Keywords:
pedagogical transformation
ethical challenges
technology adoption
student attitudes
interdisciplinary research

  • Abstract

    Higher education plays a crucial role in the development of quality human resources, necessitating a guarantee of educational quality. Generative AI (GenAI) has emerged as a rapidly advancing technology with significant potential for transforming higher education, particularly in teaching and learning. This study aims to map the development of GenAI research in higher education and analyse the most impactful articles based on citation counts. A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted to identify and evaluate relevant literature from two prominent databases, Scopus and Web of Science, employing bibliometric analysis and co-occurrence network analysis to uncover emerging research trends. The findings reveal a sharp increase in GenAI publications in higher education over the past three years, with three main trends identified: pedagogical shifts and ethical challenges, psychological and demographic factors influencing student attitudes towards GenAI, and technology adoption models. High-citation studies highlight the importance of collaboration, with mixed-methods research and international collaboration contributing to influential findings. This research indicates a shift from technological exploration towards a more interdisciplinary approach, integrating ethical, psychological, and pedagogical perspectives.

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Taqwa, M. R. A., Rahim, H. F., Muzata, K. K., Khoshnevisan, F., Muhammad, S., Thulo, A., & Sinaga, P. (2026). Generative AI in higher education: Publication trends, emerging themes, and high-impact studies. Multidisciplinary Reviews, (| Accepted Articles). Retrieved from https://malque.pub/ojs/index.php/mr/article/view/17143
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