The practices and challenges of implementing artificial intelligence tools in higher education institutions in the Sultanate of Oman

Abstract

This research investigated the practices and challenges of utilizing artificial intelligence applications in instruction by the instructors at the Faculty of Education and Arts in Sohar University, Sultanate of Oman. To this end, a quantitative analytical descriptive approach was employed, and the research sample consisted of 100 faculty members. After validating and pilot-testing the questionnaire, it was shared with the participants via an online web link. The findings showed a moderate use of AI applications by the faculty members. The primary application of AI-powered tools was for the purpose of lecture preparation and planning. The participants reported using AI-assisted applications as a support tool that requires human scrutiny. Additionally, the findings revealed significant challenges facing the instructors, ranging from, firstly, a lack of professional training; secondly, uncertainty about the institutional policies of use and academic integrity; and, thirdly, challenges related to poor technical integration into the system. The study underscores the need to design specialized training programs to support university instructors and to promote the advanced use of AI-powered tools and applications and develop institutional policies for ethical and legitimate use. Furthermore, higher educational institutions should consider developing technical infrastructure to effectively integrate these tools into the educational process.