Promoting Student Sovereignty and Data Privacy in an AI-Free Higher Education Landscape: Challenges and Benefits

Under the rapidly evolving environment of higher and tertiary education, adopting AI technology has bred concerns regarding safeguarding student data and agency. However, schools can regain control of these basic aspects and increase students’ self-control over information and the learning process by adopting a climate that is not AI-driven. Drawing on in-depth research and stakeholder input, the authors explored the numerous benefits of this approach, prioritizing key considerations and practical solutions. The paper looks at the requirement for improvement of data governance and privacy guidelines within the AI-free setting, and assesses the development and use of robust data policies, security measures, and openness initiatives that enhance confidence and allow learners to make well-informed choices regarding their data Second, the article discusses the focus group contribution toward developing human-oriented interactions and capturing students’ perceptions. Through spontaneous discussions with the students, the authors learn about the perceived challenges and opportunities in an AI-free setting the necessity of digital literacy, and the proper use of technology. Finally, the paper discusses the potential of an AI-free alternative in response to the challenge of algorithmic discrimination and bias to make decision-making transparent, open, and premised on the individualized needs and aspirations of every industry and student. By consolidating the data and recommendations contained in this article, schools can transition to an AI-free setup with confidence, establishing a student-oriented culture based on confidentiality of data, self-discipline, and integrity.