Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Supporting Self-Directed Learning and Student Autonomy
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| Title: | Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Supporting Self-Directed Learning and Student Autonomy |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Dumsani Wilfred Mncube (ORCID |
| Source: | Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education. 2026 27(1):275-290. |
| Availability: | Anadolu University. Office of the Rector, Eskisehir, 26470, Turkey. Tel: +90-222-335-34-53; Fax: +90-222-335-34-86; e-mail: rektor@anadolu.edu.tr; e-mail: TOJDE@anadolu.edu.tr; Web site: http://tojde.anadolu.edu.tr/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 16 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Higher Education, Artificial Intelligence, Independent Study, Personal Autonomy, Technology Uses in Education, College Students, 21st Century Skills, Affordances, Barriers, Learner Engagement, Thinking Skills, Problem Solving, Student Attitudes |
| ISSN: | 1302-6488 |
| Abstract: | Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into higher education can revolutionise traditional learning paradigms by enhancing self-directed learning and fostering student autonomy. This systematic research paper examines the role of AI in supporting these educational shifts, analysing its impact on student engagement, personalised learning experiences and academic performance. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, this study explores various AI-driven tools and applications that enable students to take greater control of their learning processes. The promise of AI in fostering student autonomy is significant, with key focus areas that include adaptive learning systems, AI-powered feedback mechanisms, and intelligent tutoring systems, all of which contribute to a more personalised and autonomous learning environment. The findings underscore AI's transformative potential to reshape higher education, highlighting its ability to empower students through personalised learning pathways and cultivate essential 21st-century skills. This potential of AI to enhance students' performance should instil a sense of optimism about the future of education. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1497669 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into higher education can revolutionise traditional learning paradigms by enhancing self-directed learning and fostering student autonomy. This systematic research paper examines the role of AI in supporting these educational shifts, analysing its impact on student engagement, personalised learning experiences and academic performance. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, this study explores various AI-driven tools and applications that enable students to take greater control of their learning processes. The promise of AI in fostering student autonomy is significant, with key focus areas that include adaptive learning systems, AI-powered feedback mechanisms, and intelligent tutoring systems, all of which contribute to a more personalised and autonomous learning environment. The findings underscore AI's transformative potential to reshape higher education, highlighting its ability to empower students through personalised learning pathways and cultivate essential 21st-century skills. This potential of AI to enhance students' performance should instil a sense of optimism about the future of education. |
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| ISSN: | 1302-6488 |
