The influence of the artificial intelligence capabilities of higher education institutions in Iraq on students' academic performance: The role of AI-based technology application as a mediator

Abstract

Objective: Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role in promoting unbiased and effective advancements in the field of education. The benefits of these state-of-the-art technologies in the areas of teaching methods and the acquisition of knowledge have attracted considerable attention in current discussions. The present study aims to investigate the influence of artificial intelligence capabilities (AIC) within Iraqi higher education institutions on students' academic performance. Additionally, the study has also investigated the mediating role of AI-based technology applications (AIBTA). Methodology: The research employed a quantitative survey-based approach to gather data, utilizing a questionnaire as the data collection instrument. For the analysis, Smart-PLS 3, a software tool known for its implementation of the PLS-SEM (partial least squares structural equation modeling) analysis method, was utilized (Sarstedt et al., 2022). The study achieved a response rate of 64.3 percent from the participants. Results: The findings of the study reveal a significant influence of AIBTA (Artificial Intelligence-Based Teaching and Assessment) on student performance within the context of Iraqi higher education. Moreover, there exists a positive and notable correlation between the AI capabilities integrated into Iraqi higher education and the academic achievements of university students in Iraq. The study's results also suggest that AI capabilities substantially impact the AIBTA framework within Iraqi higher education. Furthermore, the mediating role of AIBTA in Iraqi higher education is identified in relation to the relationship between the AI capabilities of the educational system and the academic performance of university students in Iraq. Implication: The outcomes of this study hold considerable implications for the landscape of higher education in Iraq. The results underscore that the incorporation of AI-driven technology bears a substantial influence on students' academic achievements. This relationship serves as a pivotal connection, linking the AI capabilities present within higher education institutions to the attainment of academic excellence by students. Novelty: This study stands as one of the pioneering efforts in exploring the realm of AIBTA within the context of Iraqi higher education.