Artificial intelligence challenges higher education teaching and learning

Academic institutions and experts are examining the impact of artificial intelligence on higher education, focusing on how it transforms teaching, assessment, and student cognition. At a recent forum organized by the Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, academics discussed the disruption caused by AI in university spaces, emphasizing the need for innovation in curriculum and institutional governance.

Dr. Alejandro Pérez Carvajal from Universidad Andrés Bello highlighted that AI requires a revision of educational practices, suggesting that technology should enhance rather than replace pedagogical mediation. Similarly, the SINAES Summit 2026 aims to address how universities can integrate AI while maintaining quality and developing the necessary skills for future professionals.

A critical concern raised by experts, including Professor Mutlu Cukurova of University College London, is the distinction between performance and actual competence. While AI can help students produce better results more quickly, there is a risk that these results do not reflect true learning or the ability to perform without technological assistance. Research suggests that as AI takes over cognitive tasks, educators must ensure that fundamental thinking skills and human competencies are still being developed.