Educational Transformation through Conversational Artificial Intelligence in Ecuadorian Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

The rise of conversational artificial intelligence is reshaping academic, administrative, and communicative processes in higher education. Chatbots and intelligent agents are emerging as key tools for providing personalized support to students and faculty, optimizing institutional management, and granting immediate access to academic information. Within the Ecuadorian context, their implementation creates significant opportunities to democratize knowledge, respond more efficiently to student needs, and strengthen educational innovation. Nevertheless, challenges related to faculty digital training, ethical integration, and data protection remain pressing concerns. Additionally, institutions must establish clear policies to regulate these technologies and ensure equitable access for all stakeholders. In this sense, conversational artificial intelligence should not be regarded solely as a technical resource but also as a pedagogical tool that, when strategically managed, can enhance teaching-learning models and foster more inclusive and collaborative environments. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding its impact on educational quality, analyzing both the potential benefits and limitations within Ecuadorian universities