Smart Tools, Smarter Concerns: Navigating Privacy Perceptions in Academic Settings

This study examines the utilization of IoT-enabled and AI-enabled smart tools enabled in academic settings and evaluates the privacy concerns of students, faculty, and staff towards these technologies. Through a comprehensive survey with 22 college students, faculties, and staff memebers, the research identifies significant usage patterns and preferences, revealing that learning management systems are most commonly used, followed by online assessment platforms and personalized learning apps. The study highlights a general comfort with privacy measures, though notable differences exist between faculty and students, with faculty expressing greater concerns, especially with the integration of AI technologies. By comparing attitudes in scenarios with and without AI integration, the findings suggest that while all users value robust privacy protections, specific concerns vary significantly between different academic roles. The study's insights into privacy perceptions and technological acceptance contribute to the discourse on digital ethics and are essential for developing policies that balance technological benefits with privacy protections.