AI in higher education: A mixed blessing for students and institutions

AI rapidly reshapes university life, offering students new tools to boost creativity, structure assignments, and develop ideas more efficiently. At institutions like Oxford Brookes University, students like 22-year-old Sunjaya Phillips have found that AI enhances confidence and productivity when used responsibly, with faculty guidance.

She describes AI as a ‘study buddy’ that transformed her academic experience, especially during creative blocks, where AI-generated prompts saved valuable time. However, the rise of AI in academia also raises important concerns.

A global student survey revealed that while many embrace AI in their studies, a majority fear its long-term implications on employment. Some admit to misusing the technology for dishonest purposes, highlighting the ethical challenges it presents.

Experts like Dr Charlie Simpson from Oxford Brookes caution that relying too heavily on AI to ‘do the thinking’ undermines educational goals and may devalue the learning process.

Despite these concerns, many educators and institutions remain optimistic about AI’s potential—if used wisely. Professor Keiichi Nakata from Henley Business School stresses that AI is not a replacement but a powerful aid, likening its expected workplace relevance to today’s basic IT skills.

He and others argue that responsible AI use could elevate the capabilities of future graduates and reshape degree expectations accordingly. While some students worry about job displacement, others, like Phillips, view AI as a support system rather than a threat.

The consensus among academics is clear: success in the age of AI will depend not on avoiding the technology, but on mastering it with discernment, ethics, and adaptability.

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