AI-Enabled Personalized Learning, Learner Engagement, and Workforce Readiness in Higher Education: A Qualitative Study of IT Students

Natural application of AI in higher education has supported the spread of AI-powered personalized learning, especially in technology-focused subjects. The perceptions of AI-assisted personalized learning among IT students are explored in this study. It was a qualitative study with a phenomenological research design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 IT students selected through purposive sampling of the public sector universities in Southern Punjab. The data was analyzed by thematic analysis, which provided four major themes: AI Learning Awareness, Learner Engagement, Workforce Readiness and Implementation Realities. The results show that IT students have a clear vision of the AI-based personalized learning, and they view the latter as a learner-focused and adaptable solution. Customised feedback and flexible learning trajectories were found to improve interaction and get ready to study activities. In addition, the findings indicate that personalized learning based on AI has a positive association with workforce preparedness because it promotes their level of technical proficiency, problem-solving skills, and flexibility with new technologies. Moreover, the participants noted other issues like insufficient infrastructure, poor access to AI applications, unreliable internet connections, and faculty training. The participants also described the transformative role of AI-based personalized learning regardless of these barriers in promoting professional growth. The under-resourced universities should ensure that they focus on building the necessary infrastructure, training the faculty, and providing equal access to AI-based learning technologies to achieve their full potential.