The optimistic future of Artificial Intelligence in higher education

Artificial Intelligence is a fast-evolving technology with enormous potential for education, higher education, and learning. AI can also negatively impact how societies and their citizens engage ethically with these generated, still-unexplored tools. These technological breakthroughs present both opportunity and potential peril. The problem of any new technological advancement depends not upon the technology itself but its practitioners. The article takes the optimistic side for the future of higher education. While being cautious about engaging with these technology applications, it presents an overview of generated AI (GenAI) for higher education such as ChatGPT, MidJourney or Codex, and “AI-driven learning”. AI technologies like Natural Language Processing (NLP), automated performance enhancement (APE), intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs), personalized learning systems (PLS), VR and AR, sentiment analysis, and many more can apply to different areas of teaching, learning, research, and service to society. Some AI immediate applications include student support, tutoring personalization, automated qualitative and quantitative grading and assessment, education data analytics, course programs, content development and educational planning, administration, and academic performance. © The Author(s) under exclusive licence to UNESCO International Bureau of Education 2023.