Research Article

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION: SUPPORTING SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING AND STUDENT AUTONOMY

Volume: 27 Number: 1 January 1, 2026
Dumsani Wilfred Mncube *, Mncedisi Christian Maphalala , Rachel Gugu Mkhasibe

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION: SUPPORTING SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING AND STUDENT AUTONOMY

Abstract

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into higher education can revolutionise traditional learning paradigms by enhancing self-directed learning and fostering student autonomy. This systematic research paper examines the role of AI in supporting these educational shifts, analysing its impact on student engagement, personalised learning experiences and academic performance. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, this study explores various AI-driven tools and applications that enable students to take greater control of their learning processes. The promise of AI in fostering student autonomy is significant, with key focus areas that include adaptive learning systems, AI-powered feedback mechanisms, and intelligent tutoring systems, all of which contribute to a more personalised and autonomous learning environment. The findings underscore AI’s transformative potential to reshape higher education, highlighting its ability to empower students through personalised learning pathways and cultivate essential 21st-century skills. This potential of AI to enhance students’ performance should instil a sense of optimism about the future of education.

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence, Self-Diected Learning, Higher Education, Student Autonomy, Adaptive Learning Technologies, Student Engagement

Supporting Institution

University of South Africa

Ethical Statement

This study is purely a systematic review and there was no ethical clearance associated with it

Thanks

We are grateful for your consideration should this article published in your journal

References

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APA
Mncube, D. W., Maphalala, M. C., & Mkhasibe, R. G. (2026). ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION: SUPPORTING SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING AND STUDENT AUTONOMY. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 27(1), 275-290. https://doi.org/10.17718/tojde.1668721
AMA
1.Mncube DW, Maphalala MC, Mkhasibe RG. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION: SUPPORTING SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING AND STUDENT AUTONOMY. TOJDE. 2026;27(1):275-290. doi:10.17718/tojde.1668721
Chicago
Mncube, Dumsani Wilfred, Mncedisi Christian Maphalala, and Rachel Gugu Mkhasibe. 2026. “ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION: SUPPORTING SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING AND STUDENT AUTONOMY”. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education 27 (1): 275-90. https://doi.org/10.17718/tojde.1668721.
EndNote
Mncube DW, Maphalala MC, Mkhasibe RG (January 1, 2026) ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION: SUPPORTING SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING AND STUDENT AUTONOMY. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education 27 1 275–290.
IEEE
[1]D. W. Mncube, M. C. Maphalala, and R. G. Mkhasibe, “ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION: SUPPORTING SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING AND STUDENT AUTONOMY”, TOJDE, vol. 27, no. 1, pp. 275–290, Jan. 2026, doi: 10.17718/tojde.1668721.
ISNAD
Mncube, Dumsani Wilfred - Maphalala, Mncedisi Christian - Mkhasibe, Rachel Gugu. “ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION: SUPPORTING SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING AND STUDENT AUTONOMY”. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education 27/1 (January 1, 2026): 275-290. https://doi.org/10.17718/tojde.1668721.
JAMA
1.Mncube DW, Maphalala MC, Mkhasibe RG. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION: SUPPORTING SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING AND STUDENT AUTONOMY. TOJDE. 2026;27:275–290.
MLA
Mncube, Dumsani Wilfred, et al. “ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION: SUPPORTING SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING AND STUDENT AUTONOMY”. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, vol. 27, no. 1, Jan. 2026, pp. 275-90, doi:10.17718/tojde.1668721.
Vancouver
1.Dumsani Wilfred Mncube, Mncedisi Christian Maphalala, Rachel Gugu Mkhasibe. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION: SUPPORTING SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING AND STUDENT AUTONOMY. TOJDE. 2026 Jan. 1;27(1):275-90. doi:10.17718/tojde.1668721