Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Exploring Learning Practices, Cognitive Offloading, and Policy Directions for Responsible AI Governance

Sifa Septiano Nugroho; Sugeng Bayu Wahyono

doi:10.51276/edu.v7i3.1852

Authors

Sifa Septiano Nugroho Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta
Sugeng Bayu Wahyono Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51276/edu.v7i3.1852

Keywords:

AI Governance , Artificial Intelligence , Cognitive Offloading , Higher Education , Self-regulated Learning

Abstract

This study uses a qualitative case study to understand how artificial intelligence (AI) is used in learning at the State Polytechnic of Cybersecurity and Cryptography (Poltek SSN), why students use it, and what impacts arise from its use. Data were collected during the 2025/2026 academic year through observations, interviews, and document analysis. The study involved nine informants: five students, three lecturers, and one educational staff member. The data were analyzed thematically and examined through triangulation, member checking, peer debriefing, and an audit trail. The findings identified three main patterns of AI use: as a learning aid, as a substitute for students’ thinking processes, and as learning material. Students mainly used AI to understand learning materials, complete assignments, search for information, overcome limited study time and learning resources, and obtain quick responses. AI provided greater flexibility and efficiency in learning; however, excessive use may reduce students’ cognitive engagement, motivation, and understanding and raise concerns about academic integrity. Therefore, the study recommends strengthening AI literacy, developing clear guidelines for AI use, and integrating AI into learning and assessment while maintaining students’ responsibility for their thinking processes and learning outcomes.

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Author Biographies

Sifa Septiano Nugroho, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta

He was born in Bojonegoro, East Java, he is an Instructional Technology Developer at the National Cyber and Cryptography Agency (BSSN), Republic of Indonesia. He is pursuing a master’s degree in Instructional Technology at Yogyakarta State University (UNY). His expertise focuses on educational technology development. He served as the first author, contributing substantially to the research and manuscript.

Sugeng Bayu Wahyono, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta

He is an academic and lecturer in the Master’s Program in Learning Technology at Yogyakarta State University (UNY). He is a professor in Educational Technology, with expertise in the sociology of education. As the second author, he served as the academic advisor to the first author, providing scholarly guidance, research supervision, critical review, and substantial input throughout the development and finalization of the manuscript.

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