Shaping the Future of Learning: Students’ Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence in Pakistan’s Educational Ecosystem
Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence, Educational landscape, Upskilling and reskilling, Continuous Learning, Thematic AnalysisAbstract
In the era of rapid technological transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral component of academia, reshaping how students learn, engage, and prepare for future opportunities. As higher education adapts to the digital shift, understanding students’ perceptions of AI in education becomes increasingly important. This qualitative study explores undergraduate students’ perceptions of the role of AI in transforming the learning ecosystem and teaching practices in Pakistan’s higher education context. Twenty-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with final-year undergraduate students from STEAM disciplines using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. All interviews were transcribed and analyzed through Reflexive Thematic Analysis. The findings highlight that students view AI as a transformative force enhancing learning efficiency, accessibility, and engagement, while also calling for institutional guidelines and digital literacy training to ensure its ethical and equitable use. The study concludes by proposing a framework for integrating AI to strengthen learning ecosystem pedagogical practices and prepare learners for the evolving job market.
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