Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom: Tools for Personalizing the Educational Experience in Higher Education

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming higher education, establishing itself as a catalyst for change that enables the personalization of the educational experience. In contrast to traditional, one-size-fits-all models, AI tailors learning to the individual needs, paces, and styles of students through tools such as intelligent tutoring systems and adaptive platforms. This article aims to analyze the impact of AI on the personalization of learning in higher education by identifying the most widely used tools and their benefits, limitations, and implementation challenges. The research adopts a hermeneutic-documentary approach, based on the systematic review and critical interpretation of 30 academic articles selected from an initial corpus of 584 articles published between 2019 and 2024. A wide range of AI tools (e.g., adaptive systems, chatbots, automated assessment) were identified that enhance personalization, provide immediate feedback, and improve accessibility and teaching efficiency. However, significant challenges were also revealed, including algorithmic bias, the digital divide, ethical concerns regarding data privacy, the potential reduction of human interaction, and the need for faculty training. AI holds transformative potential to make higher education more inclusive, adaptive, and efficient. Nevertheless, its success depends on an ethical and critical implementation that complements—rather than replaces—the guidance of the educator, ensures equitable access, and is supported by robust regulatory frameworks that address the identified risks.