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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
Language: English
Authors: Dumsani Wilfred Mncube (ORCID 0000-0001-5566-2288), Mncedisi Christian Maphalala (ORCID 0000-0002-1078-1985), Rachel Gugu Mkhasibe (ORCID 0000-0001-6229-0849)
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
FullText Links:
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  Data: Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Supporting Self-Directed Learning and Student Autonomy
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Dumsani+Wilfred+Mncube%22">Dumsani Wilfred Mncube</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5566-2288">0000-0001-5566-2288</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Mncedisi+Christian+Maphalala%22">Mncedisi Christian Maphalala</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1078-1985">0000-0002-1078-1985</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Rachel+Gugu+Mkhasibe%22">Rachel Gugu Mkhasibe</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6229-0849">0000-0001-6229-0849</externalLink>)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Turkish+Online+Journal+of+Distance+Education%22"><i>Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education</i></searchLink>. 2026 27(1):275-290.
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  Data: 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/
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  Data: 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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RecordInfo BibRecord:
  BibEntity:
    Languages:
      – Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 16
        StartPage: 275
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Higher Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Artificial Intelligence
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Independent Study
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Personal Autonomy
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Technology Uses in Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: College Students
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      – SubjectFull: 21st Century Skills
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Affordances
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      – SubjectFull: Learner Engagement
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      – SubjectFull: Thinking Skills
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      – SubjectFull: Problem Solving
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      – SubjectFull: Student Attitudes
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      – TitleFull: Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Supporting Self-Directed Learning and Student Autonomy
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            NameFull: Rachel Gugu Mkhasibe
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              Type: published
              Y: 2026
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