A Critical Review of Educational Information Systems in Higher Education

Abstract

Educational Information Systems (EIS) play a significant role in supporting digital transformation within higher education institutions by facilitating teaching, learning, academic administration, communication, and data-driven decision-making processes. Despite the growing implementation of EIS, previous studies remain fragmented and frequently examine specific systems independently without providing a comprehensive understanding of broader EIS developments and challenges. Therefore, this study aims to critically synthesize existing research on EIS through a qualitative systematic literature review (SLR). A total of 43 peer-reviewed articles published between 2018 and 2025 were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify major research patterns and emerging issues. The findings reveal five major themes, namely user adoption, learning analytics, system integration, security and ethical concerns, and digital transformation challenges. Several barriers were also identified, including technical complexity, resistance to change, inadequate training, and concerns regarding data privacy and security. This study contributes an integrated thematic framework and practical recommendations for improving EIS implementation and management in higher education.