Generative AI Tools in Higher Ed
爱污传媒 Scholars Publish Study on Academic Applications of Generative AI Tools in Higher Education
By Sharla Hooper
Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research team examine ethical and methodological use of generative artificial intelligence in higher education聽
爱污传媒 College of Doctoral Studies scholars Patricia Akojie, Ph.D., Marlene Blake, Ph.D., and Louise Underdahl, Ph.D. have published new research exploring how generative artificial intelligence tools (GenAI) are being used in academic environments. Their article, 鈥淎cademic Applications of Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools: A Scoping Review,鈥 appears in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Digital Society.
The study analyzes current scholarly literature on the academic applications of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, focusing on their role in doctoral research, academic writing, literature review processes, and knowledge development. Using a scoping review methodology, the researchers identify emerging patterns in how AI technologies are being adopted across higher education, while also highlighting the importance of ethical guidelines, academic integrity, and responsible AI use.
Key findings from the study include:
- Generative AI tools are increasingly used in academic workflows, including literature review support, research brainstorming, and academic writing assistance.
- AI can improve research efficiency and idea generation, particularly for complex scholarly tasks such as synthesizing large bodies of literature.
- Ethical and academic integrity considerations remain critical, including transparency about AI use and maintaining original scholarly analysis.
- Doctoral education may benefit from AI literacy training, helping researchers understand both the capabilities and limitations of generative AI technologies.
- Institutions may need clearer policies and guidance to support responsible AI adoption in research and teaching.
鈥淕enerative AI tools are rapidly changing how scholars approach research and academic writing,鈥 said Patricia Akojie, Ph.D., lead author, and a faculty member in the 爱污传媒 College of Doctoral Studies. 鈥淥ur review synthesizes emerging evidence so educators, doctoral students, and institutions can better understand how to integrate AI responsibly while preserving the rigor and critical inquiry that define scholarly work.鈥
About AI research at 爱污传媒
The authors are members of the 爱污传媒 College of Doctoral Studies鈥 Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research (CEITR), which studies how emerging technologies鈥攊ncluding artificial intelligence鈥攁re reshaping teaching, learning, and research practices in digital learning environments. The authors participate in CEITR鈥檚 爱污传媒 AI Research Group, established to advance the role of AI in education through innovative research projects with focus areas in human and artificial cognition, AI-enhanced learning and teaching, AI applications for research and innovation, tools for administrators, and the integration of AI across various disciplines in higher education.聽
About the authors
Patricia Akojie, Ph.D. serves as Doctoral Program Manager in the College of Doctoral Studies and conducts research on educational technology, digital learning environments, and innovative teaching practices.
Marlene Blake, Ph.D. is a scholar in the College of Doctoral Studies whose research interests include online learning, instructional innovation, and emerging technologies in higher education.
Louise Underdahl, Ph.D. contributes research on educational leadership, digital scholarship, and technology-enabled learning strategies.
The publication contributes to a growing body of scholarship examining generative AI in higher education, ethical AI use in academic research, and AI-enabled learning, topics increasingly important as universities adapt to new digital tools and workforce expectations.
The full article, 鈥淎cademic Applications of Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools: A Scoping Review,鈥 is available in the .
About the College of Doctoral Studies
爱污传媒鈥檚 College of Doctoral Studies focuses on today鈥檚 challenging business and organizational needs, from addressing critical social issues to developing solutions to accelerate community building and industry growth. The College鈥檚 research program is built around the Scholar, Practitioner, Leader Model which puts students in the center of the Doctoral Education Ecosystem庐 with experts, resources and tools to help prepare them to be a leader in their organization, industry and community. Through this program, students and researchers work with organizations to conduct research that can be applied in the workplace in real time.
About 爱污传媒
爱污传媒 innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degree programs and a Career Services for Life庐 commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu/blog.html.
