Security, Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science Engineering, Energy, Business Administration, Finance and Management, Geomatics Engineering, Bachelors of Commerce, Biomedical Science, Agricultural and Natural Resources, Accounting, Pharmacy, and Records Management.
Respondent Voices
When asked if there was anything else respondents wanted to share concerning the impact of AI among university students. Some interesting responses were as follows:
a) “The only thing I can say about the impact of Al among university students is that it makes them become lazier in research work, writing assignments, even solving issues by themselves they would rather use the Al for every question given. It also makes the graduates to luck professional skills in their work since they never really understood the concepts because everything was just copy and paste from AI”.
b) “AI is only going to keep growing. And sooner than later it Is going to become a necessity to know how to use AI in various jobs. So why not take the time to learn now while it is free before people start charging huge amounts of money to learn it. People who know how to use AI will probably take your jobs and you'd have nothing to say about it”.
c) “It has reduced the pressure of completing academic tasks”.
d) “AI has some what made learning easier, but at the same time it is having a negative impact on how students, particularly in my field of medicine, handle academics. It has made some lazy in that accessing information is just a click away now so reading books has become a difficult thing for most of my peers”.
e) “It’s helpful a lot but on the other hand I think it doesn’t build character in us, instead makes us lazier in handling things…”
f) “The integration of AI in education is imperative especially in STEM to facilitate efficiency in learning”.
g) “The introduction of AI should be taken serious by students because there are so many things students can learn from. AI will replace those that are not invested in finding out how these technologies work, but those that understand the use will be the greatest assets!”
h) “I feel AI has kind of made it easier to obtain a passing grades especially since it’s used for assignments or essays...I do believe information should be readily available to students to assist in their studies but issues of plagiarism and other forms of cheating due to easy accessibility owing to AI (not entirely) can be swept out if there’s a way to regulate it’s use in academics (of course some measures have been put in place, e.g some universities have equipped lecturers with plagiarism checking tools to help in marking and grading assignments, essays, dissertations etc. So it's a step in the right direction I guess).AI is a tool to supplement a student's studies, not a tool to gain advantage to obtain a passing grade (which would challenge critical thinking skills in students)...that's just my thought”.
i) “I think students shouldn't just depend on AI but also books because we have to keep the books usable”.
j) “I feel like AI is slowly taking over employment, I mean yes AI is great but the rate at which it is advancing is frankly terrifying, what is going to happen to humans who rely on other people to employ them”.
k) “The use of AI makes students natural intelligence decline as they tend to depend on artificial intelligence to find solutions to their homework and assignments as opposed to actually carrying out research and studying”.
Conclusion
Clearly, the global expansion of AI use in Higher Education Institutions is undeniable, the potential is both positively and negatively massive. As we have explored, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within Higher Education Institutions across diverse landscapes like Morocco, Zambia, Cyprus, and India presents a captivating narrative of potential and progress. AI is weaving itself into the fabric of academic life, fostering a more inclusive, engaging, and effective learning experience.
There is a pressing need for balanced regulation in the application of AIs within HEIs. The unregulated use of AI poses a serious challenge for many HEI’s across Africa, India, Europe, and many other parts of the globe. The burgeoning influence of AI in HEI’s across Morocco, Zambia, Cyprus, and India paints a promising picture for the future of education. As we navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by this transformative technology, a collaborative and responsible approach paves the way for a future where AI empowers institutions and students to cultivate diverse, engaged, and future-ready graduates, prepared to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world.
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Frequently Asked Questions about "EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON STUDENTS-A COLLABORATIVE PERSPECTIVE"
What is the main focus of this article?
This article explores the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on students in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from a collaborative perspective, examining its potential for enhancing learning outcomes and highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts to maximize its benefits.
Who are the authors of this article?
The article is written by Owen Mulima and Denise Emma Mulima.
What is the abstract about?
The abstract highlights that the article investigates the multifaceted implications of AI integration in educational settings through literature review and empirical analysis. It emphasizes AI's transformative potential for enhancing student learning outcomes and experiences, while also highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders.
What are the keywords associated with this article?
The keywords are Artificial Intelligence in Education, Students, Impact, and Collaboration.
What is Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIEd) according to the introduction?
The introduction mentions that AIEd is one of the currently emerging fields in educational technology and its pedagogical advantages are not yet clear to educators on a broader scale.
What does the literature review cover?
The literature review covers the conceptualization of AIEd, including the definition of AI, its various technologies and algorithms (e.g., machine learning, NLP, data mining, and neural networks), and its applications in education.
What methodology was used in this study?
<The study adopted a cross-sectional, non-experimental design with data collected in 2024 from university students in Cyprus, India, Morocco, and Zambia, and utilized a mixed methods research design. Data collection included questionnaires and a literature review of AI in Education through databases like Frontiers, Elsevier, MDPI and Google Scholar.
What are some of the findings discussed in the article?
The findings discuss students' understanding of AI, its influence on their learning and access to educational resources, and the role of AI in teaching, including personalized assistance, data-driven decision-making, and the creation of immersive learning environments through VR and AR.
How can AI enhance learning outcomes according to the article?
AI can enhance learning outcomes by adapting to individual learning needs, automating administrative tasks, offering personalized tutoring systems, analyzing educational data, and providing immersive learning experiences through VR and AR.
What challenges and ethical considerations are associated with integrating AI in higher education?
The challenges and ethical considerations include biases in AI systems, data privacy and security, lack of transparency and accountability, potential dehumanization of education, exacerbation of existing disparities, and ethical dilemmas related to student data.
What was the gender distribution for AI usage in HEIs according to the study?
The study revealed a gender bias towards the use of AI in education with males seemingly recorded to be the higher users of AI in education.
What were the respondent voices discussing?
Respondents voiced concerns that AI could cause laziness among students, may reduce natural intelligence, could threaten STEM fields, and potentially lead to employment issues.
What is the conclusion of the article?
The conclusion emphasizes the global expansion of AI use in HEIs, its potential impacts, and the need for balanced regulation in its application to ensure that AI empowers institutions and students to cultivate diverse, engaged, and future-ready graduates.
- Quote paper
- Owen Mulima (Author), Denise Emma Mulima (Author), 2024, Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Students. A Collaborative Perspective, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1459049
