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Omani’s higher education sector is embracing artificial intelligence (AI), with support from a $39 million investment from the Omani government, as part of its Artificial Economics strategy.
The investment aims to increase the digital economy’s GDP contribution by 10 percent, over the next sixteen years, and demonstrates the government’s ongoing commitment to AI implementation across a variety of sectors.
While AI still raises integrity concerns within higher education, consultant Dr Al Sawafi says those who turn their back on the technology are playing a “losing game”, with growing evidence it can foster learning outcomes.
“AI is here to stay, and I think higher education has to embrace it for the sake of students,” he told Informa Connect.
Ahead of AI in Education Oman Conference, Dr Al Sawafi shares how the technology is being deployed Oman and beyond.
Accelerating discoveries
In university research arms, AI is helping academics analyse large datasets at speed, to identify trends, generate hypotheses, and accelerate discoveries.
These include commercial innovations that enhance university research portfolios; and pedagogical insights, that support teaching and learning, internally.
“AI can identify patterns and correlations, which were previously possible, but much more difficult, to detect.
“In Oman and elsewhere, universities are using these to inform educational practices and policies. Researchers can draw a lot of support from AI, without compromising their research quality,” Al Sawafi said.
As well as spotting students who need extra support, AI can analyse student data to predict outcomes, such as graduation rates.
“This can help channel resources appropriately and can contribute to boosting the universities overall academic ranking,” Al Sawafi said.
Intelligent tutoring systems
AI-powered tutoring systems can provide additional support to students who may be falling behind their peers.
“It can help identify student strengths and weaknesses very early in the academic year. This gives educators the opportunity to intervene if required,” Al Sawafi said.
The technology can also provide more practical support to the students themselves, aiding their independent research and providing assessment feedback.
“Students can use the technology without compromising the integrity of their work. Cognitive skills are still needed to understand the research subject and fact-check the AI output.”
Personalised learning
In a similar vein, AI-driven platforms can tailor educational content to individual student needs, helping them learn at their own pace and style. These adaptive learning systems can adjust the difficulty of tasks based on student performance.
“These have benefits for students at every ability level. They can help both high and lower performing students get better grades.”
Administration
Admissions, scheduling and student services are an enormous administrative burden for universities, but AI can help streamline these activities.
“It can lighten the workload for all staff members and improve operational efficiency,” Al Sawafi said.
Similarly, AI chatbots and virtual assistants can support call centre staff, helping to answer student queries and assist with technical support.
An AI strategy is needed
Despite its strengths, AI still has the potential for misuse in education, and must be properly implemented, with all risks considered.
Al Sawafi says this means opening the doors fully to the technology.
“As a sector, we really need to embrace AI to ensure students are using it appropriately. It needs to be something we integrate mindfully into classrooms, not something we give some acknowledgement to and keep on the periphery.”
Sharing his expert opinion of how universities can embrace AI, Al Sawafi will present at the upcoming AI in Education Oman Conference.
This year’s event will be held 29-30 October at the Maani Muscat Hotel and Suites Oman.
About Dr Al Sawafi
Dr. Abood Al Sawafi is a distinguished academic with more than 24 years’ experience in senior management within Higher Education.
He has held leadership positions at various Omani universities and has been actively involved in national committees, contributing to research, innovation, and educational policies.
He recently established Al Maarif Consultancy Firm to support educational institutions in achieving excellence.
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