Challenges and Opportunities in Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Distance Education

Abstract

This study, inspired by the research of Cardoso et al. (2023), who investigated the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, focuses on the insertion of AI in distance education as a promising front for educational innovation. The main objective is to identify and analyze the advantages, disadvantages and challenges faced in adopting AI in remote educational contexts. Through a comprehensive literature review and case study analysis, it is observed that AI has the potential to increase student engagement and provide more personalized and accessible learning experiences. The results highlight that AI can adapt teaching to the individual needs of students, offering personalization and adaptation capabilities that can significantly improve the effectiveness of distance learning. However, challenges persist, including the need to invest in robust technological infrastructure, adequately train faculty to effectively use AI-based tools, and consider ethical and privacy issues related to the use of student data. The findings highlight the importance of a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to maximizing the benefits of AI in distance education. Furthermore, the need to overcome technological and ethical barriers to ensure effective and ethical integration of AI in the educational environment is emphasized. Therefore, this study significantly contributes to the understanding of how AI can be effectively applied in distance education, providing valuable insights for educators, researchers and professionals interested in promoting educational innovation through technology.