Artificial Intelligence in Professional Higher Education: A Dual Perspective on Adoption, Benefits, and Challenges from Students and Faculty

Dr. Laxmikant C. Sontakke

Abstract: The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools into professional higher education is fundamentally reshaping academic landscapes globally. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of AI tool usage from the perspectives of both students and faculty in professional courses. It explores the perceived benefits, including enhanced efficiency, personalized learning, and administrative streamlining (Luckin et al., 2016; Zawacki-Richter et al., 2019), while also addressing significant challenges such as academic integrity concerns, the impact on critical thinking, and ethical dilemmas surrounding data privacy and algorithmic bias (Selwyn, 2019; Holmes et al., 2021). Drawing upon recent surveys and case studies, the report synthesizes convergent and divergent views, discusses the observed intention-behavior gap in faculty adoption (Ifenthaler & Schumacher, 2016), and highlights the profound implications for policy development and curriculum adaptation (Nouri et al., 2020). The findings underscore the necessity for a balanced, human-centered approach to AI integration, advocating for robust institutional support, comprehensive AI literacy initiatives, and a re-evaluation of traditional assessment methodologies to ensure equitable and effective educational outcomes in an AI-driven future (Popenici & Kerr, 2017).

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence in Education, Professional Courses, Student Perceptions, Faculty Perspectives, Academic Integrity, Personalized Learning, Ethical AI, Educational Technology, Generative AI