Digital Transformation in Higher Education: Issues and Challenges

Abstract

Digital transformation in higher education, particularly through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), is revolutionizing the educational landscape. AI enables personalized learning experiences, optimizes educational processes, and enhances operational efficiency within academic institutions. The higher education system is currently facing both opportunities and challenges because of digital transformation, or the use of different types of technology by both teachers and students. Benefits that digital transformation brings to higher education systems include the simple distribution of instructional materials, collaborative learning, fostering students’ creativity, more effective use of time, and cost savings. Despite its necessity and outstanding opportunities, digital transformation is not an easy task. Many organizations face significant challenges, such as resistance to change, lack of digital skills, and the complexity of integrating new technologies into existing infrastructures. Digital transformation in higher education also poses challenges. These include the resistance to change, the need for upskilling staff, the financial cost of implementing new technologies, and con­cerns over data privacy and security. This article discusses issues and challenges of digital transformation in Higher education in Malaysia with regards to Artificial Intelligence (AI). Case studies of AI adoption in higher education are discussed. Strategies to overcome issues and challenges are highlighted to enable successful implementation of digital transformation in universities in Malaysia.