Perceptions of Academic Staff on the Integration of AI and Digital Connectivity for Transformative Educational Management in Bayelsa State

Abstract

The study assessed the perceptions of academic staff on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital connectivity for transformative educational management in tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, guided by two research questions. The population comprised academic staff from selected public universities and colleges of education in Bayelsa State, from which a sample of 350 respondents was drawn using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Artificial Intelligence and Digital Connectivity in Educational Management Questionnaire (AIDEMQ), validated by experts and yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.89 via Cronbach's alpha. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used to answer the research questions. The findings revealed that academic staff generally perceived AI as enhancing administrative efficiency through improved decision-making, error reduction, transparency, and time management, although challenges such as inadequate training and limited practical application constrained its full potential. Similarly, digital connectivity was perceived as effective in improving communication, collaboration, information dissemination, and the quality of teaching and learning, though gaps in infrastructure and system functionality limited its impact on administrative planning and scheduling. The study concluded that while AI and digital connectivity hold significant potential for transforming educational management, targeted interventions including capacity building, infrastructure enhancement, and strategic system integration are necessary to fully realize these benefits. Recommendations included providing regular staff training, investing in robust digital infrastructure, and implementing supportive policies to optimize the integration of AI and digital tools in tertiary institutions.