Contribution of Artificial Intelligence in Education: Uses, Challenges and Integration Pathways in UM5R MOOCs

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is progressively transforming education by enhancing personalization, assessment, and learner support in digital environments. This article examines the contribution of AI to higher education and discusses its potential integration into MOOCs at Mohammed V University of Rabat (UM5R).

The study adopts a theoretical analysis combining a narrative literature review on the main uses of AI in education (intelligent tutoring systems, chatbots, immersive technologies, etc.) with a descriptive analysis based on field data from UM5R, focusing on the development of distance learning, the dynamics of MOOC production, and participation and completion indicators reported by the e-Learning Center. The findings show that UM5R’s MOOCs have reached a broad audience and achieved notable completion levels for certain courses, while scaling up generates recurring challenges in terms of interaction, monitoring, and feedback. In response, the article proposes three levers for AI integration: conversational agents for first-line learner support, semi-automated assessment tools to reduce grading delays, and learning analytics systems to anticipate dropout and improve content quality.

Classification JEL: I23

Paper type: Conceptual paper with case study