Muscat – Experts across academia are affirming that artificial intelligence (AI) significantly enhances the quality and advancement of university-level education. To fully leverage these benefits for students and faculty, it is crucial to review and establish quality standards ensuring the effectiveness and appropriateness of AI applications in higher education.

Dr Fatma Abdullah Amer al Maqbali, Dean of Postgraduate Studies, Scientific Research and Innovation at University of Technology and Applied Sciences,  highlighted AI’s benefits in education. She noted that AI can improve students’ study skills, facilitate knowledge acquisition and enhance self-learning, emphasising its applications could support students in analysing research, provide immediate feedback on performance and help correct errors. Most significantly, she informed, AI helps save time.

However, Fatma raised ethical concerns about AI, including potential privacy breaches and diminished human interaction, which could impact students’ social and emotional development.

Fatma also warned that AI might stifle creativity by promoting standardised learning methods, potentially causing learners to lose their individual identity and interest in exploration. Moreover, disparities in technology access could widen the gap between students with resources and those without, exacerbating educational inequalities.

Fatma stressed that AI applications in education should be interactive and user-friendly, with intuitive interfaces and tools that foster engagement. Continuous evaluation within AI systems is essential to track and improve student performance, and transparency and accountability in AI decisions are crucial. Additionally, AI systems should integrate seamlessly with existing learning management systems and curricula, accommodating diverse student needs, including those with disabilities.

According to Dr Muammar bin Ali al Toobi, an expert in AI, the digital age has introduced new challenges, particularly with ‘generative AI’ systems. These challenges include ethical issues related to content creation and intellectual property rights.

Toobi emphasised the importance of developing ethical guidelines for AI use to ensure educational quality and to address these challenges effectively.

Dr Ali Said al Matari, a mathematics teacher at A’Sharqiyah University, highlighted the challenge of academic cheating in the context of AI. The technology’s ability to generate ready-made content complicates verifying academic originality. He warned that excessive reliance on AI could undermine students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills, introduce algorithmic biases, and raise concerns about privacy and data confidentiality.

Matari observed the need for new assessment methods aligned with AI use and strategies that educate students on responsible technology use. He suggested leveraging AI to enhance linguistic and technical skills while adhering to ethical standards and academic integrity. He also stressed the importance of training programmes for students and faculty to effectively utilise AI tools and adapt to technological changes, maximising AI’s educational benefits.