{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,14]],"date-time":"2026-04-14T02:35:17Z","timestamp":1776134117670,"version":"3.50.1"},"reference-count":56,"publisher":"MDPI AG","issue":"10","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2025,10,18]],"date-time":"2025-10-18T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1760745600000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"funder":[{"DOI":"10.13039\/100020247","name":"University of Bisha","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","award":["13405"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["13405"]}],"id":[{"id":"10.13039\/100020247","id-type":"DOI","asserted-by":"crossref"}]}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["BDCC"],"abstract":"<jats:p>The integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools, such as ChatGPT, into higher education has introduced new opportunities and challenges for students and lecturers alike. This study investigates the psychological, ethical, and institutional factors that shape the adoption of GenAI tools in Saudi Arabian universities, drawing on an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) that incorporates constructs from Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and ethical decision-making. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 578 undergraduate students and 309 university lecturers across three major institutions in Southern Saudi Arabia. Quantitative analysis using Structural Equation Modelling (SmartPLS 4) revealed that perceived usefulness, intrinsic motivation, and ethical trust significantly predicted students\u2019 intention to use GenAI. Perceived ease of use influenced intention both directly and indirectly through usefulness, while institutional support positively shaped perceptions of GenAI\u2019s value. Academic integrity and trust-related concerns emerged as key mediators of motivation, highlighting the ethical tensions in AI-assisted learning. Lecturer data revealed a parallel set of concerns, including fear of overreliance, diminished student effort, and erosion of assessment credibility. Although many faculty members had adapted their assessments in response to GenAI, institutional guidance was often perceived as lacking. Overall, the study offers a validated, context-sensitive model for understanding GenAI adoption in education and emphasises the importance of ethical frameworks, motivation-building, and institutional readiness. These findings offer actionable insights for policy-makers, curriculum designers, and academic leaders seeking to responsibly integrate GenAI into teaching and learning environments.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.3390\/bdcc9100264","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2025,10,20]],"date-time":"2025-10-20T09:23:34Z","timestamp":1760952214000},"page":"264","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/mdpi_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":5,"title":["Adopting Generative AI in Higher Education: A Dual-Perspective Study of Students and Lecturers in Saudi Universities"],"prefix":"10.3390","volume":"9","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-3237-2864","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Doaa M.","family":"Bamasoud","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Information System & Cyber Security, College of Computing and Information Technology, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-0800-428X","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Rasheed","family":"Mohammad","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"College of Computing, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B4 7BD, UK"}]},{"given":"Sara","family":"Bilal","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"IBM, Auckland 1010, New Zealand"}]}],"member":"1968","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2025,10,18]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref_1","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"14","DOI":"10.1186\/s41239-025-00511-7","article-title":"Artificial intelligence and communication technologies in academia: Faculty perceptions and the adoption of generative AI","volume":"22","author":"Shata","year":"2025","journal-title":"Int. J. Educ. Technol. High. Educ."},{"key":"ref_2","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"ep536","DOI":"10.30935\/cedtech\/15496","article-title":"The role of generative AI in education: Perceptions of Saudi students","volume":"16","author":"Aldossary","year":"2024","journal-title":"Contemp. Educ. Technol."},{"key":"ref_3","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Alshamy, A., Al-Harthi, A.S.A., and Abdullah, S. (2025). Perceptions of Generative AI Tools in Higher Education: Insights from Students and Academics at Sultan Qaboos University. Educ. Sci., 15.","DOI":"10.3390\/educsci15040501"},{"key":"ref_4","first-page":"2599","article-title":"Drivers and Consequences of ChatGPT Use in Higher Education: Key Stakeholder Perspectives","volume":"13","author":"Hasanein","year":"2023","journal-title":"Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ."},{"key":"ref_5","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"28","DOI":"10.1186\/s40561-024-00316-7","article-title":"The effects of over-reliance on AI dialogue systems on students\u2019 cognitive abilities: A systematic review","volume":"11","author":"Zhai","year":"2024","journal-title":"Smart Learn. Environ."},{"key":"ref_6","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Mohamed, M.G., Goktas, P., Khalaf, S.A., Kucukkuya, A., Al-Faouri, I., Seleem, E.A.E.S., Ibraheem, A., Abdelhafez, A.M., Abdullah, S.O., and Zaki, H.N. (2025). Generative artificial intelligence acceptance, anxiety, and behavioral intention in the middle east: A TAM-based structural equation modelling approach. BMC Nurs., 24.","DOI":"10.1186\/s12912-025-03640-6"},{"key":"ref_7","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"100379","DOI":"10.1016\/j.caeai.2025.100379","article-title":"Extending the technology acceptance model: The role of subjective norms, ethics, and trust in AI tool adoption among students","volume":"8","author":"Mustofa","year":"2025","journal-title":"Comput. Educ. Artif. Intell."},{"key":"ref_8","first-page":"127","article-title":"Factors influencing international students\u2019 adoption of generative artificial intelligence: The mediating role of perceived values and attitudes","volume":"15","author":"Ittefaq","year":"2025","journal-title":"J. Int. Stud."},{"key":"ref_9","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"ep571","DOI":"10.30935\/cedtech\/16039","article-title":"Understanding higher education students\u2019 adoption of generative AI technologies: An empirical investigation using UTAUT2","volume":"17","author":"Sergeeva","year":"2025","journal-title":"Contemp. Educ. Technol."},{"key":"ref_10","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Alsharefeen, R., and Al Sayari, N. (2025). Examining academic integrity policy and practice in the era of AI: A case study of faculty perspectives. Front. Educ., 10.","DOI":"10.3389\/feduc.2025.1621743"},{"key":"ref_11","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"e13302","DOI":"10.1016\/j.heliyon.2023.e13302","article-title":"Enhancing students\u2019 english Language learning via M-learning: Integrating technology acceptance model and S-O-R model","volume":"9","author":"Xu","year":"2023","journal-title":"Heliyon"},{"key":"ref_12","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"203","DOI":"10.1016\/j.glt.2024.10.001","article-title":"Assessment of knowledge, attitude, anxiety level and perceived mental healthcare needs toward Mpox infection among nursing students: A multi-center cross-sectional study","volume":"6","author":"Mohamed","year":"2024","journal-title":"Glob. Transit."},{"key":"ref_13","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"103850","DOI":"10.1016\/j.compedu.2020.103850","article-title":"Explaining Chinese university students\u2019 continuance learning intention in the MOOC setting: A modified expectation confirmation model perspective","volume":"150","author":"Dai","year":"2020","journal-title":"Comput. Educ."},{"key":"ref_14","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"333","DOI":"10.1057\/s41599-024-02839-3","article-title":"Refreshment students\u2019 perceived usefulness and attitudes towards using technology: A moderated mediation model","volume":"11","author":"Toros","year":"2024","journal-title":"Humanit. Soc. Sci. Commun."},{"key":"ref_15","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Amoozadeh, M., Daniels, D., Nam, D., Kumar, A., Chen, S., Hilton, M., and Alipour, M.A. (2024, January 20\u201323). Trust in Generative AI among Students: An exploratory study. Proceedings of the 55th ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, Portland, OR, USA.","DOI":"10.1145\/3626252.3630842"},{"key":"ref_16","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"100368","DOI":"10.1016\/j.caeai.2025.100368","article-title":"The critical role of trust in adopting AI-powered educational technology for learning: An instrument for measuring student perceptions","volume":"8","author":"Nazaretsky","year":"2025","journal-title":"Comput. Educ. Artif. Intell."},{"key":"ref_17","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"\u0110eri\u0107, E., Frank, D., and Milkovi\u0107, M. (2025). Trust in Generative AI Tools: A Comparative Study of Higher Education Students, Teachers, and Researchers. Information, 16.","DOI":"10.3390\/info16070622"},{"key":"ref_18","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"587","DOI":"10.1007\/s10755-024-09747-z","article-title":"Empowering the Faculty of Education Students: Applying AI\u2019s Potential for Motivating and Enhancing Learning","volume":"50","author":"Mohamed","year":"2025","journal-title":"Innov. High. Educ."},{"key":"ref_19","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1644","DOI":"10.1057\/s41599-024-04168-x","article-title":"Exploring the impact of artificial intelligence application in personalized learning environments: Thematic analysis of undergraduates\u2019 perceptions in China","volume":"11","author":"Wang","year":"2024","journal-title":"Humanit. Soc. Sci. Commun."},{"key":"ref_20","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"2785","DOI":"10.1007\/s11423-025-10512-y","article-title":"Validating student AI competency self-efficacy (SAICS) scale and its framework","volume":"73","author":"Chiu","year":"2025","journal-title":"Educ. Tech. Res. Dev."},{"key":"ref_21","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1559","DOI":"10.1080\/14703297.2025.2496942","article-title":"The role of social influence in generative artificial intelligence ChatGPT adoption intentions among undergraduate and graduate students","volume":"62","author":"Korchak","year":"2025","journal-title":"Innov. Educ. Teach. Int."},{"key":"ref_22","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"38","DOI":"10.1186\/s41239-025-00535-z","article-title":"Rethinking the importance of social norms in generative AI adoption: Investigating the acceptance and use of generative AI among higher education students","volume":"22","author":"Cukurova","year":"2025","journal-title":"Int. J. Educ. Technol. High. Educ."},{"key":"ref_23","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"100221","DOI":"10.1016\/j.caeai.2024.100221","article-title":"The impact of generative AI on higher education learning and teaching: A study of educators\u2019 perspectives","volume":"6","author":"Lee","year":"2024","journal-title":"Comput. Educ. Artif. Intell."},{"key":"ref_24","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Elshall, A.S., and Badir, A. (2025). Balancing AI-assisted learning and traditional assessment: The FACT assessment in environmental data science education. Front. Educ., 10.","DOI":"10.3389\/feduc.2025.1596462"},{"key":"ref_25","first-page":"1","article-title":"Recontextualising the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) Framework to higher education online marking","volume":"21","author":"Soares","year":"2025","journal-title":"J. Univ. Teach. Learn. Pract."},{"key":"ref_26","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"34","DOI":"10.1186\/s41239-023-00403-8","article-title":"Extending Technology Acceptance Model to higher-education students\u2019 use of digital academic reading tools on computers","volume":"20","author":"Lin","year":"2023","journal-title":"Int. J. Educ. Technol. High. Educ."},{"key":"ref_27","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"100558","DOI":"10.1016\/j.iot.2022.100558","article-title":"Examining the internet of educational things adoption using an extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology","volume":"19","author":"Shaqrah","year":"2022","journal-title":"Internet Things"},{"key":"ref_28","first-page":"15","article-title":"Acceptance and Barriers of Open Educational Resources in the Context of Indian Higher Education","volume":"47","author":"Datt","year":"2021","journal-title":"Can. J. Learn. Technol."},{"key":"ref_29","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Sousa, A.E., and Cardoso, P. (2025). Use of Generative AI by Higher Education Students. Electronics, 14.","DOI":"10.3390\/electronics14071258"},{"key":"ref_30","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Li, K.C., Chong, G.H.L., Wong, B.T.M., and Wu, M.M.F. (2025). A TAM-Based Analysis of Hong Kong Undergraduate Students\u2019 Attitudes Toward Generative AI in Higher Education and Employment. Educ. Sci., 15.","DOI":"10.3390\/educsci15070798"},{"key":"ref_31","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"11276","DOI":"10.1007\/s12144-025-07928-3","article-title":"Perceptions, adoption intentions, and impacts of generative AI among Chinese university students","volume":"44","author":"Zhang","year":"2025","journal-title":"Curr. Psychol."},{"key":"ref_32","first-page":"215824402210852","article-title":"Extending the Technology Acceptance Model to Explore Students\u2019 Intention to Use an Online Education Platform at a University in China","volume":"12","author":"Zhou","year":"2022","journal-title":"AGE Open"},{"key":"ref_33","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"7057","DOI":"10.1007\/s10639-021-10557-5","article-title":"Examining university students\u2019 behavioural intention to use e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: An extended TAM model","volume":"26","author":"Mailizar","year":"2021","journal-title":"Educ. Inf. Technol."},{"key":"ref_34","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Al-kfairy, M. (2024). Factors Impacting the Adoption and Acceptance of ChatGPT in Educational Settings: A Narrative Review of Empirical Studies. Appl. Syst. Innov., 7.","DOI":"10.20944\/preprints202409.0826.v1"},{"key":"ref_35","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"15381","DOI":"10.1007\/s10639-023-11816-3","article-title":"Extending the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to Predict University Students\u2019 Intentions to Use Metaverse-Based Learning Platforms","volume":"28","author":"Li","year":"2023","journal-title":"Educ. Inf. Technol."},{"key":"ref_36","first-page":"211","article-title":"The Effect of Perceived Ease of Use on User\u2019s Intention to Use E-learning with Moodle Application in Higher Education Mediated by Perceived Usefulness","volume":"5","author":"Putra","year":"2021","journal-title":"Manag. Econ. J."},{"key":"ref_37","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Ryan, R.M., and Deci, E.L. (2024). Self-determination theory. Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well-Being Research, Springer International Publishing.","DOI":"10.1007\/978-3-031-17299-1_2630"},{"key":"ref_38","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"100346","DOI":"10.1016\/j.caeai.2024.100346","article-title":"Artificial intelligence in higher education: Modelling students\u2019 motivation for continuous use of ChatGPT based on a modified self-determination theory","volume":"8","author":"Annamalai","year":"2025","journal-title":"Comput. Educ. Artif. Intell."},{"key":"ref_39","first-page":"19","article-title":"The impact of ChatGPT on learning motivation: A study based on self-determination theory","volume":"1","author":"Zhou","year":"2023","journal-title":"Educ. Sci. Manag."},{"key":"ref_40","first-page":"25","article-title":"Understanding university students\u2019 adoption of ChatGPT: Insights from TAM, SDT, and beyond","volume":"23","author":"Zogheib","year":"2024","journal-title":"J. Inf. Technol. Educ. Res."},{"key":"ref_41","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Shrivastava, P. (2025). Understanding acceptance and resistance toward generative AI technologies: A multi-theoretical framework integrating functional, risk, and sociolegal factors. Front. Artif. Intell., 8.","DOI":"10.3389\/frai.2025.1565927"},{"key":"ref_42","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Jeilani, A., and Abubakar, S. (2025). Perceived institutional support and its effects on student perceptions of AI learning in higher education: The role of mediating perceived learning outcomes and moderating technology self-efficacy. Front. Educ., 10.","DOI":"10.3389\/feduc.2025.1548900"},{"key":"ref_43","first-page":"8909724","article-title":"Validation of an Integrated IS Success Model in the Study of E-Government","volume":"2022","author":"Uddin","year":"2022","journal-title":"Mob. Inf. Syst."},{"key":"ref_44","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"39","DOI":"10.1186\/s41239-019-0171-0","article-title":"Systematic review of research on artificial intelligence applications in higher education -Where are the educators?","volume":"16","author":"Bond","year":"2019","journal-title":"Int. J. Educ. Technol. High. Educ."},{"key":"ref_45","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"982","DOI":"10.1287\/mnsc.35.8.982","article-title":"User acceptance of computer technology: A comparison of two theoretical models","volume":"35","author":"Davis","year":"1989","journal-title":"Manag. Sci."},{"key":"ref_46","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"319","DOI":"10.2307\/249008","article-title":"Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology","volume":"13","author":"Davis","year":"1989","journal-title":"MIS Q."},{"key":"ref_47","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"425","DOI":"10.2307\/30036540","article-title":"User Acceptance of Information Technology: Toward a Unified View","volume":"27","author":"Venkatesh","year":"2003","journal-title":"MIS Q."},{"key":"ref_48","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"273","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1540-5915.2008.00192.x","article-title":"Technology acceptance model 3 and a research agenda on interventions","volume":"39","author":"Venkatesh","year":"2008","journal-title":"Decis. Sci."},{"key":"ref_49","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"68","DOI":"10.1037\/0003-066X.55.1.68","article-title":"Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being","volume":"55","author":"Ryan","year":"2000","journal-title":"Am. Psychol."},{"key":"ref_50","first-page":"740","article-title":"The effects of instructors\u2019 autonomy support and students\u2019 autonomous motivation on learning organic chemistry: A self-determination theory perspective","volume":"84","author":"Black","year":"2000","journal-title":"Sci. Educ."},{"key":"ref_51","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"767","DOI":"10.1037\/0022-3514.70.4.767","article-title":"Internalization of biopsychosocial values by medical students: A test of self-determination theory","volume":"70","author":"Williams","year":"1996","journal-title":"J. Personal. Soc. Psychol."},{"key":"ref_52","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"297","DOI":"10.1016\/S0963-8687(02)00020-3","article-title":"The impact of initial consumer trust on intentions to transact with a web site: A trust building model","volume":"11","author":"McKnight","year":"2002","journal-title":"J. Strateg. Inf. Syst."},{"key":"ref_53","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"51","DOI":"10.2307\/30036519","article-title":"Trust and TAM in online shopping: An integrated model","volume":"27","author":"Gefen","year":"2003","journal-title":"MIS Q."},{"key":"ref_54","first-page":"522","article-title":"Academic dishonesty: Honor codes and other contextual influences","volume":"64","author":"McCabe","year":"1993","journal-title":"J. High. Educ."},{"key":"ref_55","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"399","DOI":"10.1080\/02602930600679050","article-title":"Aligning assessment with long-term learning","volume":"31","author":"Boud","year":"2006","journal-title":"Assess. Eval. High. Educ."},{"key":"ref_56","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"545","DOI":"10.1080\/13562517.2016.1160217","article-title":"Support for assessment practice: Developing the Assessment Design Decisions Framework","volume":"21","author":"Bearman","year":"2016","journal-title":"Teach. High. Educ."}],"container-title":["Big Data and Cognitive Computing"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2504-2289\/9\/10\/264\/pdf","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2025,10,22]],"date-time":"2025-10-22T04:22:48Z","timestamp":1761106968000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2504-2289\/9\/10\/264"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025,10,18]]},"references-count":56,"journal-issue":{"issue":"10","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2025,10]]}},"alternative-id":["bdcc9100264"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/bdcc9100264","relation":{},"ISSN":["2504-2289"],"issn-type":[{"value":"2504-2289","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2025,10,18]]}}}