Is Artificial Intelligence Making Us Smarter or Dumber? A Comprehensive Look at the Impact of AI on 21st Century Skills in Education

Abstract

The study investigates the impact of artificial intelligence on the 21st-century skills of teachers and learners in higher education during the rapid shift towards online and blended learning models accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper aims to guide the development of better frameworks and strategies to help teachers successfully navigate this new AI-hastened world of higher education. Using an online questionnaire, the study surveyed 30 higher education teachers from several universities in Algeria (Biskra, Tebessa, Chlef, Khenchela, Tiaret, Skikda, Batna, Relizane, Bechar, Mascara, and Constantine). The findings reveal a concerning trend: most teachers believe AI harms the development of essential 21st-century skills in their students, including collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. The study also found that many lack the required digital skills and feel uncomfortable implementing AI tools in their classrooms.