Perceptions, challenges, and prospects: University professors’ use of artificial intelligence in education

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a prominent area of investigation in the field of education. Also, perceptions, challenges and threats of AI among university professors show notable variations. This study explores university professors’ perspectives regarding AI, including their familiarity with AI, its educational impacts, challenges associated with its implementation, and perceived threats. To achieve this, a survey was administered to 65 university professors from diverse Egyptian institutions, both state and private. Subsequent statistical analyses were conducted to treat the collected data. The outcomes of these analyses reveal that university professors possess varying degrees of familiarity with AI. Despite this, they view AI as a valuable educational tool. The study identifies several challenges hindering AI adoption, encompassing difficulties in comprehending and interpreting AI algorithmic outcomes, the intricate autonomy of AI systems, financial implications of implementation, and concerns regarding data privacy. Additionally, the study identifies apprehensions pertaining to AI’’s influence on professors’ skills, potential dehumanization of pedagogy, adverse effects on students, and the potential obsolescence of professors. These findings bear implications for the integration of AI in educational contexts, highlighting the necessity for further exploration in this evolving field.