READY OR NOT? EXPLORING AI ADOPTION AMONG LECTURERS IN MALAYSIAN POLYTECHNICS AND COMMUNITY COLLEGES

Abstract

This study used a quantitative survey to explore the awareness, perception, and readinessof 134 lecturers at Malaysian Polytechnics and Community Colleges (POLYCC) to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) toolsin teaching and learning. Lecturers from different disciplinary backgrounds(STEM, ICT and Others) were surveyed to see if their field of study influenced their engagement with AI. The research found that while there were no overall significant differences, a notable trend emerged from post-hoc analysis. ICT lecturersdemonstrated a marginally higher level of AI awarenessand AI adoption readinesscompared to their peers in non-technical disciplines. This suggests a potential digital divide, where a lecturer's familiarity with technology correlates with their confidence and preparedness to integrate AI. However, a unifying finding was that lecturers across all disciplines shared similar perceptionsof the benefits and challenges of AI in education, indicating a common understanding of its role. The results highlight the need for targeted professional developmentinitiatives to bridge the readiness gap and build the skills and confidence of educators in non-technical fields. This is crucial for ensuring a balanced and inclusive integration of educational technologyas part of a broader educational policyto modernize higher education in Malaysia. This study offers timely insights for policymakers and educational leaders aiming to support responsible and effective AI adoption in higher education, ensuring that teaching staff are well-equipped to navigate the evolving digital landscape.