USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREST INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING: POTENTIALS, CHALLENGES AND FUTURE ROADMAP

Undergraduate education in Forest Industrial Engineering departments aims to provide students with in-depth knowledge and skills in topics such as the sustainable management of forest resources, the processing and production of forest products, quality control, and the optimization of industrial processes. While the integration of artificial intelligence into education in this field is expected to offer new potential in both educational methodologies and industrial applications, it is also believed that it may present significant challenges. This study aims to present the potential, challenges, and a roadmap for the future of the use of artificial intelligence in the Forest Industrial Engineering department. Furthermore, the study aims to contribute to the literature on this topic, analyse the current situation, and establish a framework for future research and applications. A survey method was used to collect data in the study. For this purpose, separate surveys were prepared and administered to students and faculty. The findings indicate that while both students and faculty have generally positive perceptions of artificial intelligence, they also exhibit a somewhat cautious approach. Students expressed that AI has strong potential to make learning materials more accessible, provide personalized learning experiences, and contribute to professional development. Faculty members, on the other hand, stated that AI-based tools could significantly contribute to improving course materials, facilitating learning, and enhancing career opportunities. However, both groups expressed concerns about potential impairments in ethics, privacy, and critical thinking skills. These results demonstrate that integrating AI into educational processes requires careful planning in ethical and administrative dimensions, in addition to its pedagogical benefits.