Ethical and Value-Based Dimensions of Artificial Intelligence Integration in Saudi Higher Education: Faculty Perspectives from King Khalid University
Keywords:
artificial intelligence; ethical and value; higher education; challenge; faculty perspectiveAbstract
This study investigates the ethical and value-based challenges associated with adopting artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education, using King Khalid University in Saudi Arabia as a case study. The study aims to identify core ethical principles guiding educational AI use, examine value-oriented risks accompanying deployment, and propose context-sensitive approaches for preserving ethical, religious, and cultural foundations in AI-mediated learning environments. A descriptive quantitative design was employed using a validated 30-item questionnaire across three dimensions: ethical values and principles of AI use, value-based challenges and risks, and ethical approaches to AI application. Data were collected from 110 faculty members and analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques. Findings indicate strong consensus regarding the primacy of data security, transparency, accountability, and the protection of human rights as essential ethical requirements for educational AI. Results also demonstrate the importance of structured AI ethics literacy and continuous professional development in strengthening faculty awareness, trust, and effective pedagogical use of AI tools. Moreover, the study underscores the need to embed religious and cultural considerations within AI-based educational systems to reinforce Islamic values while safeguarding learner autonomy, well-being, and safety. Overall, the findings confirm that ethical, culturally responsive, and value-oriented governance frameworks are central to responsible AI adoption in higher education. The study concludes with practical recommendations for institutionalizing value-based AI governance in Saudi universities through clearly articulated ethical policies, ongoing faculty training, data protection standards, and human-centered oversight mechanisms. The proposed framework informs future comparative research globally.
https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.25.3.14
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Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammed Abdel Aziz Al-Zahrani, Mohammed Hamed Albahiri, Ali Albashir Mohammed Alhaj
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