Engineering Students’ Perceptions of AI and Educational Innovations in the Academic Setting

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Mixed Reality (MR) platforms in education has not been straightforward despite being a technological innovation in the academic setting. Incertitude in finding the best approach to use AI/MR while maintaining a rigorous higher education preparation has affected its adoption. In this qualitative study, 14 electrical engineering students were interviewed to learn about their experiences and perceptions of using AI/MR both in higher education and their daily lives. Findings revealed limited use and distrust of AI for academic purposes and minimum use of MR tools to course and laboratory delivery. The need for technological innovation that incorporates more hands-on experiences was found to be critical for engineering students. Lastly, ideas and use of AI for nonacademic purposes disclosed the ease of incorporating AI into students’ daily activities and routines. A technological educational transformation is needed in higher education to compete in a highly automated world.