Higher Education in the Arab World: Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence at a Glance

The term Artificial Intelligence (AI) was first coined in 1956 by John McCarthy who is considered to be the father of AI. He defined AI as “the science and engineering of making intelligent machines”. Since then, AI has metamorphosed into computing systems characterized by “human-like processes such as learning, adapting, synthesizing, self-correction and the use of data for complex processing tasks”.

AI in Higher Education

Within the higher education landscape, AI is emerging as a powerful change agent often referred to as AI in Education (AIEd). There is a pressing need to understand what AIEd entails in higher education. AIEd represents a cultural shift within universities and colleges; this shift is referred to as the Smart University. Smart Universities in the context of AIEd are marked by several key characteristics. With regards to admissions and enrollment, AIEd tools are used to obtain data on recruitment, admission, retention, success and failure rates and other student data. For teaching and learning, AIEd tools are being implemented to provide adaptive and student-centered learning experiences. Universities are also relying on AIEd to identify at-risk students, predict performance, check for plagiarism and recommend courses. Researchers are also benefiting from AIEd tools to sift through large data banks and analyze and identify patterns and insights that can inform their practice. Administrative efficiency is another hallmark of AIEd as it streamlines and automates various administrative functions and support financial management and resource allocation. This not only reduces administrative burdens but also lowers costs and enables universities to invest more in education and research. AIEd is also designed to optimize human resource processes from recruitment and onboarding to performance evaluation and career development. These systems use AI and digital tools to make human resource functions more efficient, data driven and employee focused.

To potentially integrate AIEd within the university, several steps must be adopted such as:

• University Leadership - The role of leadership is pivotal in guiding the university through the transformative journey of AIEd and digitization. Leaders must be visionary individuals who understand the potential of technology in education.
• Campus-Wide Discussions - Universities must engage in campus-wide in-depth discussions at all levels to understand the purpose of AIEd for their academic institution.
• Strategic Integration - Following these discussions, the university must then develop a strategic approach that integrates AIEd within teaching, learning, research, university operations and infrastructure.
• Mindful Innovation Culture - This means that universities must identify the conditions that enables their community to facilitate the assimilation of AIEd.

Ethical Governance Framework

Universities should work on developing an ethical governance framework for AI to ensure that all of the challenges that come with AIEd are addressed and minimized as well. AI in education raises ethical and legal considerations, such as the ethical use of student data and AI systems that do not violate students' rights. Additionally, the incorporation of AIEd is not devoid of challenge. AI algorithms can be biased, which can perpetuate discrimination and inequality. To counter this, it is pivotal to develop AIEd systems that are inclusive and built on ethical considerations by engaging a diverse spectrum of stakeholders, including the end-users, in the design and development phases. Furthermore, AI systems need to be continuously monitored and evaluated. It is imperative to note that AI must not be relied on as the only tool for decision-making without human oversight and intervention. Higher education institutions are required to have a heightened sense of awareness when using AIEd and address its potential impacts.

Strategies for AIEd that allow universities to rethink their educational pathways and prepare students for a changing and AI-dominated labor market are critical as well. To keep pace with the demands of this dynamic landscape, universities become mandated to produce graduates that are AI savvy and can make a substantial impact on the progression of the nation through productivity, growth, development and innovation across various sectors.

To achieve this, it is critical to:

• Integrate AIEd into the Curricula - Programs of study need to be designed in ways that integrate AIEd into the courses and build AI competencies for students.
• Implement AIEd Tools - AIEd powered tools and technologies can help students and faculty members explore new ideas, test hypotheses and think creatively about solving problems. With AIEd tools, faculty can create more engaging and effective learning experiences and provide personalized feedback and support to students. As for students, AIEd tools can enable them to learn at their own pace and in their preferred learning style and provide them with immediate feedback and support.

Change often encounters resistance; thus, it is paramount for universities, as part of their AIEd initiatives, to continuously offer regular training programs to faculty and staff.

We must not overlook the importance of nation-wide efforts spearheaded by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in charting the path forward for AIEd. These collaborative efforts should envelop:

• Engagement with Educational Institutions - By working with universities and schools, government agencies can expedite the use and implementation of AIEd.
• Involvement of National Accreditation Agencies - These agencies play an important role in aligning with universities to develop AI applications that can be shared universally to exchange knowledge and best practices.

The Way Forward for Universities

What is the reality of AIEd as we enter 2024? The purpose of this edition is to explore and critically examine the actual and potential impact of AIEd within all aspects of higher education: teaching, learning, research, faculty, community services, students, administrative operations, infrastructure and campus life and facilities.

This year’s conference will focus on understanding AIEd within universities in the Arab region and also shed light on its realities in this region. It will explore different elements of AIEd in universities and present case studies. It brings together multidisciplinary academics from different parts of the region to speak of their research both within and beyond the academic environment to enhance the student experience and to sustain the university.