Exploring Gen X Lecturers' Challenges and Recommendations for Integrating AI in Teaching: A Preliminary Qualitative Study from Malaysian Higher Education Perspective

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) presents opportunities and difficulties today. This situation presents a significant challenge in higher education, especially for Gen X lecturers, often digital immigrants. This qualitative study explores the challenges Gen X lecturers face in Malaysian higher education when integrating AI into their teaching practices and proposes recommendations to enhance AI acceptance. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview approach from five senior lecturers at a public university, all from Generation X cohort. Thematic analysis revealed four main challenges: limited knowledge and exposure to AI, institutional and resource constraints, interpersonal issues, and ethical concerns. Participants emphasized their reliance on self-learning, limited institutional support, and rejection of AI usage because it is considered complicated. Ethical concerns, particularly plagiarism and academic integrity, are increasingly complicating the integration of AI into their teaching and learning activities. To address these issues, the study suggests enhancing institutional support by establishing AI center and financial assistance, fostering collaborative teaching among lecturers, providing practical AI training, and ensuring equitable access to the necessary AI tools. The findings align with national initiatives like MY AI NEXUS 2024, which aim to bridge the educational technological gap. This study underscores the importance of targeted interventions to support Gen X lecturers in embracing AI, ultimately contributing to a more effective and inclusive AI-driven education system.

AI Tools, Challenges, Recommendations, Generation X

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