Use of AI in Online Education Among University Students: An Empirical Study

The study investigated university students’ acceptance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in online learning in the context of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), with a focus on sustainability for Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education). A total of 300 students completed the survey. The analysis found that performance expectancy, social influence, effort expectancy, and facilitating conditions play a significant role in determining both the intention to use AI and the actual use of AI. Notably, students’ beliefs regarding AI’s ability to facilitate and support sustainable education practices positively influence their intention and actual use. The results suggest that future studies that assess technology acceptance methodologies used by education. practitioners should approach it through a sustainability lens. The study concludes with a range of recommendations for universities on how they can enhance institutional acceptance of AI technologies specifically by increasing awareness around the benefits of the AI technology being adopted, user expectations, social support, availability of technology infrastructure and sustainability messaging.