Exploring AI Integration in Higher Education: University Lecturers' Perspectives on Engagement, Critical Thinking, and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Abstract

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in higher education is increasingly reshaping teaching and learning methodologies across diverse academic disciplines. This research explores university lecturers' perspectives on the integration of AI technologies in higher education, with a focus on fostering engagement, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration among students. A questionnaire was designed for data collection. A test re-test method was used to enhance its reliability. The sample consisted of selected academic staff members of Lagos State University of Education. A non-probability sampling technique was utilized in this study. Descriptive statistics were utilized to analyze the survey data. The results show that university lecturers have varying practices and degrees of AI integration; issues like a lack of training and difficulty incorporating AI into the current curriculum are mentioned. Despite these challenges, there is a positive perception of AI's potential to enhance student engagement, critical thinking skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration, among others. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on AI integration in higher education and underscores the importance of evidence-based practices and policy decisions in harnessing the transformative potential of AI technologies.