From Classrooms to Smart Universities: AI’s role in Transforming Higher Education

By Dr. Sampath LonkaReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Aug 31 2023

In a recent publication in the journal Administrative Sciences, researchers evaluated artificial intelligence’s (AI) impact on higher education.

Background

In recent years, AI technology has had a potential impact across diverse industries, education being no exception. In higher education, the burgeoning consensus acknowledges AI's potential as more than just a tool; it is now seen as a beacon of competitive advantage. AI technology offers automation tasks in different roles, such as administrative duties, curriculum development, instruction, assessments, and the conferring of degrees in the university system.

Digital evolution in universities

The digital evolution of universities has progressed over time, with notable contributions from scholars. The journey began in the late 20th century with computer and internet integration for streamlined administration and communication. This progressed to online courses and later encompassed the democratizing force of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). Learning management systems (LMSs) took the stage, aiding course management. Personalized learning flourished, utilizing data analytics to tailor education. AI's incorporation holds the spotlight, revolutionizing education quality, task automation, and student support.

The current study bridges the gap between higher education and AI by offering a forward-looking perspective. It showcases AI's potential in reshaping education, provides a roadmap for stakeholders, emphasizes AI's benefits in addressing challenges, and calls for reevaluating education in an AI-augmented era.

What is a smart university?

An AI university or AI-centric smart university embodies a higher education institution that leverages AI technologies to refine its operations across research, teaching, administration, and learning domains, enhancing efficiency, effectiveness, and personalization. The primary aim of such a smart university is to elevate the quality of students' educational experiences while fostering knowledge generation and innovation through AI integration.

Students engage with advanced AI tools, cultivate AI skills, and apply them to real challenges, bolstered by collaboration and industry partnerships for up-to-date expertise. These institutions utilize advanced AI systems for administrative tasks, academic activities, and research, aided by learning management, virtual reality, robotics, automated systems, data management, sensors, and renewable energy systems. This amalgamation enables predominantly autonomous functioning, delivering personalized education in a sustainable, secure environment without constant human intervention.

Integrating AI with management systems

The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, particularly within educational platforms such as LMS and ITS, offers substantial advantages. In AI-enabled educational institutions, enhanced LMSs significantly improve student experiences and outcomes. AI-powered LMSs create personalized learning paths, adjusting to individual student requirements. They analyze performance data, providing tailored feedback and automating tasks. Additional enhancements through computer vision and natural language processing augment LMS capabilities. Automated feedback on grammar, spelling, and emotional assessment based on facial expressions enriches the learning experience. Meanwhile, ITS, emulating one-on-one tutoring, adapts to learning preferences, speed, and progress, delivering personalized materials and feedback. This approach improves engagement and outcomes by accommodating individualized instruction, pacing, and adaptability of learning style.

Virtual reality and metaverse in the smart university system

Adaptive testing integrates AI algorithms to set difficulty-level questions for students based on real-time student responses. This technique outperforms traditional fixed-form tests in terms of accurate knowledge assessment. AI algorithms initiate adaptive testing with moderately challenging questions and adjust the difficulty based on student performance. Adaptive testing saves time, increases efficiency, and effectively identifies diverse learning needs.

Integrating AI with virtual reality (VR), extended reality (XR), and augmented reality (AR) offers immersive educational experiences and enhances personal learning. These technologies simulate real-world scenarios, providing practical skills tailored to individual learning styles and offering customized feedback. AI also enhances VR, AR, and XR by tracking student interactions for real-time feedback and personalized support.

Interacting with users through digital avatars is termed the metaverse. This concept has significant implications for education. AI plays a central role in shaping the development of the metaverse, which could revolutionize education by creating engaging virtual classrooms, skill-building environments, and personalized learning experiences. AI-driven chatbots have gained popularity in higher education and beyond, enhancing student engagement and administrative efficiency. While chatbots streamline processes, they cannot replace the depth of human interaction. Thus, a balance between chatbot use and human support is crucial for optimal outcomes.

AI in higher education: Opportunities and challenges

The infusion of AI technologies into university settings holds promise for advancing higher education, introducing personalized learning paths, enhanced accessibility, and more efficient administrative operations. Yet, the nascent nature of AI technology prompts a thoughtful evaluation of associated challenges and concerns. A notable concern lies in the potential displacement of administrative and academic roles.

As AI assumes tasks such as grading and scheduling, the resultant impact on workforce stability and institutional structure is significant. Moreover, the intrinsic value of human interaction within education raises concerns. The irreplaceable human element remains an essential component of vibrant academia.

In AI-equipped universities, continuous learning across disciplines is augmented by AI-driven data systems. These systems gather and analyze data to identify student needs, improve teaching, and optimize resource allocation. However, ethical considerations, such as privacy and bias, must be addressed in AI research. AI should be used as a tool rather than a substitute for human expertise, emphasizing responsible AI usage in research.

Conclusion

In summary, integrating AI into universities offers personalized learning, accessibility improvements, and streamlined administration. However, challenges such as job displacement and ethical concerns arise. Quantum computing enhances AI's potential, enabling tailored learning and resource allocation. Universities must address biases and ensure responsible AI use through transparency and data privacy. The transformative future of higher education relies on strategic integration, ethical considerations, and collaborative efforts.