August 5, 2025

The Role of AI and EdTech in the Growth of Higher Ed Online Programs

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Educational Technology (EdTech) have weaved into the very fabric of our everyday lives, transforming everything from commerce to individuals to families and now even institutions! Most notably, we have experienced a staggering evolution in the delivery, accessibility, and quality of online higher education programs. By leveraging adaptive learning systems, automated administrative tools, and immersive technologies, institutions worldwide are expanding their reach, personalizing student experiences, and aligning curricula with evolving workforce demands. However, this technological revolution also presents significant ethical, pedagogical, and societal questions that universities must address to pursue equitable and sustainable development.

Artificial Intelligence: Redefining Pedagogy and Administration

1. Personalized Learning Experiences

AI enables the creation of tailored educational pathways that adapt to individual student needs, improving engagement and outcomes. A study at UniDistance Suisse demonstrated that students who actively engaged with an AI tutor achieved significantly higher grades, with an average improvement of up to 15 percentile points compared to those without AI assistance and personalized learning.

2. Increased Accessibility and Enrollment

EdTech platforms have expanded access to education, allowing universities to reach a broader student base. The shift towards e-learning platforms, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has contributed to the growth of university online programs. According to Statista (2024), by the end of 2024, nearly 15% of the population was projected to engage with online education services, underscoring the increasing acceptance and accessibility of online learning.

3. Enhanced Administrative Efficiency

AI automates routine administrative tasks such as grading and student performance monitoring, allowing educators to focus more on teaching. This automation eases operations and reduces faculty workload. ​Results from a survey by Carnegie Learning in 2024 showcased that 42% of teachers reported that using AI reduced the time spent on administrative tasks, allowing more focus on instruction. This results in better administrative efficiency.

4. Market Growth and Investment

The financial commitment to AI and EdTech reflects their growing importance in education. According to Allied Market Research (2023), the global AI in education market was valued at $5.88 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.2% from 2025 to 2030. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for personalized learning experiences, the adoption of AI-powered tools, and the integration of AI in skill development and workforce training.

5. Positive Reception Among Educators and Students

The adoption of AI in education has been met with optimism. A 2023 survey by the Walton Family Foundation found that 71% of teachers believe AI tools are essential for students' success in college and at work. Students are expressing their need to rely on AI tools but are also expressing caution toward AI-generated content. According to AlineHe (2024), 27% of students expressed trust in the results generated by AI tools, while 49% expressed a cautious approach to the reliability of AI-generated information, meaning that students use AI but play it safe.

Ethical and Operational Challenges

1. Data Privacy and Security

The proliferation of AI in education necessitates collecting vast student data, raising concerns about breaches and misuse. Higher education institutions need to consider important security implications. Some best practices include:

• Require all users to access AI tools through their institution’s accounts.

• Offer regular AI training to students and faculty.

• Have an established process for monitoring and securing the AI environment.

• Create and communicate an AI-use policy.

2. Algorithmic Bias

Studies reveal that AI hiring tools used in career counseling disproportionately penalize non-native English speakers and minority candidates. Similarly, facial recognition in proctoring software misidentifies dark-skinned students at twice the rate of lighter-skinned peers. Institutions must audit algorithms for fairness while diversifying training datasets.

UNESCO developed Artificial Intelligence and Education: Guidance for Policy-makers to help education leaders navigate AI's opportunities, challenges, and skill requirements. It also released AI competency frameworks for students and teachers to support countries in equipping learners and educators with the knowledge to understand AI's potential and risks.

3. Technostress and Digital Fatigue

Technostress is a form of psychological stress related to using technology. A 2025 UNESCO report found that 68% of online learners experience anxiety due to constant connectivity demands. Some institutions have introduced “wellness modes” and “digital detoxes” to prevent burnout, yet more studies are needed to understand the health and emotional impact on faculty and students. 

Conclusion

The integration of AI and EdTech is pivotal in expanding and improving online university programs. These technologies are reshaping higher education by providing personalized learning experiences, increasing accessibility, and attracting significant investment. However, it is imperative that institutions establish ethical guidelines, provide adequate support, and ensure that the adoption of AI contributes positively to the educational landscape.

Want to improve and expand your online programs with AI and EdTech?

With practical, human-centered solutions rather than just gaudy tools, EDUTECHLoft assists universities in implementing true integrations in their online curricula. We collaborate closely with academic teams to create user-friendly, customized digital learning experiences tailored to students' actual needs. We ensure that technology truly works for the people who use it, whether that means creating more intelligent course pathways, optimizing content delivery, or enhancing how instructors interact with students virtually. EDUTECHLoft helps universities make their online courses more adaptable, interesting, and prepared for the next generation of students from setup to launch. Schedule a meeting with us to find out how we can improve or set up your online courses. For more information on how we can help you visit https://www.edutechloft.com or contact us at info@edutechloft.com.

 

References

AlinHE.org. (2024). Students perspectives on AI in higher education. https://aiinhe.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/aiinhe_surveyinsights.pdf

Allied Market Research, https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/. (n.d.). Artificial Intelligence In Education Market Statistics, 2032. Allied Market Research. https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/artificial-intelligence-in-education-sector-market

Statista. (n.d.). Online Education - Worldwide | Statista market forecast. https://www.statista.com/outlook/emo/online-education/worldwide#revenueGrowth_651256

Möller, M., Nirmal, G., Fabietti, D., Stierstorfer, Q., Zakhvatkin, M., Sommerfeld, H., & Schütt, S. (2024, February 21). Revolutionising Distance Learning: A Comparative Study of Learning Progress with AI-Driven Tutoring. arXiv.org. https://arxiv.org/abs/2403.14642

Slagg, A. (2024, September 30). AI in Education in 2024: Educators Express Mixed Feelings on the Technology’s Future. Technology Solutions That Drive Education. https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2024/09/ai-education-2024-educators-express-mixed-feelings-technologys-future-perfcon

Haoyang, D., & Towne, J. (2025, January 9). How AI and human teachers can collaborate to transform education. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/01/how-ai-and-human-teachers-can-collaborate-to-transform-education/

Walker, C. (2025, March 20). Data Security Best practices for AI tools in Higher Education. Technology Solutions That Drive Education. https://edtechmagazine.com/higher/article/2024/06/data-security-best-practices-ai-tools-higher-education

Nascimento, L., Correia, M. F., & Califf, C. B. (2023). Towards a bright side of technostress in higher education teachers: Identifying several antecedents and outcomes of techno-eustress. Technology in Society, 76, 102428. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2023.102428