Journal of higher education curriculum studies

Journal of higher education curriculum studies

Discovering the applications of artificial intelligence(AI) in the higher education system

Document Type : Research Paper

Author
Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/hecs.2026.499794.1993
Abstract
The aim of this study was to Discover the applied nature of artificial intelligence in higher education. In this was an applied research with a mixed method and used two content analysis and descriptive approaches. To identify the nature of artificial intelligence applications in higher education, semi-structured interviews were conducted with19 subject matter experts, and the data were analyzed using the Strauss and Corbin method in MAXQDA.The sampling method was purposive, and the criterion for sample selection was data saturation.The sample in the quantitative section for validating the components is based on simple random sampling.The sample included 168 postgraduate students of the Faculty of Computer Science, Shiraz University of Technology and Shiraz University.The measurement tool was a researcher-made questionnaire with 37 questions.The data in this section were validated by confirmatory factor analysis(CFA). After analyzing the interviews, we obtained 3 selective codes Which includes knowledge and skills in the application of artificial intelligence in the higher education system, evaluation and feedback in artificial intelligence, benefits of the application of artificial intelligence in higher education, 17 central codes, and 165 open codes. In addition, in the quantitative section, all components have an average of more than 4 and the EFA rate in all questions was more than 0.5. Also, the results of the CFA have excellent fit (RMSEA=0.041). The research findings, in addition to identifying the components of the application of artificial intelligence in higher education, provide the basis for its conscious and intelligent application with greater effectiveness in the teaching and learning process.
Keywords

Abbasi, H., Zaraii Zavaraki, E., NiliAhmadabadi, M.(2024). Investigating the use of new metaverse technology in teaching and learning: a systematic review. Technology of Education Journal. 18(2), 287-310. https://jte.sru.ac.ir/article_1992_3c0a069989efdb3060da59fd645a8e22.pdf (in persian)
Akgun, S., Greenhow, C.(2022). Artificial intelligence in education: Addressing ethical challenges in K-12 setting – PMC. AI Ethics. 2(3), 431-440. doi:10.1007/s43681-021-00096-7
Alam, A., Hasan, M., Raza, M.M.(2022). Impact of Artificial Intelligence(AL) on education: changing paradigms and approaches. Towards Exellence, 14(1), 281-289. https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/87317338/Impact_of_Artificial_Intelligence  
Ashok, M., Madan, R., Joha, A., & Sivarajah, U.(2022). Ethical framework for Artificial Intelligence and Digital technologies. Intervational Journal  of Information Management, 62, 102433. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2021.102433 
Borenstein, J., & Howard, A.(2021). Emerging challenges in AI and the need for AI ethics education. AI and Ethics, 1(1), 61-65. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43681-020-00002-7  
Chen, X., Xie, H., Zou, D., Hwang, G.J.(2020). Application and theoty gaps during the rise of artificial intelligence in education. Comput . educ.Artif. Intell. 1, 100002. Doi:10.1016/j.caeai.2020.100002
Chiu, T. K. F., Xia, Q., Zhou, X., Chai, C. S., Cheng, M.(2023). systemativ Literature review on opportunities, challenges, and future research recommendations of artificial intelligence in education.computer and education: Artificial Intelligenc. 4, 100118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2022.100118
Corba, W. F., Bennasar, F. N.(2024). Techniques and applications of Machin Learning and Artificial Intelligence in education: a systematic review. RIDE- Revista Iberoamericana de education a distancia. 27 (1). https://doi.org/10.5944/ried.27.1.37491 
Corrin, K., Kennedy, G., French, S., Buckingham shum, S., Kitto, K., Pardo, A., west, D., Mirriahi, N., & Colvin, C.(2019). The Ethics of Learning Analytics in Australian Higher education: A Discussion Paper.   https://melbournecshe.unimelb.edu.au/research/research-projects/edutech/the-ethical-use-of-learning-analytics   
Dieterle, E., Dede, Ch., & Walker, M.(2024). The cyclical ethical effects of using artificial intelligence in education, AI & SOCIETY. 39, p: 633-643. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-022-01497-w  
Fedele, A., Punzi, C., & Tramacere, S.(2024). The ALTAI checklist as a tool to asses ethical and legal implications for a trustworthy AI development in education, Computer Law & Security Review:  The International Hournal of technology Law and Practice. 53, 105986. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clsr.2024.105986     
Gartner, S., Krasna, M.(2023). Artificial Intelligence in education ethical framework, Mediterranean Conference on Embedded Computing (MECO). 06-10 Hune, Budva, Montenegro, Doi: 10.1109/MECO58584.2023.10155012  
 Holmes, W., Hui, Z., Miao, F., & Ronghuai, H.(2021). AI and education: A Guidance for policymarlers. UNESCO Publishing.
 Hwang, G.J., Xie, H., Wah, B.W., & Gasevic, D.(2020). Vision, Challenges, roles and research issues of Artificial Intelligence in education. Computer ane Education:AI, 1. 100001. https://doi.org/10.1016/h.caeai.2020.100001
Institute of Ethical AI in Education.(2020). Interim report: towards a shared vision of ethical AI in Education. Tech. rep., University of Buckingham. https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/The-Institutefor-Ethical-AI-in-Educations-Interim-Report-Towards-a-Shared-Vision-of-Ethical-AI-in-education.pdf  
Jafari, D., Shah Mohammadi, M., Qandali, A.(2024). Artificial intelligence and new technologies in educational systems: opportunities and challenges. Electronic education and new educational technologies . 4(4), 129-139. https://esjournal.ir/fa/paper.php?pid=153  (in persian)
Jafarifar, N. (2024). Scientific Productions of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Iran: With Emphasis on Subject Fields. Applied Scientometric Studies1(1), 101-127. doi: 10.22091/apss.2024.10917.1001 (in persian)
Jhurani, J., Choudhuri, S.S., & Reddy, P.(2023). Fostering a safe, secure, and Trustworthy Artificialintelligence ecosystem in the United States, International Journal of Applied Engineering & Technology,. 5 (S2). 21-27. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jayesh-Jhurani/publication/378964424
Jobin, A., Ienca, M., & Vayena, E.(2019). Artificial Intelligence: The global landscape of ethica guideline, Nature Machine Intelligence. 1(9), 389-399. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42256-019-0088-2    
Judijanto, L., Atsani, M.R., Chadijah, S.(2024). Trends In The Deveopment Of Artificial Intelegence- Based Technology in education. International Journal of Teachingand Learning (INJOTEL).18, 2(6),1722-1733. https://injotel.org/index.php/12/article/view/197
Kabudi, T., Pappas, I., & Olsen, D.H.(2021). AI- enabled adaptive learning systems: Asystematic mapping of the literature. Comput. Educ. Artif. Intell., 2, March, p:100017. Doi:1.1016/j.caeai.2021.100017
Kamalov, F., Calonge, D. S., Gurrib, I.(2023). New Era of Artificial Intelligence in Education: Towards a Sustainable MultifacetedRevolution.Sustainability, 15, 12451. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612451  
Kamalov, F., Calonge, D.S., Gurrib, I. (2023).New Era of Artificial Intelligence in Education: Towards a Sustainable MultifacetedRevolution.Sustainability. 15, 12451. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612451   
Klimova, B. & Pikhart, M. (2026).)a.( Use of artificial intelligence in foreign language education in higher education settings. In Social robots and artificial intelligence in education: Integrating AI in K-12 and higher education (pp. 327-351). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.‏ https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-03977-4_13
Klimova, B., & Pikhart, M. (2025).(b). Exploring the effects of artificial intelligence on student and academic well-being in higher education: A mini-review. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1498132.   https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1498132
Malgieri, G., Pasquale, F.(2024). Licensing high-risk artificial intelligence: Toward ex ante justification for a  disruptive technology. Comput Law Secur Rev  .52:105899. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clsr.2023.105899     
Miao, F., Holmes, W., Huang, R., Zhang, H.(2021). AI and education – Guidance for policy- mak-ers. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.2021, Apr 8. https://books.google.com/books?id=yyE7EAAAQBAJ&lpg=PA3&ots=cBi8EazqN
Mittal, S., Mahendra, S., Sanap, V., & Churi, P.(2022). International Journal of Information Management Data Insights How can machine learning be used in stress management : A systematic literature review of applications in workplaces and education. International Journall of Information Management Data Insights,2(2), 100110. https://doi.org/10.1016/h.hhimei.2022.100110 
Motaghi Destenaei, A., Karami, A., Piri Fath Abad, M.(2024). Pathology of artificial intelligence applications in education Using the SWOT analysis method, Human Information Interaction. 11, (2).http://hii.khu.ac.ir/article-1-3157-fa.html (in persian)
MotallebiNejad,A. , Shahvarani,M. and Shahvarani,S. (2025). A Systematic Analytical Review of the Artificial Intelligence Use in Higher Education. Higher Education Letter, 18(69), 85-106. doi: 10.22034/hel.2024.2011755.1909 (in persian)
Mouta, A., Torrecilla-Sanchez, E.M., Pinto- Llorente, A.m.(2024). Design of a future scenarios toolkit for an ethical implementation of artificial intelligence in eduvation. Education an Information Technologies. 29, 10473-10498. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-12229-y  
Nasiri F, Jafari S.(2025). Application of artificial intelligence in higher education based on learning rate and adoption of artificial intelligence: the mediating role of attitude and behavioral intentions. MEO, 14 (1) : 4.  http://journalieaa.ir/article-1-756-fa.html (in persian)   
Natalia, D.R., Javier, D.S., Mark, C., Prado, M.K., Enrique, H.V., & Francisco, H.(2023). Connecting the dots in trustworthy Artificial Intelligence: from AI principles ethics, and ley requirements to responsible AI systems and regulation, Information Fusion.99, 101896. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inffus.2023.101896 
Nguyen A., Ngan Ngo, H., Hong, Y,. Dang, B., & Neguyen, B.T.(2023). Ethical principles for artificial intelligence in education, Education and Information Technologies. 28, pp: 422`-4241. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11316-w
Palomares, I., Martine-Camara, E., Montes, R., Garcia-Moral, P., Chiachio, M., Chiachio, H., & Herrere, F.(2021). A panoramic view and swot analysis of artificial intelligence for achieving the sustainable development goals by 2030: progress and prospects.Applied Intelligence, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10489-021-02264-y  
Rezaei, M., Pazouki, E., Ebrahimpour, R.(2024). Development of an Intelligent Mechanism for Comparing Personalized Education in the Context of an Interactive Educational System. Technology of Education Journal.18 (3), 697-714. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/(in persian)
Riss, M. J. (2021). The use of Al in education: Practicalities and ethical consideration. London Review of Education, 19(1), 5, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.14324/LRE.19.1.05
Rodrigues, R.(2020). Legal and human rights issues of AI: Gaps, dhallenges and vulnerabilities, Journal of Responsible Technology, 4, 100005. https://doi.org/10.1016/h.hrt.2020.100005  
Saputra, I., Astuti, M., Sayuti, M., Kusumastuti, D.(2023). Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Education: Opportunities, Challenges, Threats and Obstacles. A Literature Review. Indonesian Journal of Computer Science.12(4), 1590-1600. http://ijcs.net/ijcs/index.php/ijcs/article/view/3266
Schiff, D.(2021). Out of the laboratory and into the classroom: the future of artificial intelligence in education, AI SOC. 36(1):331-348. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-020-01033-8 
Shahzad, M. F., Xu, S., Lim, W. M., Yang, X., and Khan, Q. R. (2024). Artificial intelligence and social media on academic performance and mental well-being: student perceptions of positive impact in the age of smart learning. Heliyon. 10:e29523. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29523
Tang, X., Yuan, Z., & Qu, S. (2025). Factors Influencing University Students' Behavioural Intention to Use Generative Artificial Intelligence for Educational Purposes Based on a Revised UTAUT2 Model. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 41(1), e13105. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.13105  
UNESCO. (2021). Recommendation on the ethics of artificial intelligence.United Nations Educational. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000379920.page=14 
Xia, Q., Chiu ,T.K.F., Lee, M., Temitayo, I., Dai .Y., chai, C.S.(2022). A self- determination theory design approach for inclusive and diverse Artificial Intelligende (AI) k-12 education. Computers & Education. 189, 104582. Doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2022.104582
Zafari, M. , esmaeily, A. and Sadeghi-Niaraki, . (2021). An Overview of the Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality in Education. Educational Measurement and Evaluation Studies11(36), 89-116. doi: 10.22034/emes.2021.251559 (in persian)
Zarei, M. H. (2025). (a). Identifying, Validating, and Prioritizing the Principles of Management, Design & Development and Promotion of AI in Educational Systems. Journal of Management and Planning In Educational System18(2), -. doi: 10.48308/mpes.2025.238571.1548(in persian)
Zarei, M. H. (2025).(b).  Design and Validation of an Ethical AI Framework in Higher Education. Ethics in Science and Technology, 20 (3) :81-89. http://ethicsjournal.ir/article-1-3396-fa.html  (in persian)