CFP last date
21 July 2025
Call for Paper
August Edition
IJCA solicits high quality original research papers for the upcoming August edition of the journal. The last date of research paper submission is 21 July 2025

Submit your paper
Know more
Reseach Article

A Conceptual Framework for Identifying Risks of AI Integration in Higher Education

by Asma Ali Mosa Eltharif, Reem Ali Salem Abdalla
International Journal of Computer Applications
Foundation of Computer Science (FCS), NY, USA
Volume 187 - Number 18
Year of Publication: 2025
Authors: Asma Ali Mosa Eltharif, Reem Ali Salem Abdalla
10.5120/ijca2025925258

Asma Ali Mosa Eltharif, Reem Ali Salem Abdalla . A Conceptual Framework for Identifying Risks of AI Integration in Higher Education. International Journal of Computer Applications. 187, 18 ( Jul 2025), 39-50. DOI=10.5120/ijca2025925258

@article{ 10.5120/ijca2025925258,
author = { Asma Ali Mosa Eltharif, Reem Ali Salem Abdalla },
title = { A Conceptual Framework for Identifying Risks of AI Integration in Higher Education },
journal = { International Journal of Computer Applications },
issue_date = { Jul 2025 },
volume = { 187 },
number = { 18 },
month = { Jul },
year = { 2025 },
issn = { 0975-8887 },
pages = { 39-50 },
numpages = {9},
url = { https://ijcaonline.org/archives/volume187/number18/a-conceptual-framework-for-identifying-risks-of-ai-integration-in-higher-education/ },
doi = { 10.5120/ijca2025925258 },
publisher = {Foundation of Computer Science (FCS), NY, USA},
address = {New York, USA}
}
%0 Journal Article
%1 2025-07-09T01:07:36.643802+05:30
%A Asma Ali Mosa Eltharif
%A Reem Ali Salem Abdalla
%T A Conceptual Framework for Identifying Risks of AI Integration in Higher Education
%J International Journal of Computer Applications
%@ 0975-8887
%V 187
%N 18
%P 39-50
%D 2025
%I Foundation of Computer Science (FCS), NY, USA
Abstract

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Higher Education (HE) presents a dual-edged sword, offering transformative potential while introducing significant risks. This paper synthesizes existing literature to examine the multifaceted challenges associated with AI adoption in academic settings, including threats to academic integrity, algorithmic biases, data privacy concerns, and the erosion of critical human skills. This paper proposes the HE AI Risk Ecology (HE-AIRE) model, a conceptual framework that categorizes these risks into four interconnected layers: pedagogical, technological-ethical, institutional-operational, and socioeconomic-cultural. By highlighting systemic interdependencies, the model underscores the need for holistic strategies to mitigate risks while harnessing AI's benefits. The study calls for robust ethical frameworks, equitable implementation, and proactive policy interventions to ensure AI aligns with the core values of HE.

References
  1. Akinwalere, S. N., & Ivanov, V. (2022). Artificial intelligence in higher education: Challenges and opportunities. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 19(1), 15.
  2. Alexander, K., Savvidou, C., & Alexander, C. (2023). Who wrote this essay? Detecting AI generated writing in second language education in higher education. Teaching English with Technology, 23(2), 25–43.
  3. Alpaydin, E. (2020). Introduction to machine learning (4th ed.). MIT Press.
  4. Annual Status of Education Report Rural Provisional, (2018), ACER Centre New Delhi, 1-344.
  5. Ayala-Pazmiño, M. (2023). Artificial intelligence in education: exploring the potential benefits and risks. Digital Publisher CEIT, 8(3), 892-899.
  6. Barr, R. (2013). Memory constraints on infant learning from picture books, television on touchscreens. Child Development Perspectives, 7(4), 105–110.
  7. Batista, J., Mesquita, A., & Carnaz, G. (2024). Generative AI and higher education: Trends, challenges, and future directions from a systematic literature review. Information, 15(11), 676.
  8. Batista, P., Nikolic, M., & Alexander, B. (2024). Critical Risks of Generative AI in Higher Education: A Systematic Review.
  9. Bebbington, K., MacLeod, C., Ellison, M., & Fay, N. (2017). The sky is falling: Evidence of negativity bias in the social transmission of information. Evolution and Human Behavior, 38(1), 92–101.
  10. Bennett, L., & Abusalem, A. (2024). Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Its Potential Impact on the Future of Higher Education. Athens Journal of Education, 11(3), 195-212.
  11. Bennett, S., & Abusalem, A. (2024). Artificial Intelligence and Academic Integrity Challenges in Higher Education.
  12. Bhate, S. (1987). Prejudice against doctors and students from ethnic minorities. British Medical Journal, 294(6575), 838.
  13. Blodgett, S. L., & Madaio, M. (2021). Risks of AI foundation models in education. arXiv preprint arXiv:2110.10024.
  14. Cao, L. (2020). AI in finance: A review. Available at SSRN, 3647625, 1.
  15. Chan, C. K. Y. (2023). A comprehensive AI policy education framework for university teaching and learning. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 20(1), 38.
  16. Chan, E. (2023). Policy Gaps and Ethical Challenges in AI Use for Higher Education Institutions.
  17. Chiu, T. K. F. (2023). The impact of generative AI (GenAI) on practices, policies and research direction in education: A case of ChatGPT and Midjourney. Interactive Learning Environments, 1-17.
  18. Chou, J., Murillo, O., Ibars, R. (26 settembre 2017). How to Recognize Exclusion in AI. Medium.
  19. Christian, B. (2020). The Alignment Problem: Machine Learning and Human Values. W.W. Norton.
  20. Clarke, B., Fokoue, E., & Zhang, H. H. (2009). Principles and theory for data mining and machine learning. Springer.
  21. Cotton, D. R. E., Cotton, P. A., & Kneale, P. (2023). Digital Inequality and Access to AI Technologies in Education.
  22. Cotton, D. R., Cotton, P. A., & Shipway, J.R. (2023). Chatting and cheating: Ensuring academic integrity in the era of ChatGPT. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 1–12.
  23. Currie, G., & Barry, K. (2023). ChatGPT in nuclear medicine education. Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology, 51(4), 247–254.
  24. Dastin, J. (2018). Amazon scraps secret AI recruiting tool that showed bias against women. Reuters Technology News, URL:
  25. De Cremer, D., & Kasparov, G. (2021). AI should augment human intelligence, not replace it. Harvard Business Review, 18.
  26. De Cremer, D., de Sousa Jabbour, A. B. L., & Jabbour, C. J. C. (2021). The Future of Work and AI in Education.
  27. Deane, M. (2018). AI and the future of privacy. Towards Data Science.
  28. Dhawan, S., & Batra, A. (2021). Emerging Challenges of AI Integration in Higher Education.
  29. Dignum, V. (2021). Ethics in Artificial Intelligence: Balancing Efficiency and Human Values.
  30. Dignum, V. (2021). The role and challenges of education for responsible AI. London Review of Education, 19(1), 1-11.
  31. Doleck, T., Lemay, D. J., Basnet, R. B., & Bazelais, P. (2020). Predictive analytics in education: A comparison of deep learning frameworks. Education and Information Technologies, 25, 1951–1963.
  32. Drachsler, H., & Greller, W. (2016). Privacy and analytics – it’s a DELICATE issue. A checklist to establish trusted learning analytics. 6th Learning Analytics and Knowledge Conference 2016, Edinburgh, UK.
  33. Education Cybersecurity Report. (2018), https://security scorecard.com/resources/2018 education-report.
  34. Escalante, J., Pack, A., & Barrett, A. (2023). AI-generated feedback on writing: Insights into efficacy and ENL student preference. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 20(1), 57.
  35. European Commission. (2021). Ethics guidelines for trustworthy AI.
  36. European Parliament. (2019). EU guidelines on ethics in artificial intelligence: Context and implementation (Briefing No. PE 640.163).
  37. Farrokhnia, M., Banihashem, S. K., Noroozi, O., & Wals, A. (2023). A SWOT analysis of ChatGPT: Implications for educational practice and research. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 1–15.
  38. Ferguson, R., Hoel, T., Scheffel, M., & Drachsler, H. (2016). Guest editorial: Ethics and privacy in learning analytics. Journal of Learning Analytics, 3(1), 5–15.
  39. Gebru, T., Morgenstern, J., Vecchione, B., Vaughan, J. W., Wallach, H., Daumé, H., & Crawford, K. (2019). Datasheets for Datasets.
  40. Gee, J. P. (2018). What video games must teach us about learning and literacy. Palgrave Macmillan.
  41. Grassini, S. (2023). Digital Divide and AI Literacy Inequalities in Global Education.
  42. Grassini, S. (2023). Shaping the future of education: Exploring the potential and consequences of AI and ChatGPT in educational settings. Education Sciences, 13, 692.
  43. Halaweh, M. (2023). ChatGPT in education: Strategies for responsible implementation. Bastas: Tokyo, Japan.
  44. Handa, C. (2019). Technological Costs and Barriers to AI Adoption in Universities.
  45. Handa, U. (2019). Is Artificial Intelligence Development Expensive? Cynoteck, URL:
  46. Hassoulas, A., Powell, N., Roberts, L., Umla-Runge, K., Gray, L., & Coffey, M. J. (2023). Investigating marker accuracy in differentiating between university scripts written by students and those produced using ChatGPT. Journal of Applied Learning and Teaching, 6(2), 71–77.
  47. Hassoulas, A., Watermeyer, R., & Burrows, R. (2023). Detection Challenges of AI-Generated Academic Work.
  48. Hattie, J. (2012). Visible learning for teachers: Maximizing impact on learning. Routledge.
  49. Holmes, W., & Tuomi, I. (2022). State of the art and practice in AI in education. European Journal of Education, 57(4), 542–570.
  50. Holmes, W., Bialik, M., & Fadel, C. (2019). Artificial intelligence in education: Promises and implications for teaching and learning. Center for Curriculum Redesign.
  51. Holmes, W., Porayska-Pomsta, K., Holstein, K., Sutherland, E., Baker, T., Shum, S. B., Santos, O. C., Rodrigo, M. T., Cukurova, M., Bittencourt, I. I., & Koedinger, K. R. (2021). Ethics of AI in education: Towards a community-wide framework. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 32(3), 504-526.
  52. Holstein, K., McLaren, B. M., & Aleven, V. (2020). Student learning benefits of a mixed-reality teacher awareness tool in AI-enhanced classrooms. Artificial Intelligence in Education, 12163, 339–351.
  53. IEEE Standards Association. (2019). IEEE standards for artificial intelligence affecting human well-being. IEEE Transmitter.
  54. Ifenthaler, D., & Yau, J. Y. K. (2020). Utilising learning analytics to support study success in higher education: A systematic review. Educational Technology Research and Development, 68, 1961–1990.
  55. Jiang, F., Jiang, Y., Zhi, H., Dong, Y., Li, H., Ma, S., Wang, Y., Dong, Q., Shen, H. & Wang, Y. (2017). Artificial intelligence in healthcare: past, present and future. Stroke and vascular neurology, 2(4).
  56. Kasneci, E., et al. (2023). Impacts of AI on Academic Skills and Critical Thinking.
  57. Kasneci, E., Sesler, K., Kuchemann, S., Bannert, M., Dementieva, D. et al. (2023). ChatGPT for good? On opportunities and challenges of large language models for education. Learning and Individual Differences, 103, 102274.
  58. Kavale, K. A., & Forness, S. R. (2019). Cheating and plagiarism in schools and colleges. Psychology Press.
  59. Kulkarni, C., Cambre, J., Kotturi, Y., Bernstein, M. S., & Klemmer, S. R. (2015). Peer and self assessment in massive online classes. ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction (TOCHI), 22(2), 1-30.
  60. Levendowski, A. (2018). How copyright law can fix artificial intelligence’s implicit bias problem. Washington Law Review, 93(2), 579–630.
  61. Liao, C., et al. (2021). AI Access Disparities and the Reinforcement of Inequalities.
  62. Liao, Y., Huang, R., Sun, C., & Li, X. (2021). Artificial intelligence in education: Opportunities and challenges from a learning science perspective. Frontiers in Education, 6, 1-7.
  63. Lo, C. K. (2023). What is the impact of ChatGPT on education? A rapid review of the literature. Education Sciences, 13, 410.
  64. López-Pérez, M.V., Pérez-Rodríguez, M.A., & Gutiérrez-Santiuste, E. (2020). Artificial intelligence in education: A review. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 135.
  65. Luckin, R. (2018). Machine learning and human intelligence: The future of education for the 21st century. UCL Institute of Education Press.
  66. Luckin, R. (2021). Towards artificial intelligence-based assessment systems. Nature Human Behaviour, 5(2), 146–152.
  67. Ma, Yizhi & Siau, Keng L. (2018). Artificial Intelligence Impacts on Higher Education". MWAIS 2018 Proceedings, 42.
  68. Mbakwe, A. B., Lourentzou, I., Celi, L. A., Mechanic, O. J., & Dagan, A. (2023). ChatGPT passing USMLE shines a spotlight on the flaws of medical education. PLoS Digital Health, 2, e0000205.
  69. Mbakwe, A., et al. (2023). Bias and Fairness in AI-Driven Educational Tools.
  70. McCarthy, J. (1955). Proposal for the Dartmouth summer research project on artificial intelligence.
  71. Michel-Villarreal, R., Vilalta-Perdomo, E., Salinas-Navarro, D. E., Thierry-Aguilera, R., & Gerardou, F. S. (2023). Challenges and opportunities of generative AI for higher education as explained by ChatGPT. Education Sciences, 13(9), 856.
  72. MIT Media Lab. (2019). Moral machine: Human perspectives on machine ethics [Interactive platform].
  73. Mogali, S. R. (2023). Initial impressions of ChatGPT for anatomy education. Anatomical Sciences Education, 1–4.
  74. Murphy, K. P. (2012). Machine learning: A probabilistic perspective. MIT Press.
  75. National Education Association. (2020). Preparing educators for AI.
  76. Nikolic, S., Daniel, S., Haque, R., Belkina, M., Hassan, G. M., Grundy, S., Lyden, S., Neal, P., & Sandison, C. (2023). ChatGPT versus engineering education assessment: A multidisciplinary and multi-institutional benchmarking and analysis of this generative artificial intelligence tool to investigate assessment integrity. European Journal of Engineering Education, 48(4), 559 614.
  77. Nye, B. D. (2014). Intelligent Tutoring Systems by and for the developing world: A review of trends and approaches for educational technology in a global context. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 25(2), 177–203.
  78. Ocaña-Fernandez, Y., Valenzuela-Fernandez, L., & GarroAburto, L. (2019). Artificial Intelligence and its Implications in Higher Education. Propósitosy Representaciones, 7(2), 536-568.
  79. Özer, M. (2023). The Matthew effect in Turkish education system. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education, 12(4), 704-712.
  80. Özer, M. (2024). Potential benefits and risks of artificial intelligence in education. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education, 13(2), 232-244.
  81. Perera, M., & Aboal, D. (2020). The Impact of a Mathematics Computer-Assisted Learning Platform on Students’ Mathematics Test Scores.
  82. Perkins, M., Roe, J., Postma, D., McGaughran, J., & Hickerson, D. (2024). Detection of GPT 4 generated text in higher education: Combining academic judgement and software to identify generative AI tool misuse. Journal of Academic Ethics, 22(1), 89–113.
  83. Popenici, S. A., & Kerr, S. (2017). Exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on teaching and learning in higher education. Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning, 12(1), 22.
  84. Rolnick, D., Donti, P.L., Kaack, L.H., Kochanski, K., Lacoste, A., Sankaran, K., Slavin Ross, A., Milojevic-Dupont, N., Jaques, N., Waldman-Brown, A. and Luccioni, A. (2019). Tackling Climate Change with Machine Learning. arXiv e-prints, arXiv-1906.
  85. Roorda, D. L., Koomen, H. M. Y., Spilt, J. L., & Oort, F. J. (2011). The influence of affective teacher–student relationships on students’ school engagement and achievement: A meta analytic approach. Review of Educational Research, 81(4), 493-529.
  86. Rudolph, J., Tan, S., Tan, S. C. (2023). ChatGPT: Bullshit spewer or the end of traditional assessments in higher education? Journal of Applied Learning & Teaching, 6(1), 1-22.
  87. Russell, S., & Norvig, P. (2021). Artificial intelligence: A modern approach (4th ed.). Pearson.
  88. Scharth, M. (2023). 'How to perfect your prompt writing for ChatGPT, Midjourney and other AI generators'. The Conversation.
  89. Sclater, N., & Peasgood, A. (2018). Artificial intelligence in education: Promises and implications for teaching and learning. British Journal of Educational Technology, 49(4), 745-760.
  90. Sharma, Y. (2011). Boost to university-industry AI research collaboration. University World News.
  91. Shimizu, H., et al. (2023). AI Dependence and the Erosion of Critical Thinking Skills.
  92. Shimizu, I., Kasai, H., Shikino, K., Araki, N., Takahashi, Z., Onodera, M., Kimura, Y., Tsukamoto, T., Yamauchi, K., Asahina, M., et al. (2023). Developing medical education curriculum reform strategies to address the impact of generative AI: Qualitative study. JMIR Medical Education, 9, e53466.
  93. Siemens, G., & Long, P. (2011). Penetrating the fog: Analytics in learning and education. EDUCAUSE Review, 46(5), 30–40.
  94. Singh, M. (2023). Maintaining the integrity of the South African university: The impact of ChatGPT on plagiarism and scholarly writing. South African Journal of Higher Education, 37(2), 203–220.
  95. Skavronskaya, L., Hadinejad, A., & Cotterell, D. (2023). Reversing the threat of artificial intelligence to opportunity: A discussion of ChatGPT in tourism education. Journal of Teaching in Travel & Tourism, 23, 253–258..
  96. Slade, S., & Prinsloo, P. (2013). Learning analytics: Ethical issues and dilemmas. American Behavioral Scientist, 57(10), 1510-1529.
  97. Sok, S., & Heng, K. (2023). ChatGPT for education and research: A review of benefits and risks. Cambodian Journal of Educational Research, 3(1), 110-121.
  98. Sulik, M. J., Huerta, M., & Ziegler, J. C. (2017). The development of handwriting speed and legibility in grades 1-9. Journal of educational psychology, 109(6), 800-813.
  99. Sutton, R. S., & Barto, A. G. (2018). Reinforcement learning: An introduction (2nd ed.). MIT Press.
  100. Terwiesch, C. (2023). Would Chat GPT Get a Wharton MBA? Mack Institute for Innovation Management. Wharton University Pennsylvania.
  101. Tickle, L. (2015). How universities are using data to stop students dropping out. The Guardian.
  102. Tlili, A., Shehata, B., Adarkwah, M. A., Bozkurt, A. et al. (2023). What if the devil is my guardian angel: ChatGPT as a case study of using chatbots in education. Smart Learning Environments, 10, 15.
  103. Tundrea, A. (2020). Ethical Risks of AI in Education: A Comprehensive Analysis.
  104. Tundrea, E. (2020). Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: challenges and opportunities. INTED2020 Proceedings, 2041-2049.
  105. VanLehn, K. (2011). The relative effectiveness of human tutoring, intelligent tutoring systems, and other tutoring systems. Educational Psychologist, 46(4), 197–221.
  106. Vasoya, N. H. (2023). The role of parents and educators in managing the risks of artificial intelligence. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 41(4), 1–5.
  107. Watermeyer, R., Phipps, L., Lanclos, D., & Knight, C. (2023). Generative AI and the automating of academia. Postdigital Science and Education, 6(2), 446–466.
  108. Williamson, B., & Eynon, R. (2020). Historical threads, missing links, and future directions in AI in education. Learning, Media and Technology, 45(3), 223–235.
  109. Williamson, B., 2023. The social life of AI in education. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education.
  110. World Economic Forum (2019). The Global Risk Report 2019.
  111. World Economic Forum. (2018). The Future of Jobs Report 2018. Retrieved from
  112. Zaman, B. U. (2023). Transforming education through ai, benefits, risks, and ethical considerations. Authorea Preprints, 1, 1-26.
  113. Zaman, M. (2023). The Risks of Bias, Privacy, and Inequality in AI Applications for Higher Education.
  114. Zanetti, M. (2018). Pregiudizio ed etichettamento: il ruolo dell’insegnante nello sviluppo di comportamenti devianti. Formazione & Insegnamento, 16(2), 193–204.
  115. Zanetti, M., et al. (2020). Bias, Privacy, and Long-Term Implications of AI in Educational Environments.
  116. Zanetti, M., Rendina, S., Piceci, L., & Cassese, F. P. (2020). Potential risks of artificial intelligence in education. Form@ re-Open Journal per la formazione in rete, 20(1), 368-378.
  117. Zawacki-Richter, O., & Jung, I. (Eds.). (2023). Handbook of open, distance and digital education. Springer.
  118. Zawacki-Richter, O., Marín, V. I., Bond, M., & Gouverneur, F. (2019). Systematic review of research on artificial intelligence applications in higher education. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 16(1), 39.
  119. Zhai, X., Chu, X., Chai, C. S., Jong, M. S. Y., Istenic, A., Spector, M., Liu, J.-B., Yuan, J., & Li, Y. (2021). A review of artificial intelligence (AI) in education from 2010 to 2020. Complexity, 2021, Article 8812542, 1–18.
  120. Zou, J., & Schiebinger, L. (2018). AI can be sexist and racist - it’s time to make it fair. Nature, 559, 324–326.
Index Terms

Computer Science
Information Sciences

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Higher Education (HE) Risks Ethical Frameworks Technology in Education.