How AI Is Transforming the Online Learning Landscape

Higher education has consistently evolved alongside technological advancements, continuously reshaping teaching, learning, and institutional operations. This chapter provides a foundational look at how artificial intelligence (AI) is integrated into online education today, positioning it as the latest phase in a continuum of educational transformation. By tracing key technological shifts from early writing systems to the digital revolution, this chapter illustrates how AI-driven tools like adaptive learning, predictive analytics, and intelligent tutoring seamlessly build upon past innovations. The chapter also explores challenges such as faculty adoption, academic integrity, and implementation strategies. By focusing on real-world applications, this chapter builds an understanding of AI’s role in online education within the broader historical trajectory of technological adaptation.