Communication and Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Between Knowledge Transmission and Skills Development

Abstract

With the emergence of generative AI, higher education is evolving, and beyond the traditional method of lecture-based teaching, universities are now emphasizing how students communicate and express their ideas. At the same time, there is a persistent gap between theoretical learning and the expectations of the workplace. In this perspective, AI offers new opportunities to renew pedagogical practices, mainly through the creation of interactive learning environments that respond to students' needs and make learning more engaging. However, its integration raises crucial challenges in educational practice, such as academic honesty, verifying information accuracy, and critical thinking skills. This paper examines how AI improves communication skills while studying its pedagogical, cognitive, and ethical limitations. In addition, it examines the potential risks and challenges of using generative AI across different fields, as students may sometimes rely on it too much or struggle to think independently, which highlights the need to balance technological innovation with critical thinking. As a result, the discussion provides a balanced perspective on the role of AI in the digital transformation of higher education. Overall, it suggests that the ethical as well as careful integration of AI cannot replace the teacher, but can be a tool that supports the learning process in a meaningful way.