Learning for an uncertain future: artificial intelligence a challenge for Pakistani education system in the era of digital transformation

Abstract

Purpose

The rapid advancement of AI in education brings both significant challenges and opportunities. In Pakistan, where the educational system is facing numerous issues, AI integration has raised significant concerns. Therefore, this study aims to explore the challenges AI poses to the Pakistani education system in the era of digital transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

A focus group was conducted with 13 participants, including educators and heads of departments from universities located in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Thematic analysis was used to generate themes from the data.

Findings

The study findings indicated that AI integration in education can provide personalized and adaptive learning and teaching experiences by bridging the educational divide through easy access to quality education. Participants also highlighted the anxieties related to the digital divide as a great challenge for Pakistan. The integration of AI and automation in education is also raising concerns about job displacement for educators.

Originality/value

It highlighted that the integration of AI into the educational system can also bring both challenges and opportunities. To tackle these issues, potential strategies such as professional development and training programs to develop AI literacy among educators need to be introduced.

Citation

Khurshid, S., Khurshid, S. and Toor, H.K. (2024), "Learning for an uncertain future: artificial intelligence a challenge for Pakistani education system in the era of digital transformation", Qualitative Research Journal, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/QRJ-02-2024-0045