The integration of artificial intelligence into higher education as a factor in the modernisation of the educational environment

Abstract

This article examines the integration of artificial intelligence into higher education as a key factor in modernising the contemporary educational environment. This research is relevant due to the rapid development of digital technologies, the transformation of socio-economic processes, and the growing demand for high-quality specialist training in the digital age. The research problem lies in the absence of a comprehensive, scientifically grounded approach to integrating artificial intelligence into higher education that combines the technological capabilities of intelligent systems with the pedagogical, ethical and social foundations of university operations. Particular attention should be paid to personalised learning, automated assessment, educational data analytics, the changing role of lecturers, academic integrity, personal data protection, and the prevention of algorithmic bias. This article aims to provide a theoretical justification for integrating artificial intelligence into the higher education system and to determine its impact on the transformation of the educational environment, teaching practice, and university management processes. To achieve this aim, we have analysed current trends in the digital transformation of education, identified the main areas of application of intelligent systems in teaching and research, characterised changes in the professional role of lecturers, and highlighted the pedagogical, social, economic, and ethical challenges of introducing artificial intelligence. The overall findings of the study indicate that integrating artificial intelligence could significantly improve the quality of education by creating personalised learning pathways, developing inquiry-based learning, refining performance-monitoring systems, and optimising management processes. At the same time, the effectiveness of implementing intelligent technologies depends on the existence of strategic institutional policies, an interdisciplinary approach, an appropriate regulatory framework, and the development of digital competencies among all participants in the educational process. The importance of fostering a culture of responsible AI use in the academic environment and maintaining a balance between technological innovation and the humanistic values of education is substantiated. It is concluded that, if a systematic, scientifically grounded approach is adopted, AI can be a key factor in modernising higher education and training a new generation of competitive specialists.