The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education

Abstract

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education has sparked a transformative shift in pedagogical methodologies, student engagement, and academic integrity across the UK and Ireland (Dogru, et.al, 2023). This qualitative study delves into the multifaceted implications of utilising AI in academic assignments from the perspective of higher education students, drawing on semi-structured interviews carried out with higher education students. The findings reveal a variety of perceived benefits, including enhanced study efficiency, personalised learning support (Hanaba et al., 2020; Yang, 2021), and the potential of AI to level the academic playing field for students with diverse needs. However, these advantages are in contrast with students’ perceptions of a wide range of significant concerns and challenges, notably the ethical dilemmas surrounding academic honesty, the potential for student dependency on AI leading to diminished knowledge and skill development, as well as the issue of equity in relation to students’ access to AI resources. Moreover, the study stresses a critical gap in institutional guidance regarding AI use, with students voicing a need for clear, consistent guidance from universities. This paper highlights the complex landscape of AI in academia, advocating for a balanced approach that harnesses AI's potential while addressing ethical, educational, and equity challenges. The study emphasises a need for immediate and more in-depth research into the use of AI in higher education from the perspective of both students and university staff in Ireland/UK.