Abstract:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the highly demanding and widely used latest technology
worldwide in almost all the sectors of the globe. This comprehensive study examined
the prevailing impact on the academic performance of management undergraduates
and their usage of artificial intelligence across seven state universities of Sri Lanka.
With 297 responses, the study was conducted employing quantitative methodology
with a structured questionnaire utilising a four-point Likert scale. The structural
model analysis demonstrated highly significant positive correlations between AI
usage and both perceived benefits and challenges. AI tools substantially enhanced
learning outcomes through personalised educational support, improved research
capabilities, and increased accessibility for diverse learner needs. The model
explained 78.8% of variance in AI benefits, indicating strong predictive validity.
However, the study identified critical concerns, including technological over dependence, diminished critical thinking capabilities, reduced collaborative skills and
potential academic integrity issues. Significantly, gender emerged as a significant
moderating variable, with differential impacts observed across demographic groups.
This suggests that AI's educational impact is not uniform but varies systematically
based on user characteristics. The research contributes to the growing discourse on
educational technology by providing empirical evidence for the need for structured
AI literacy programmes, comprehensive governance frameworks and balanced
integration strategies as appropriate institutional policies and student training
initiatives.
