ABSTRACT

Opening with an introductory backdrop on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, the Internet of Things (IoT) and Generative AI (GenAI), this chapter offers readers foundational knowledge of these groundbreaking technologies and their specific applications within educational settings. The spotlight is cast on ChatGPT by OpenAI, highlighting its potential as a revolutionary tool in higher education. A detailed breakdown of AI, from its inception in the 1950s to its current categorisations – Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI), Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), and Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) – is provided. The chapter then delves into the significance of Big Data, IoT and GenAI and their intrinsic characteristics, with a focused example on their implications for higher education. The chapter connects technological advancements with their practical implications in education, urging readers to consider the potential and pitfalls of integrating AI in the classroom.