The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Education Landscape: A Systematic Literature Review

Artificial intelligence (AI), including generative models like ChatGPT, is rapidly transforming the global educational landscape. To synthesize the current state of this integration, this systematic literature review explores the pedagogical, ethical, and institutional impacts of AI across various educational sectors, including higher education, medical training, and language learning. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of major academic databases yielded 130 peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2024. Data were extracted and thematically synthesized through the lenses of sociotechnical systems, constructionist learning, and AI literacy. Findings indicate a duality in AI’s impact: while AI facilitates highly adaptive, personalized learning and improves administrative efficiency, it simultaneously introduces severe ethical concerns regarding academic integrity, algorithmic bias, and over-reliance on AI-generated content. Furthermore, the review reveals a discrepancy in the literature, where survey-based studies report optimism, but assessment-focused research warns of degraded independent problem-solving skills. For AI to be effectively harnessed, educational institutions must move beyond mere technology adoption. Stakeholders must prioritize holistic assessment redesign, proactive data governance, and comprehensive teacher professional development focused on AI literacy. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies and equity-centered frameworks to ensure AI serves as a pedagogical scaffold rather than a replacement for critical thought.