MUSCAT: A research project led by Dr Alsaeed Saad Alshamy from Sultan Qaboos University has been awarded the National Research Award 2025, organised by the Research and Innovation Authority in the Education and Human Resources field under the PhD category, recognizing its significant contribution to understanding the growing role of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education.
The study, titled “Perceptions of Generative AI Tools in Higher Education: Insights from Students and Academics at Sultan Qaboos University,” examines how emerging AI technologies, including tools such as ChatGPT, are perceived and utilized within academic environments.
According to Dr Alsaeed, the research applies the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to explore key dimensions including actual use, ease of use, perceived usefulness, perceived challenges, and intention to use. It draws on data collected from 555 students and 168 academics, offering comprehensive empirical insights into both the opportunities and challenges associated with adopting generative AI tools in higher education.
The findings reveal notable differences between students and academics in their use and perceptions of these technologies. Students tend to use generative AI tools primarily to support their academic work and learning processes, while academics are more likely to use them for teaching-related tasks. At the same time, academics expressed higher levels of concern regarding potential risks such as plagiarism, academic misconduct, and over-reliance on AI tools. Despite these concerns, the majority of both groups indicated a strong willingness to continue using generative AI tools responsibly, reflecting a growing acceptance of AI within the academic community.
The study emphasizes the need for structured and forward-looking approaches to integrating AI into higher education. Dr. Alsaeed highlights the importance of developing clear institutional policies and regulatory frameworks to guide AI use, alongside targeted training programs for both students and academics. He also underscores the need to integrate AI-related skills into university curricula and to expand professional development opportunities for academic staff to ensure ethical, responsible, and effective adoption of these technologies.
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