Artificial intelligence in Armenian higher education: Lecturers' perspectives on opportunities and challenges

Gayane Tovmasyan
Armenian State University of Economics, Yerevan State University, Brusov State University, and Public Administration Academy, Armenia

This study explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in higher education from the perspective of lecturers in Armenia. While AI is increasingly recognised as a transformative force in teaching and learning, its adoption in developing country academic contexts remains underexplored. Using a qualitative approach based on in-depth semi-structured interviews with university lecturers, this research investigates how educators perceive the benefits, challenges, and future prospects of AI in academic settings. The findings reveal that lecturers acknowledge AI's potential to enhance efficiency, enrich student learning experiences, and support innovative teaching practices. At the same time, concerns were raised regarding issues of digital inequality, lack of institutional support, ethical considerations, and insufficient training opportunities. My study highlights the dual role of AI as both an enabler and a disruptor in higher education, pointing to the necessity for balanced strategies that combine technological advancement with pedagogical integrity. The results carry important implications for universities, policymakers, and lecturers by emphasising the need for clear guidelines, professional development, and inclusive policies to maximise AI's benefits while addressing its limitations.
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Author: Gayane Tovmasyan holds a PhD in Economics from the Armenian State University of Economics, Yerevan, Armenia. Gayane is currently an Associate Professor working as a scientific expert at the AMBERD Research Center of Armenian State University of Economics. She also is a lecturer at Armenian State University of Economics, Yerevan State University, Public Administration Academy of the Republic of Armenia, and Brusov State University. Her research interests are management, economics, education and tourism. Scopus ID: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=56690085600 Web of Science ResearcherID: https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/rid/AAH-5677-2021 Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=zIuHzrUAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4131-6322 Email: tovmasyangayane@yahoo.com Please cite as: Tovmasyan, G. (2026). Artificial intelligence in Armenian higher education: Lecturers' perspectives on opportunities and challenges. Issues in Educational Research, 36(1), 354-374. http://www.iier.org.au/iier36/tovmasyan.pdf