How GenAI Transforms Computer Engineering Education: The Case of the Middle East and North Africa

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Journal of Engineering Education Transformations

Publication Date

9-1-2025

Abstract

This research investigates the factors influencing the adoption of GenAI in computer engineering (CE) education within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The gap in the adoption of GenAI seems to be less pronounced between northern and southern countries compared to other digital technologies. Nevertheless, the academic community has not fully explored the institutional, cultural, and geopolitical factors affecting GenAI adoption. Utilising Harold Linstone's multiple perspectives theory (1981-2019), this study analyses the technical, organisational, and personal viewpoints of 50 CE educators working in higher education institutions in the MENA area. Through an abductive thematic analysis of the interviews and sentiment analysis, the research provides a comprehensive understanding of the GenAI-powered Educational Ecosystem for CE (AEECE) by detailing the essential processes, applications, outcomes, and interactions among the key stakeholders in this ecosystem, including educators, students, university administration, regulators, industry partners, and employers. From a technical standpoint, our findings indicate that GenAI is transforming CE in the region, particularly concerning coding and programming competencies for project management, content creation, and cybersecurity analytics. Other technical insights included innovative practical applications, comprehension of AI's opaque aspects, and limitations in resources. From an organisational viewpoint, we identified that aligning AI investments with the national vision is crucial, as is the need for curriculum reform and addressing resource disparities among various geopolitical contexts. On a personal level, it was noted that educators stepping back from their role as learning facilitators and an excessive reliance on GenAI can undermine critical thinking skills, highlighting the importance of ethical usage and implementation of GenAI applications.

ISSN

2349-2473

Publisher

Rajarambapu Institute of Technology

Volume

39

Issue

Special Issue 1

First Page

3

Last Page

19

Disciplines

Computer Sciences

Keywords

Computer Engineering, Educational Ecosystem, GenAI, MENA region, Multiple Perspectives Theory

Scopus ID

105016885394

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

yes

Open Access Type

Gold: This publication is openly available in an open access journal/series

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