The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Arab Students at Higher Education Institutions in Israel

Abstract

This study examined the effects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Arab students at institutions of higher education in Israel and attempted to find out how AI can affect students' academic performance, engagement, motivation, learning outcomes, ethical dilemmas. Employing qualitative design methodology, semi-structured interviews with 40 Arab students from various disciplines and institutions, thematic analysis revealed four principal findings - ambivalence toward AI, AI had both positive and negative implications for academic achievement and critical thinking skills, AI had only a positive implication on motivation and engagement, and concerns about data privacy and cultural moral values related to the use of AI. In conclusion AI has the potential to have profound educational consequences on learning and knowledge, but when adopting AI, the authors believe culturally relevant norms and ethical concerns must not be neglected. the authors suggest universities establish guidelines for the ethical use of AI, be culturally responsive regarding how the use of AI is added to their literacies and professional learning, and help influence AI's future direction for positive impact, accessibility, and application to both education and society.