Level of Usage and Perception Towards AI Applications Among POLIMAS Lecturers for Academic and Research Purposes

Abstract

This research explores the extent of AI tool usage and instructors’ perceptions towards artificial intelligence technologies at Politeknik Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah (POLIMAS) for educational and research purposes. Using a sample of 404 lecturers from different departments at POLIMAS, this study examined the determinants of AI technology acceptance, including the deployment of AI and the perceptions of teaching staff regarding the advantages and disadvantages posed by the incorporation of artificial intelligence in higher education. The results indicated that attitudes towards the applications of AI were favorable overall. Moreover, 66.4 percent of the respondents reported having used AI most frequently for the preparation of teaching materials and writing scholarly articles. Lecturers viewed technology positively, as it enhanced productivity (mean 4.21/5) and accelerated the preparation of teaching materials (mean 4.19/5). However, considerable challenges to adoption were noted, including the need for training (mean 4.41/5), inadequate technological frameworks, and ethical concerns regarding the credibility of information. Examination of AI usage indicated differences across departments and age groups, with younger faculty from more technologically oriented departments showing higher usage levels. Some important factors concerning artificial intelligence use include institutional trust, effectiveness, and resources offered by the institution. The analysis adds to the Malaysian polytechnic information perspective on AI adoption in higher education by suggesting additional strategies involving training, policy, and institutional framework development, as well as sharp ethics-focused boundaries designed for the specific positioning of POLIMAS academics.

Keywords: artificial intelligence, higher education, faculty perceptions, academic technology adoption, Malaysian polytechnic education