Artificial Intelligence In Universities: A Study On Academics’ Views

Year 2025, Volume: 5 Issue: Special Issue (SI) IXASC 2025, 73 - 85, 31.08.2025

Meltem Özbay , Fırat Özbay Saadet Sağtaş Tutkunca

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) has led to rapid and profound transformations in sectors such as education, health, and public administration. Universities are in a key position in this transformation with their role in advancing knowledge production and educating individuals equipped with digital skills. This study examines the perceptions of academics working at universities in the Çukurova Region of Turkey regarding AI, their usage patterns, and the challenges they face. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 academics, and the data were analyzed using MAXQDA 2024 software. The findings show that AI tools—especially applications such as ChatGPT—are used mainly at the individual level, in areas such as course preparation and research support. However, we understand that this use is largely superficial, with infrastructure deficiencies and insufficient ethical guidance limiting the integration process. Therefore, the integration of AI in higher education should not only be considered as a technical development but also as a multi-layered transformation process with ethical, cultural, and organizational dimensions. While this study calls the reader to rediscover the core values of being human in the face of technology, it also prepares the ground for change in concrete educational policies and practices with its suggestions.

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence , ChatGPT , Academic Views , Higher Education , Maxqda

References

• Abdurashidova, M. et al. The impact of innovation and digitalization on the quality of higher education: A study of selected universities in Uzbekistan. J. Intell. Syst. 32(1), 20230070 (2023).