Artificial intelligence

Abstract: This article examines the transformative impact of digital technologies on higher education as of 2026. It explores how the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Extended Reality (XR), and blockchain-verified credentials has shifted universities from experimental tool adoption to the creation of sustainable, data-driven learning ecosystems. The research identifies core trends, such as personalized adaptive learning and algorithmic career pathways, while addressing persistent challenges like digital inequity and the demand for ethical AI governance. This article examines the multidimensional nature of digital transformation within the Ukrainian higher education system as of 2026. It explores how digitalization, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent military aggression, has become the primary mechanism for maintaining educational continuity. The study identifies key positive impacts, such as increased accessibility, personalization, and administrative efficiency, alongside critical negative factors including psychological burnout, technical barriers, and a decline in direct interpersonal communication. By synthesizing data from the "Concept of Digital Transformation of Education and Science up to 2026," the research provides a balanced view of the current state and prospects for university-level education in Ukraine.

Keywords: digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), extended reality (XR), personalized learning, higher education 2026, Edtech governance, blockchain credentials, digitalization, higher education in Ukraine, distance learning, digital competence, educational continuity, wartime education, academic integrity, blended learning

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