Assessing the Impact of Implementing the Use of AI Based Digital Solutions in Higher Education

Abstract

AI advancement and implementation has been rapidly changing the world and presenting many different opportunities that are helping improve it in different sectors including in Higher Education (HE). This dissertation aims at assessing the impact of the implementation of AI based digital solutions in higher education. This research is to be done using different approaches that help review the adoption and integration of AI based digital technologies, such as intelligent tutoring systems, learning analytics and chatbots, across various higher education institutions (HEIs). The area under study will be Africa University. This dissertation will explore both advantages and disadvantages of using AI in higher education, getting opinions and understandings from the perspective of students, faculty and administrative staff. Findings from this research will help draw out conclusions of what can be done to improve adoption of AI in higher education and also to view if there in anything that can be done to make it accessible to those who do not have access to it due to certain reasons. However, the study also highlights concerns around data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the need for faculty training and support. The research will use four frameworks namely Diffusion of Innovations theory (DOI), Organizational Learning Theory (OLT), technology Acceptance model (TAM), Unified Theory of Acceptance Use of Technology (UTAUT). These four frameworks will help dissect this topic and help understanding opinion from interviewee’s points of view. Data analysis also becomes easy to carry out. However, when carrying out this research, it will be paramount for the researcher to take note of the data privacy and ethical concerns of the organization under research. The conclusions drawn from this study will help contribute to the improvement in the implementation of AI in higher education and also help institutions that have little understanding of what can be achieved by implementing the use of AI in their learning sectors.