Abstract

This study assessed the Effect of Artificial Intelligence on Student Academic Performance in the University of Buea, Cameroon. Data used for the study were collected through questionnaires from 50 students in the university of Buea. The study exploits the relationship between artificial intelligence usage and student performance, including the potential benefits and limitations of artificial intelligence. The findings of this study will provide insights into the effectiveness of artificial intelligence in enhancing student learning outcomes and inform educators and policymakers on the potential applications of artificial intelligence in Education.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The University of Buea, like many other institutions of higher learning, has witnessed a significant increase in the use of artificial powered tools and platforms in recent years. These tools are designed to enhance student learning outcomes, improve academic performance, and increase student engagement. However, there is a need to investigate the actual impact of artificial intelligence ficial on academic performance in the University of Buea

The integration of artificial intelligence in education has been a topic of interest in recent years. According to Luckin et al. (2016), artificial intelligence tools can provide personalized learning experiences that cater to the individual needs of students. This is echoed by Dziuban et al. (2018), who found that artificial intelligence tools can improve student engagement and motivation. Additionally, Bates (2019) notes that the effective integration of artificial intelligence in education requires careful consideration of various factors, including the design of artificial intelligence tools, the training of teachers, and the assessment of student learning outcomes. Furthermore, researchers such as Ifenthaler (2020) have emphasized the need for educators to develop a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence and its potential applications in education. This is particularly important in the context of higher education, where students are expected to develop complex skills and knowledge that prepare them for the workforce. According to Selwyn (2019), the use of artificial intelligence in education raises important questions about the role of technology in shaping learning outcomes and the potential risks associated with artificial intelligence adoption.

The link between artificial intelligence (AI) and student academic performance is a growing area of research. Some potential connections include: Personalized learning can tailor learning experiences to individual students’ needs, abilities, and learning style, Intelligent tutoring systems can provide real-time feedback, guidance, and support, Automated grading can help teachers with grading, freeing up time for more hands-on support, Predictive analytics can identify students at risk of falling behind or dropping out, Enhanced engagement can make learning more interactive and fun. Research suggests that AI can have both positive and negative impacts on student academic performance, depending on implementation and context.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the education landscape, impacting student academic performance in various ways. Benefits of AI in Education are; Personalized Learning AI- tools analyze vast amounts of data to identify learning gaps and tailor interventions, enhancing student engagement and performance, Improved Academic Outcomes AI-driven platforms, such as adaptive learning systems, provide real-time feedback and guidance, leading to better grades and academic achievement, Enhanced Student Engagement  AI-powered tools make learning more interactive and fun, increasing student motivation and participation. Challenges and Concerns are; Over-reliance on AI may hinder critical thinking and problem-solving skill, Data Privacy Risks concerns about data protection and academic dishonesty, Impact on Critical Thinking may erode students’ ability to engage deeply with material and develop critical thinking skills.

In the developed world, research on artificial intelligence (AI) and student academic performance has yielded valuable insights. Here are some key findings .In the developing world, research on artificial intelligence (AI) and student academic performance is rapidly evolving. Here are some key insights; Challenges.

Limited infrastructure Many schools in developing countries lack reliable internet access, electricity, and devices, hindering AI implementation, Teacher training may need training to effectively integrate AI-powered tools into their teaching practices, Contextual relevance must be adapted to local contexts, languages, and curricula. Opportunities are Access to quality resources can provide access to high-quality educational content, bridging gaps in resource availability. Improved assessment can help automate grading, freeing teachers to focus on teaching. Regional Examples; Africa like Eneza Education (serving multiple African countries) use AI-powered platforms to support students’ learning, Asia Countries like India (e.g., BYJU’S) and Indonesia have seen significant growth in AI-powered education platforms, Latin America Some countries are exploring AI-powered solutions to improve education, such as adaptive learning platforms.

Some notable findings from research on AI in education include Positive Impact on Student Performance Studies shown that AI-powered learning resources can significantly impact students’ academic performance, especially when integrated with technology products, software. However, there are also challenges to consider: Limited Awareness and Access students in Cameroon may have limited awareness and access to AI-powered tools, hindering their potential benefits. Need for Teacher Training effectively integrate AI-powered tools into their teaching practices. The University of Buea, located in Cameroon, has been exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance student academic performance. While specific studies from the university are limited, research in this area suggests AI can positively impact education in several way.

Benefits of AI in Education; Improved Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills can help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, independence in learning, and creativity. Increased Student Engagement can make learning more interactive and fun, boosting student motivation and participation. Better Academic Performance can lead to higher academic performance, with students achieving better grades and academic achievement. Challenges and Considerations are Limited Awareness and Access May have limited awareness and access to AI-powered tools, hindering their potential benefits.

Need for Teacher Training effectively integrate AI-powered tools into their teaching practices. Ethical Implications Developer in AI decision-making processes, and educators should be aware of potential biases in AI systems.

1.2 Problem Statement

Student academic performance problems caused by artificial intelligence can be seen in several areas: Global Concern, Erosion of Academic Integrity can lead to plagiarism and undermine the value of education, Decline of Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills can hinder students’ ability to think critically and solve problems, Technostress and Poor Academic Productivity can lead to technostress, negatively impacting academic performance.

Developed World Dependence on AI Tools Students in developed countries may rely too heavily on AI, potentially diminishing their own learning and understanding. Bias in AI Systems can perpetuate existing biases if not carefully designed, affecting student outcomes.

Developing World Limited Access and Infrastructure Challenges Students in developing countries may face barriers in accessing AI-powered tools due to limited infrastructure. Lack of Customization for Local Needs may not be tailored to local contexts, cultures, and curricula, reducing their effectiveness.

Cameroon and University of Buea Concerns about Academic Integrity Cameroonian have raised concerns about students submitting AI-generated assignments without understanding the content. Need for AI Literacy Programs Incorporating AI literacy programs into university curricula can help students and educators use AI responsibly and effectively.

1.3 Research Question

1.3.1 Main Research Question

What is the impact of artificial intelligence on academic performance among students in the University of Buea?.

1.3.2 Specific Research Question

1. How does machine learning algorithms affect students’ academic performance in the university of Buea
2. How Natural Language Processing techniques be applied to analyze student feedback and sentiment analysis in online learning platforms at the University of Buea, and what insights can be gained from this analysis?
3. How can computer vision technology be utilized to develop system for the University of Buea, and what are the potential benefits and challenges of implementing such a system?

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