Digital Turbulence in Higher education: AI as a Challenge to Academic identity
https://doi.org/10.32603/2412-8562-2025-11-4-61-75
Abstract
Introduction. The article is devoted to the analysis of the transformation of higher education in the context of the active introduction of generative artificial intelligence (AI). The aim of the study is to identify cognitive, behavioral and normative changes in students' educational practices caused by the digitalization of the academic environment.
Methodology and sources. The study is based on data from a representative questionnaire survey of students from several Russian universities of various profiles. The methods of stratified sample analysis, correlation and factor analysis are applied. Statistical reliability of the results is ensured by compliance with normal distributions, tolerance to outliers, and the use of the Cramer coefficient.
Results and discussion. The dominance of generative AI tools (in particular, ChatGPT) in the educational environment has been established. Their high subjective effectiveness is recorded, including in the context of academic performance and the formation of professional competencies. A normative gap has been found between the widespread practice of using AI and ethical assessments of its acceptability in teaching. The effects of technological asymmetry and reductionism are discussed.
Conclusion. The data obtained confirm the formation of a new educational paradigm characterized by a shift from traditional teaching to technologically mediated learning. The article focuses on the need for normative and didactic adaptation of universities to the digital environment.
About the Authors
V. E. Drach
Sochi State University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Vladimir E. Drach – Can. Sci. (Engineering, 2005), Docent (2006), Associate Professor at the Department of Information Technologies and Mathematics
94 Plastunskaya str., Sochi 354000.
The author of more than 100 scientific publications.
Area of expertise: radio electronics and information technologies, pedagogy
Yu. V. Torkunova
Kazan State Power Engineering University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Yulia V. Torkunova – Dr. Sci. (Pedagogic, 2015), Professor at the Department of Information Technologies and Intelligent Systems
51 Krasnoselskaya str., Kazan 420066.
The author of more than 180 scientific publications.
Area of expertise: information technology in education and economics.
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Review
For citations:
Drach V.E., Torkunova Yu.V. Digital Turbulence in Higher education: AI as a Challenge to Academic identity. Discourse. 2025;11(4):61-75. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.32603/2412-8562-2025-11-4-61-75
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