Reimagining Higher Education: The Societal Impact of AI, AR, and Virtual Simulations on Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

Abstract

While societies pursue a swift digital transformation, the higher education system finds itself increasingly challenged to nurture and foster the capacity to think critically, reflectively, and to solve problems—an ensemble of capacities that one might consider essential for working one's way through these complex global issues. This study explored how emerging technologies—specifically Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Simulations—were perceived and experienced by students and educators in fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills within higher education. Anchored in the interpretivist paradigm, the research employed a qualitative methodology, using semi-structured interviews and content analysis to gather in-depth insights into the participants’ lived experiences. The study also explored how such technologies contribute to broader societal goals, including digital inclusion, equitable learning experiences, and preparation for participatory citizenship in a knowledge-based economy. Data were collected from faculty members and students across multiple academic disciplines in selected higher education institutions. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts and content analysis revealed nuanced understandings of how immersive technologies contributed to cognitive engagement, collaborative inquiry, and reflective problem-solving. Grounded in constructivist and experiential learning theories, the study highlighted the contextual and relational dynamics that influence technology adoption and its pedagogical impact. The findings provided rich, descriptive accounts that can inform educational practice, professional development, and policy-making related to innovative, technology-enhanced learning environments in higher education. These insights offer implications not only for educational innovation but also for public policy, institutional planning, and the ethical integration of emerging technologies in shaping more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready societies.