How Machine Learning (ML) is Transforming Higher Education: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

In the last decade, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and learning data analytics have been introduced with great effect in the field of higher education. However, despite the potential benefits for higher education institutions (HIE´s) of these emerging technologies, most of them are still in the early stages of adoption of these technologies. Thus, a systematic literature review (SLR) on the literature published over the last 5 years on potential applications of machine learning in higher education is necessary. Following the PRISMA guidelines, out of the 1887 initially identified SCOPUS-indexed publications on the topic, 171 articles were selected for review. To screen the abstracts and titles of each citation, Rayyan QCRI was used. VOSViewer, a software tool for constructing and visualizing bibliometric networks, and Microsoft Excel were used to generate charts and figures. The findings show that the most widely researched application of ML in higher education is related to the prediction of academic performance and employability of students. The implications will be invaluable for researchers and practitioners to explore how ML and AI technologies ,in the era of ChatGPT, can be used in universities without jeopardizing academic integrity.

Utilizing Emerging Technology Trends and Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education

“…Based on the criteria of Pinto et al (2023), global connectivity through the Internet has brought people from all over the world closer, but it has also raised challenges in terms of privacy and cyber security in higher education institutions, therefore, raises the application of Machine Learning (ML) solutions in the field of Higher Education. Thus, the results suggest that, despite its limited presence, the literature on this topic is experiencing accelerated growth and is primarily benefiting universities, and this research supports these arguments, demonstrating that these issues must be addressed proactively to ensure that all students have equal access and opportunities in an AI-driven educational environment.…”

“…This research arises from a need, which is to provide information in the academic literature, namely the lack of a complete and updated analysis on technological trends and artificial intelligence in the field of higher education (Pinto et al, 2023). Despite progress in incorporating emerging technologies, there remains a demand for a holistic perspective that considers the benefits, challenges and opportunities they present for student education and institutional effectiveness (Saluja et al, 2023).…”

Transforming Education: A Comprehensive Review of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Educational Settings through Bibliometric and Content Analysis

“…The applications of AI and ML in higher education Pinto et al ( 2023) [41] Conducts a systematic literature review to shed light on the diverse uses of ML in higher eduction. The review highlights the prediction of academic performance and employability as the most extensively studied application of ML in higher education.…”

A Survey of Machine Learning Approaches for Mobile Robot Control

“…The authors mentioned that "Machine learning fuelled by the right data has the power to transform the development of breakthrough, new medicines and optimise their use in patient care". Another example [5] is a review of articles related to the use of artificial intelligence as a tool in higher education. Machine learning in automation is used especially in robots.…”