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Nepalese Journal of Development and

NJDRS Rural Studies, Vol. 20 (1), 2023
CDRD ISSN: 2392-4403 (Print)
ISSN: 3021-9884 (Online)

A Peer-Reviewed, Open Access Journal, Index in NepJOL

[ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE]
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Higher Education: Growing Academic
Integrity and Ethical Concerns
Bishnu Bahadur Khatri1 iD and Parbata Devi Karki2
Abstract
Article History
Artificial intelligence (AI) is scaling rapidly in higher
Received: August 22, 2023 education globally. Considering the increasing significance
Accepted: September 25, 2023 of artificial intelligence in higher education (AIHEd) and
Published: December 22, 2023
the absence of a comprehensive review on it, this paper
How to Cite delves into the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in
higher education (AIHEd), its academic integrity and ethical
Khatri, B. B., & Karki, P. D. (2023). concerns. The study has applied qualitative approach by using
Artificial intelligence (AI) in higher literature review as a research design and method to facilitate
education: Growing academic
the aim of the study. The analysis of the paper reveals that
integrity and ethical concerns.
AI has the potential to make a significant contribution to
Nepalese Journal of Development
and Rural Studies, 20(1), 1-7. enhancing teaching and learning experiences, improving
https://doi.org/10.3126/njdrs. productivity and efficiency, as well as fostering inclusivity
v20i01.64134 and accessibility. On the contrary, the increasing utilization
of AI in higher education raises the concerns about academic
Online Access integrity and ethical issues, as it has the potential to lead
to plagiarism, impede critical thinking, suppress creativity,
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3126/njdrs.
v20i01.64134 and erode originality in teaching, research, and scholarship.
Website: https://www.nepjol.info/ Hence, upholding the integrity of scientific research requires
index.php/njdrs a rigorous commitment to ethical and academic principles,
Email: [email protected] placing human intelligence and critical thinking at the
forefront of the research process. The advancement of artificial
Copyright © 2023 by author and intelligence in higher education not only brings significant
Central Department of Rural advantages, but also poses challenges to the fundamental
Development. This work is licensed principles, methodologies, standards, ethical considerations
under a Creative Commons
and academic integrity in both teaching and research. As
Attribution 4.0 International License
a result, the primary focus should be on embracing the
(CC BY 4.0).
http://creativecommons.org/licens- opportunities and benefits that arise from this advancement
es/by/4.0/ and effectively addressing any potential risks and challenges.
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, academic integrity, ethical
Open Access
concerns, higher education
1
Associate Professor, Central Department of Rural Development, Kathmandu, Nepal
Email: [email protected]
2
Assistant Professor, Padmakanya Multiple Campus, Bagbazar, Kathmandu, Nepal
Email: [email protected]
Correspondence should be addressed to Parbata Devi Karki; Email: [email protected]

Nepalese Journal of Development and Rural Studies, Vol. 20(1), 2023

 2
1. Introduction AIHEd has the capacity to enhance
Artificial intelligence (AI) can be collaborative learning by offering adaptive
defined as the ability of man-made agents to group formation mechanisms based on
successfully perform tasks that are generally individual learner profiles. Moreover, it can
associated with human intelligence (Paudel & assist in cultivating online group dynamics
Ghimire, n. d.). Baker and Smith (2019) provide and in amalgamating discussions, which can
an extensive definition of artificial intelligence be utilized by an educator to guide students
(AI): ‘Computational systems that exhibit towards the objectives and goals of the course
cognitive functions, commonly associated with (Zawacki-Richter et al., 2019).
human intelligence, particularly focused on Various international reports indicate
learning and solving complex problems’. that artificial intelligence in education (AIEd)
In recent years, AI is scaling rapidly in is an emerging discipline in the realm of
higher education globally. Although, artificial educational technology. Despite its existence for
intelligence (AI) is not a new concept; it has been approximately three decades, educators continue
in use for about 70 years. However, in the near to lack clarity on how to effectively harness the
future, it is expected to have significant impacts in pedagogical benefits of AI on a larger scale and
various aspects of human life (Dhawan & Batra, how it can significantly influence the teaching
2020). AI refers to the combination of computer and learning process in higher education
technology, machine learning, information and (Akinwalere & Ivanov, 2022). However,
communication technology advancements, and artificial intelligence in Higher Education
computers. It enables computers to execute tasks (AIHEd) is an evolving discipline that can be
that are almost identical to those of humans. used more and more in the coming years. It does
Artificial intelligence has been widely used in not only spur innovation and improvements
education, keeping pace with the acceptance in higher education but also presents plenty
and application of new technologies in the field of new challenges for teaching, research and
(Chen, et al., 2020). AI that can be learned scholarship along with ethical issues, academic
from existing content to generate new, realistic integrity and originality (DuBose & Marshall,
content is based on supplied data without 2023). The significant impact of AI applications
repetition. in higher education is increasing, and concerns
In education, AI has been seen to have about academic integrity, ethics, and originality
already begun initiating new teaching and
learning solutions that are currently under trial are becoming more prevalent as well. Thus,
and undergoing restructuring in different contexts AI in higher education raises new challenges
(Bostrum, 2017). The term artificial intelligence for educators and policy makers. Several of
in Education (AIEd) describes the application those challenges relate to trust and to shaping a
of AI technologies or programs in educational trustworthy use of AI. With this consideration,
environments to support decision-making as this paper aims to explore the current state
well as teaching- learning (Hwang et al., 2020). of artificial intelligence in higher education
The integration of AI in higher education (AIHEd), as well as the concerns of academic
presents the opportunity for deeper learning. integrity and ethics.
AI enables personalized learning, catering to
individual students’ pace and proficiency. It 2. Materials and Methods
encourages deeper understanding rather than This investigation was carefully
rote memorization. The role of technology is designed to focus on research publications
not only in equipping students with information collected from the most widely used web-
and communications technology (ICT) skills based databases (Zhang, & Aslan, 2021).
but also in achieving quality education, free The database is highly selective, including
from the constraints of location and time, and to related journals in both social and natural
encourage curiosity, creativity and collaboration sciences. The literature review was extracted
(Akinwalere & Ivanov, 2022). from multiple sources by using reliable online

Nepalese Journal of Development and Rural Studies, Vol. 20(1), 2023

 3
search engines (Khatri, 2022). Multiple rounds and transition towards holistic evaluation
of searches were conducted on the source approaches that foster authenticity and lifelong
database using different combinations of key learning. Although this transition undoubtedly
words and search strategies by using Boolean enhances the quality of assessment, it also entails
operators such as “AI” OR “generative AI” an increased workload for faculty in terms of
OR “artificial intelligence”, AND “education” communication with staff and students, the
OR “higher education” “teaching AND/OR implementation of diverse assessment methods,
learning” “research” “challenges” OR “pitfalls” the documentation of assessment results, and
AND “opportunities” OR “benefits”, “ethical other related responsibilities. The potential of
concerns” OR “ethical issues” AND “academic AI-enabled applications lies in their ability
integrity” OR “academic trust”. The search to facilitate a shift from a “one size fits all”
engine of electronic databases such as Google approach to technology, towards the scalable
scholar, Scopus, Elsevier, Sage, Emerald implementation of personalized and responsive
Insights, Springer, Web of science, Willey, learning experiences (Rivers & Holland, 2022;
JSTOR, Directory of Open Access Journal Chen et al., 2020; Tapalova & Zhiyenbayeva,
(DOAJ) were used to access and retrieved the 2022).
data. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
have been regarded as crucial objectives at
3. Thematic Discussions numerous educational institutions in the pursuit
The focus of the thematic discussion has of achieving high-quality education. This implies
been on how AI can be used to support teaching that educators must ensure that students with
learning, and research in higher education while diverse educational backgrounds, requirements,
ensuring scholarly standards and maintaining and preferences have equal access to meaningful
academic integrity. The significant impact of and fair learning opportunities, as well as timely
AI application is raising in higher education in assistance and support (Ali, 2022; Nguyen,
one hand and another hand, academic integrity, 2023). However, artificial intelligence (AI) has
ethical issues and originality are growing the potential to overcome geographical and
concerns in academia. Thus, the paper has financial barriers, enabling students in remote or
reviewed and analyzed the existing state of AI in underserved areas to access the same exceptional
higher education concerning academic integrity education as those in more affluent regions
and ethical issues. (Sanatore, 2023). In the context of a substantial
student cohort and learners attending classes
3.1. Existing state of AI in higher from various geographical locations, instructors
education face a substantial workload involving time-
Artificial intelligence (AI) possesses consuming tasks such as grading assessments,
the potential to have a significant impact on providing feedback, and assigning collaborative
educational activities (Abugre, 2021). The project groups, leaving them with limited time
use of AI technologies is becoming a viable to personalize the learning experiences (Ali,
approach for institutions to save funds and 2022). AI technology possesses the capability
enhance efficiency and workflows very rapidly. to aggregate and analyze extensive amounts
The potential for AI to address more intricate of institutional data, thereby generating
and consequential tasks is expanding. AI has the comprehensive insights from these disparate
capability to function as an exceptional aide in data points (Kuleto, et al., 2021).
the development of curriculum, generating study AI can play a significant role in
materials, examples, lesson plans, presentations, enhancing teaching and learning experiences,
assignments, assessment rubrics, and various bolstering productivity and efficiency, and
other resources (Abugre, 2021). The emergence fostering inclusivity and accessibility (Sanatore,
of AI has prompted educational institutions to 2023). The use of artificial intelligence offers
deviate from conventional assessment practices students of different age groups, academic levels

Nepalese Journal of Development and Rural Studies, Vol. 20(1), 2023

 4
and socioeconomic backgrounds opportunities and equitable access to learning opportunities
to enhance learning experiences and improve (Nguyen et al., 2023). By harnessing the
academic achievements. Artificial intelligence potential of AI in a thoughtful and inclusive
technologies play a pivotal role in the manner, educators can cultivate dynamic
development of personalized learning pathways learning environments that cater to the diverse
(Tapalova & Zhiyenbayeva, 2022). AI allows the needs of every student, thereby advancing the
use of different teaching methods effective for quality and accessibility of education.
each student, taking into account the strengths,
weaknesses, talents and academic problems 3.2. Growing academic integrity and
of each learner. Therefore, it is imperative for ethical concerns of AI use in higher
educational institutions to meticulously plan education
and integrate AI while ensuring its responsible Artificial intelligence (AI) has gained
and equitable utilization. immense popularity, but it has also brought
Recently, there has been a significant forth new challenges and concerns in academia
focus on the term “adaptive learning system” (Okaiyeto et al., 2023). Regardless of the many
which highlights the objective of enhancing opportunities and benefits, the use of AI in
the learning experience of individual students higher education especially academic teaching,
by adjusting various elements of the learning research and scholarship raises concerns about
systems. These elements include user interfaces, ethical issues, pedagogical concerns and
learning content, and learning paths, all of which academic integrity, equally it raises questions
are tailored to the specific needs and progress on authenticity and originality of its contents, as
of each learner (Essa, 2016; Xie et al., 2017, it can potentially lead to plagiarism and a lack
2019). By harnessing the potential of AI and of creativity in teaching, learning, research and
emerging technologies, educators can establish scholarship.
superior learning environments that are all-
encompassing, adaptable, and responsive to 3.3. How does AI affect academic
the needs of every individual student (Nguyen,
integrity?
2023).
AI is raising both opportunities and
In line with the discussion, an emergence
challenges in the context of academic integrity.
of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational
AI-generated content may make it difficult to
settings offers unprecedented opportunities for
distinguish between original work and content
streamlining operations, optimizing workflows,
created by AI, posing challenges for academic
and fostering personalized learning experiences.
institutions in upholding academic honesty
While AI’s potential to revolutionize assessment
(Michel-Villarreal, et al., 2023). The reliance on
methods is promising for promoting authenticity
AI for generating written works may discourage
and inclusivity, it also brings with its greater
critical thinking and the development of
responsibility for faculties. Moreover, the
independent ideas among students. The potential
imperative of diversity, equity, and inclusion
for bias in AI-generated content is another
(DEI) underscores the need for equitable
concern, as the algorithms used may reflect the
access to AI-powered learning opportunities,
biases present in the training data, leading to
particularly in remote or underserved areas
biased or inaccurate information being produced
(Roshanaei et al., 2023). Despite challenges
(Ferrara, 2023; Labajová, 2023). The use of AI in
associated with workload and personalization,
grading and evaluation processes may also raise
AI’s ability to analyze large amounts of data
concerns about fairness and transparency, as the
offers opportunity to improve teaching practices
algorithms used may not be fully understood or
and support student success. Therefore, the
accessible to students, potentially impacting the
responsible integration of AI in education
objectivity of assessments.
is essential, requiring careful planning and
implementation to ensure ethical considerations

Nepalese Journal of Development and Rural Studies, Vol. 20(1), 2023

 5
3.4 Ethical concerns the opportunities presented by this development
Academia have paid close attention and optimally manage any associated risks. The
to the ethical issues raised by the use of AI in proliferation of AI in academia has led to the
higher education. The integration of artificial publication of numerous AI ethics guidelines
intelligence (AI) in higher education raises and policy documents, reflecting public concerns
significant ethical concerns and challenges over the potential negative societal impacts of
related to academic integrity on AI generated AI (Chan, 2023). The application of AI and the
contents, data, citations, as well as their validity, ethical implications of AI technologies in higher
reliability and accuracy. The use of AI-generated
education is both equally important and need
text in scientific research raises ethical issues
to be taken into consideration, along with the
such as transparency, bias, informed consent,
significance of addressing biases, guaranteeing
privacy, and accountability (Dowling, & Lucey,
data privacy, fostering accessibility and equity,
2023; Liebrenz et al., 2023). However, the
and promoting transparency.
adoption of artificial intelligence in education
(AIED) has led to increasing ethical risks and
concerns regarding several aspects such as 4. Conclusion and Implications
personal data and learner autonomy. Despite the Artificial intelligence (AI) can play a
recent announcement of guidelines for ethical significant role in enhancing teaching learning
and trustworthy AIED, the debate revolves experiences by improving productivity and
around the key principles underpinning ethical efficiency, and promoting inclusivity and
AIED (Nguyen et al., 2023). Research scholars accessibility. Therefore, it is important for
must be transparent while using AI-generated institutions to carefully plan and integrate AI
information and disclose any limitations or while ensuring its responsible and equitable
biases (Lund & Wang, 2023). Moreover, AI use. By harnessing the power of AI and new
models may replicate biases from their training technologies, faculty can create better learning
datasets, affecting the objectivity of scientific environments that are inclusive, flexible, and
research (Mhlanga, 2023). Moreover, ensuring responsive to every student. The application
the privacy of sensitive information and of AI is likely to encompass ethical concerns,
accountability in the use of AI-generated text is academic integrity, data accuracy, and possible
crucial for maintaining research integrity (Zhuo hindrances to teaching learning as well as
et al., 2023). It emphasizes the importance research and scholarship in higher education.
of addressing these ethical considerations to The priority should be to embrace the
uphold the standards of scientific research. opportunities presented by this development
In the same line, maintaining the integrity of and optimally manage any associated risks.
scientific research necessitates strict adherence Therefore, universities need to promote and
to ethical and academic principles, with enforce academic integrity policies that address
human intelligence and critical thinking at these concerns and educate academia about
the forefront of the research process. With the ethically responsible AI use. These findings
growth of AI in higher education is not only recommend the necessity of addressing ethical
greatly benefiting, but also currently facing issues and maintaining academic integrity when
challenges to its core principles, methods, it comes to the use of AI in higher education
norms and ethics in teaching and research. which is the need of modern academia.
Moreover, the critical concerns necessitate the
diligent fact-checking of AI-generated content, Competing Interests
accountability assignment for such information, The authors declare that they have no competing
and transparent disclosure of generative AI interests.
utilization in scholarly or scientific work (Ali,
2022). Thus, the priority should be to embrace

Nepalese Journal of Development and Rural Studies, Vol. 20(1), 2023

 6
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