The Role of AI-Assisted Learning Tools in Higher Education: Balancing Efficiency, Critical Thinking and Academic Integrity
Keywords:
AI in education, benefits and risks, student learning, academic integrity, AI ethics
Abstract
This study examines the dual nature of AI-assisted learning tools in higher education. While AI tools enhance student learning efficiency and academic performance, they also present risks such as over-reliance, reduced critical thinking, and ethical concerns. This research investigates the benefits and drawbacks of AI adoption in higher education, using student survey responses to analyse perceptions. The findings indicate that AI tools contribute to improved efficiency and comprehension but highlight dependency and academic integrity concerns. A cross-sectional survey of 383 Malaysian university students was conducted to explore the academic and ethical dimensions of AI usage in learning
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References
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Tzirides, A., Galla, M., Cope, B., & Kalantzis, M. (2025). Thinking through AI: Advancing cognitive and collaborative research for AI in education.
Uppal, K., & Hajian, S. (2024). Students' perceptions of ChatGPT in higher education: A study of academic enhancement, procrastination, and ethical concerns. European Journal of Educational Research, 14(1), 199-211.
Wu, Z., Abdul Halim, H., & Mohd Saad, M. R. (2025). Impact of AI-supported multimodal learning environments on EFL students' critical thinking and self-regulation. Proceedings of The International Conference on Modern Research in Education, Teaching and Learning, 4(1), 23-33.
Younas, M., Ali, S., Mahmood, T., Nasimi, R. A., Ashraf, M. K., & Akter, S. (2024). Students' awareness and perception regarding the usage of AI in education at the Government College University, Faisalabad. Journal of Social Sciences Advancement, 5(4), 80-85.
Zary, N. (2024). AI literacy framework (ALiF): A progressive competency development protocol for higher education v1.
Zhao, C. (2025). AI-assisted assessment in higher education: A systematic review. Journal of Educational Technology and Innovation, 6(4).
?azimova, D., Tazhigulova, G., Shraimanova, G., Zatyneyko, A., & Sharzadin, A. (2025). Transforming University education with AI: A systematic review of technologies, applications, and implications. International Journal of Engineering Pedagogy (iJEP), 15(1), 4-24.
Zimmerman, B. J. (2002). Becoming a self-regulated learner: An overview. Theory into practice, 41(2), 64-70.
Arbab, A. N., Dhuhli, B. A., Krishnan, Y., & Crisostomo, A. S. (2024, October 14). Student’s Utilization and Assistance of AI Tools in Assessment Completion: Perceptions and Implications. International Linguistics Research, 7(3), 1.
Asrifan, A., Said, U. M., Jakob, J. C., & Wanci, R. (2025). AI literacy. Advances in Educational Technologies and Instructional Design, 17-48.
Babai Shishavan, H. (2024). AI in higher education. ASCILITE Publications, 118-126.
Bui, T. T., & Tong, T. V. (2025). The impact of AI writing tools on academic integrity: Unveiling English-majored students' perceptions and practical solutions. AsiaCALL Online Journal, 16(1), 83-110.
Beam, W. B., Scott, P. D., & Wijdicks, E. F. (2019). The physiology of the apnea test for brain death determination in ECMO: arguments for blending carbon dioxide. Neurocritical Care, 31(3), 567-572.
Choi, W. C., Choi, I. C., & Chang, C. I. (2025). The impact of artificial intelligence on education: The applications, advantages, challenges and researchers' perspective.
Crain, C., Ewing, A., Billy, I., & Anush, H. (2025). The advantages and disadvantages of AI in higher education. The Business and Management Review, 15(03).
Cohen, J. (1992). Statistical power analysis. Current directions in psychological science, 1(3), 98-101.
Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS quarterly, 319-340.
Delello, J. A., Sung, W., Mokhtari, K., Hebert, J., Bronson, A., & De Giuseppe, T. (2025). AI in the classroom: Insights from educators on usage, challenges, and mental health. Education Sciences, 15(2), 113.
Deshmukh, S., & Mehta, M. (2025). AI-enabled self-regulated learning: Reinforcing a proactive workplace culture – a viewpoint. Development and Learning in Organisations: An International Journal.
Elbadiansyah, Sain, Z. H., Shehu Lawal, U., Chansa Thelma, C., & Luqman Aziz, A. (2024). Exploring the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing student motivation and cognitive development in higher education. TechComp Innovations: Journal of Computer Science and Technology, 1(2), 59-67.
Francis, N. J., Jones, S., & Smith, D. P. (2025). Generative AI in higher education: Balancing innovation and integrity. British Journal of Biomedical Science, 81.
Freeman, B., Arriola, K., Cottell, D., Lawlor, E., Erdman, M., Sutherland, T., & Wells, B. (2024). Evaluation of task-specific productivity improvements using a generative artificial intelligence personal assistant tool. American Journal of Artificial Intelligence, 8(2), 68-80.
Fried, M., & Alshibli, M. (n.d.). The impact of AI assistance on student learning: A cross-disciplinary study in STEM education. 2024 ASEE Mid-Atlantic Section Conference Proceedings.
Gerlich, M. (2025). AI tools in society: Impacts on cognitive offloading and the future of critical thinking. Societies, 15(1), 6.
Glick, D., Miedijensky, S., & Zhang, H. (2024). Examining the effect of AI-powered virtual-human training on STEM majors' self-regulated learning behavior. Frontiers in Education, 9.
Hossain, Z., Biswas, M. S., & Khan, G. (2025). AI literacy of library and information science students: A study of Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science.
Hutapea, E., Hutabalian, R., & Hartati, R. (2024). Summarising AI applications on student learning efficiency in understanding academic reading materials. Indonesian Journal of Education and Development Research, 3(1), 737-745.
Ismoilovna, A. D. (2025). Harnessing AI tools to enhance foreign language acquisition: Innovations and impacts. American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research, 5(1), 22-25.
James, T., & Andrews, G. (2024). Levelling the playing field through GenAI: Harnessing artificial intelligence to bridge educational gaps for equity and disadvantaged students. Widening Participation and Lifelong Learning, 26(3), 250-260.
Kohnke, S., & Zaugg, T. (2025). Artificial intelligence: An untapped opportunity for equity and access in STEM education. Education Sciences, 15(1), 68.
Panit, N. (2025). Can critical thinking and AI work together? Observations of science, mathematics, and language instructors. Environment and Social Psychology, 9(11).
Maphalala, M. C., & Ajani, O. A. (2025). Leveraging artificial intelligence as a learning tool in higher education. Interdisciplinary Journal of Education Research, 7(1), a01.
Mauti, J. M., & Ayieko, D. S. (2025). Ethical implications of artificial intelligence in University education. East African Journal of Education Studies, 8(1), 159-167.
Nupur Jain. (2025). AI as a catalyst for educational equity: Addressing global teacher shortages and learning disparities. International Journal of Scientific Research in Computer Science, Engineering and Information Technology, 11(1), 69-76.
Obed, K., Anangisye, W. A., & Sanga, P. (2025). Academic integrity considerations of using ChatGPT in assessment activities among university student teachers. Quality Assurance in Education, 33(2), 305-320.
Octaberlina, L. R., Muslimin, A. I., Chamidah, D., Surur, M., & Mustikawan, A. (2024). Exploring the impact of AI threats on originality and critical thinking in academic writing. Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology, 8(6), 8805-8814.
Radovic, S., & Seidel, N. (2024). Self-regulated learning support in technology-enhanced learning environments: A reliability analysis of the SRL-S rubric. International Journal of Assessment Tools in Education, 11(4), 675-698.
Rodríguez Bermeo, S. D., Lorena Salazar, M., Parra Terán, F. F., Maldonado Calero, J. C., & Albuja Centeno, V. J. (2025). Impact of AI on virtual learning: Self-sufficiency and academic confidence in University students. Ciencia Latina Revista Científica Multidisciplinar, 8(6), 7414-7429.
Tripathi, C. R. (2024). Awareness of artificial intelligence (AI) among undergraduate students. NPRC Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 1(7), 126-142.
Tzirides, A., Galla, M., Cope, B., & Kalantzis, M. (2025). Thinking through AI: Advancing cognitive and collaborative research for AI in education.
Uppal, K., & Hajian, S. (2024). Students' perceptions of ChatGPT in higher education: A study of academic enhancement, procrastination, and ethical concerns. European Journal of Educational Research, 14(1), 199-211.
Wu, Z., Abdul Halim, H., & Mohd Saad, M. R. (2025). Impact of AI-supported multimodal learning environments on EFL students' critical thinking and self-regulation. Proceedings of The International Conference on Modern Research in Education, Teaching and Learning, 4(1), 23-33.
Younas, M., Ali, S., Mahmood, T., Nasimi, R. A., Ashraf, M. K., & Akter, S. (2024). Students' awareness and perception regarding the usage of AI in education at the Government College University, Faisalabad. Journal of Social Sciences Advancement, 5(4), 80-85.
Zary, N. (2024). AI literacy framework (ALiF): A progressive competency development protocol for higher education v1.
Zhao, C. (2025). AI-assisted assessment in higher education: A systematic review. Journal of Educational Technology and Innovation, 6(4).
?azimova, D., Tazhigulova, G., Shraimanova, G., Zatyneyko, A., & Sharzadin, A. (2025). Transforming University education with AI: A systematic review of technologies, applications, and implications. International Journal of Engineering Pedagogy (iJEP), 15(1), 4-24.
Zimmerman, B. J. (2002). Becoming a self-regulated learner: An overview. Theory into practice, 41(2), 64-70.
Published
2025-04-30
How to Cite
Hasin, H., Jamil, A., Mahat, Z., Sehat, R., & Fauzihardani, E. (2025). The Role of AI-Assisted Learning Tools in Higher Education: Balancing Efficiency, Critical Thinking and Academic Integrity. Journal of Social and Development Sciences, 15(1(S), 36-46. https://doi.org/10.22610/jsds.v15i1(S).4462
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Copyright (c) 2025 Hanafiah Hasin, Anita Jamil, Zaleha Mahat, Rahayu Sehat, Eka Fauzihardani
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