Free format (Chapter One)

Introduction

1.1 Background to the Study

However, the fast-paced advancement in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has been quite transformative across different industries around the world, education included. Artificial intelligence (AI), an abbreviation for artificial intelligence, is a term used to refer to the engineering of computers designed to perform duties that require human intellect such as learning, reasoning and decision-making (Holmes et al. 2023). For instance, AI applications including intelligent tutors, automated marking systems and adaptive learning programs have been adopted by universities in the teaching process.

In the Nigerian higher learning institutions, the use of AI technology has gradually been on the rise due to the critical need for innovation in the teaching process and the delivery of improved learning results. The shift from traditional learning methods to digital learning was greatly enhanced by the Coronavirus outbreak which made it mandatory for learning institutions to adopt technology-based methods of teaching. As a result, many students are currently engaging in academic activities using AI-powered technology..

Learning outcomes are the knowledge, skills, and abilities that students acquire as a result of their participation in certain educational activities. The effectiveness of various teaching methods is measured by the learning outcomes that students achieve during educational activities. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to enhance learning outcomes since it offers personalized feedback, it can be a great tool for unlocking educational resources, and it can boost students' independent learning capabilities. However, it is also important to consider that AI might lead to the misuse of resources, people becoming too dependent on technology, students not developing critical thinking skills and, as a consequence, even getting lower grades.

Some of the problems in Nigeria are mainly poor infrastructural facilities, low digital literacy levels of learners, and poor access to technological resources in schools. These problems can become factors that influence the way AI is used in universities for the aim of raising the quality of education. Therefore, it is critically important to study the influence of AI on learning outcomes among Nigerian students.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Artificial Intelligence's incorporation in Nigerian universities has huge potentials to enhance the quality of education however there are concerns about its impact on students' learning outcomes. A lot of students rely heavily on AI tools for completing assignments and research, which may limit their ability to think independently and to find solutions to problems without help.

Besides, there are no well-defined policies or guidelines that regulate the use of AI in educational institutions. This has left educators in a dilemma as to how to integrate AI in their pedagogy in a way that upholds academic honesty. Furthermore, differences in students' accessibility to digital technologies based on their socio-economic status may result in the exacerbation of educational inequalities.

Despite the growing use of AI in education, very few studies have been done on its impact in Nigeria. This lack of information makes it hard for stakeholders to decide on AI adoption in universities. Hence, the purpose of this research is to explore the effects of Artificial Intelligence on learning outcomes in Nigerian universities..

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine the impact of Artificial Intelligence on learning outcomes in Nigerian universities. The specific objectives are to:

1. Find out how many of the students in Nigerian universities make use of AI.

2. Investigate the impact of AI on the students’ academic success.

3. Study the impact of AI on the critical thinking ability and self-learning ability of the students.

4. Highlight the difficulties experienced while using AI in Nigerian universities.

1.4 Research Questions

The study will address the following research questions:

1. What is the degree of application of AI by students in Nigerian universities?

2. What effect does the use of AI have on academic achievement?

3. What are the effects of AI on critical thinking abilities?

4. What are the difficulties that come with the application of AI in Nigerian universities?

1.5 Hypotheses

The following null hypotheses will be tested:

Null Hypotheses:

H₀₁: There is no significant association between AI and the academic achievement of university students in Nigeria.

H₀₂: The use of AI does not significantly affect the critical thinking ability of university students.

H₀₃: There is no significant difference in the learning outcomes of AI-using and non-AI using students.

1.6 Significance of the Study

There are many stakeholders who could find this study relevant. To begin with, policymakers are one of the groups that may find it very useful since it will give them glimpses into how AI can be properly regulated and incorporated at the tertiary education level. Besides that, the results will be a source of help for university administrators in coming up with plans to leverage technology for the enhancement of teaching and learning.

On the one hand, lecturers will get an understanding of ways through which AI changes students' learning patterns and consequently be able to choose appropriate teaching methods which not only develop students' critical thinking but also uphold the principle of academic honesty. On the other hand students as the primary users of AI, will be imparted with knowledge about the advantages as well as the possible side effects of using AI in their academic pursuits.

Besides, this research will make an addition to the ever-expanding literature on the implementation of AI in education, especially in a developing country context like Nigeria. Additionally, it is going to be a point of consultation for other researchers who want to study the combining of technology and education.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the effects of artificial intelligence in the academic success of Nigerian students attending university. It highlights the dependence on AI devices such as chatbots, virtual assistants, and programmed learning techniques. This study will focus solely on Nigerian universities and will not include any other educational level like primary and secondary education institutions.

1.8 Limitation of the Study

There might be a few factors that limit this research. For one, the answers given by survey participants on their use of AI tools may be biased or inaccurate. Besides, as AI technology keeps changing very fast, the results of this research might become a bit outdated in the long run. Besides, due to such factors as lack of resources, time constraints, and financial limitations, the extent to which the research can be thorough might be affected. Moreover, the research might not be capable of identifying all the variables affecting learning outcomes.

1.9 Operational Definition of Terms

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Using computers for performing activities that would normally call for human intelligence.

Learning Outcomes: The outcomes that can be measured regarding the knowledge and skills acquired by learners from their studies.

Academic Performance: It is the level of success attained by learners on account of their academic performance as measured through grades and tests.

Critical Thinking: The ability to examine facts objectively and come up with conclusions.

Educational Technology: Utilizing technology in the facilitation of instruction.

Digital Literacy: Being proficient in utilizing digital devices effectively for the purposes of communication and learning.

                                                               CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION

2.2 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK 

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter discusses the research methodology. It entails the method used to carry out the research work and also explains the research design that was used for the study, sample design, methods used in collecting data and how the results data are analyzed.

3.2 RESEARCH DESIGN

3.3 POPULATION OF STUDY

3.4 SAMPLING TECHNIQUE AND SAMPLE SIZE 

3.5 SOURCES OF DATA COLLECTION

3.6 DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENT

3.7 VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF THE INSTRUMENT

3.8 METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS