Incorporating AI in teaching and learning: A step toward academic excellence of the University of Hail, Saudi Arabia

Background The use of artificial intelligence (AI) within education has proven to be a change agent towards Academic Excellence (AE). AI facilitates learning through innovative tools, effective resource utilization, and evidence-driven decision making. Not many studies, however, look into the impact of certain AI-related elements on this. Objective The present research examines AI-related influences on AE. It also tests the moderating function of Digital Learning (DL) for these relations. The research is conducted within the contextual framework of the University of Hail within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods The students at the University of Hail, KSA, were surveyed with a structured form. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine hypothesized relationships among AI factors, DL, and AE, examining direct and moderated effects. Results Perceived usefulness (PU), Perceived ease of use (PEU), AI-driven personalization (AI-DP) showed remarkable positive influences on AE. In addition, DL strongly moderated Perceived usefulness, Perceived ease of use, AI’s availability and accessibility, and Academic Excellence together with Student Engagement. Conclusions AI-related features and DL are essential for promoting AE. Schools must focus on AI tool development, improving learning experiences with personalization, and offering DL education for teachers and students. Furthermore, encouraging collaboration among AI developers and instructors would help ensure tools are aligned with learning objectives for a more effective, inclusive learning experience.