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© 2025 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.

Abstract

This study investigates the perceptions of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools, such as ChatGPT, among students and academics at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) within the context of higher education in Oman. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), it explores five key dimensions: actual use (AU), ease of use (EU), perceived usefulness (PU), perceived challenges (PC), and intention to use (IU). Data collected from 555 students and 168 academics provide valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with the adoption of GenAI tools, based on the results of a t-test. The findings reveal notable differences between students and academics regarding their perceptions of GenAI tools across all TAM variables. Students report frequent use of GenAI for academic support, including personalized learning, brainstorming, and completing assignments, while academics highlight its role in developing learning materials, assessments, lesson plans, and customizing learning content. Both groups recognize its potential to enhance efficiency and innovation in academic practices. However, concerns arise regarding over-reliance on GenAI, diminished critical thinking and creativity, and academic integrity risks. Academics consistently express greater concerns about these challenges than students, particularly regarding plagiarism, academic misconduct, and the potential for over-reliance on GenAI. Despite these challenges, the majority of students and academics indicate a willingness to continue using GenAI tools. This contrast underscores the need for tailored interventions to address the distinct concerns of students and academics. These findings highlight the need for regulatory frameworks, comprehensive institutional guidelines, and targeted training programs to ensure the ethical and responsible use of GenAI technologies. By addressing these critical areas, higher education institutions in Oman can leverage the potential of GenAI while safeguarding academic integrity and fostering essential skills such as critical thinking and creativity.

Details

Title
Perceptions of Generative AI Tools in Higher Education: Insights from Students and Academics at Sultan Qaboos University
Author
Alsaeed, Alshamy 1   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Al-Harthi Aisha Salim Ali 2   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Shubair, Abdullah 3   VIAFID ORCID Logo 

 Educational Foundations and Administration, College of Education, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman; [email protected], Faculty of Education, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21526, Egypt 
 Educational Foundations and Administration, College of Education, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman; [email protected] 
 Instructional and Learning Technologies, College of Education, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman; [email protected] 
First page
501
Publication year
2025
Publication date
2025
Publisher
MDPI AG
e-ISSN
22277102
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
3194571195
Copyright
© 2025 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.