Artificial intelligence (AI) aims to develop systems that achieve a level of intelligence similar to or surpassing human intelligence. AI applications are designed to mimic human cognitive behaviors, with the goal of embedding human knowledge into computers through what is known as knowledge bases. Computers can then use software tools to search these bases, perform comparisons, and conduct analyses to derive and infer the best solutions to various problems. This process resembles how humans solve new problems in their daily lives by relying on past experiences, predicting potential outcomes, and using reasoning skills to evaluate the best available solutions. This study investigates the current use of AI applications in education by faculty members in scientific and humanities colleges at the University of Baghdad, as well as the challenges they face. It also aims to identify differences in the use of AI and the associated challenges based on variables such as academic degree (Master’s, PhD), gender (male, female), academic specialization (scientific, humanities), and years of service (1–10 years, 11 years or more). The research sample included 279 faculty members from the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences for Women and the College of Education for Women at the University of Baghdad for the academic year 2020 2021. The study utilized a scale developed by Sabah Eid Al-Subhi (2020) to measure the reality of faculty members' use of AI applications. The scale consisted of 23 items divided into two axes: the reality of AI use in education (11 items) and the challenges faced by faculty members (12 items). Responses ranged from "very high degree" to "very low degree." The scale's validity was confirmed by a panel of experts, and its reliability, calculated using Cronbach's alpha, was 0.88. The results revealed that the use of AI applications by faculty members in scientific and humanities colleges at the University of Baghdad was very low, while the challenges they faced were very high. Based on these findings, the researchers recommended providing intensive lectures to raise awareness among faculty and students about the importance of using AI in education to save time, effort, and costs. They also suggested organizing discussion sessions and workshops on AI and its applications.
