Journal article
EGenAI-DBR: a design-based framework for responsible generative AI integration in higher education
Education Innovations: Systems and Future Learning, Vol.1(1), pp.341-373
2026
Abstract
Purpose
This study introduces the EGenAI-DBR framework to help educators integrate GenAI responsibly in higher education. It addresses the tension between AI's pedagogical potential and academic integrity by providing educators with a practical, ethics-centred roadmap through the Conceptual–Strategic Integration Matrix (CSIM).
Design/methodology/approach
This study employs a Design-Based Research (DBR) methodology structured across five layers: conceptual, structural, operational, analytical and ethical. A two-phase mixed-methods design was used – a baseline survey (N = 128) via Prolific and a classroom pilot (n = 25) at a Middle Eastern institution using Google Suite and Moodle.
Findings
Students entered with high GenAI familiarity (M = 4.32/5). An intention–behaviour gap was identified: 62.5% recognised uncited AI use as misconduct, yet only 58.6% consistently cited it. Clear institutional guidelines were positively associated with student confidence (M = 4.37) and stronger intentions for continued responsible GenAI use (r = 0.34, p < 0.001).
Originality/value
EGenAI-DBR represents the first empirically tested synthesis of DBR, academic integrity and GenAI integration, operationalised through the CSIM. Unlike prohibition or detection-based approaches, it embeds ethical reasoning directly into course design, offering an institutionally accessible model applicable across diverse higher education contexts.
Details
- Title
- EGenAI-DBR: a design-based framework for responsible generative AI integration in higher education
- Authors
- Shahrzad Saremi - University of the Sunshine CoastMansooreh Mirzaei - University of the Sunshine CoastAhmad RastiMaryam Nooraei Abadeh - Islamic Azad University, TehranMarzieh Varposhti - Shahrekord UniversityRania Shibl (Corresponding Author) - Southern Cross UniversityHassan Ahmed - National University of Computer and Emerging SciencesShaden Al Dkheel - Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman UniversityKatie Wang - Torrens University AustraliaDeclan Humphreys - University of the Sunshine Coast
- Publication details
- Education Innovations: Systems and Future Learning, Vol.1(1), pp.341-373
- Publisher
- Emerald Publishing Limited
- Date published
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.1108/EISFL-04-2026-0057
- ISSN
- 2978-3151
- Copyright note
- © Shahrzad Saremi, Mansooreh Mirzaei, Ahmad Rasti, Maryam Nooraei Abadeh, Marzieh Varposhti, Rania Shibl, Hassan Ahmed, Shaden Al Dkheel, Katie Wang and Declan Humphreys. Published by Emerald Publishing Limited. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this licence may be seen at Link to the terms of the CC BY 4.0 licence.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Business and Creative Industries; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991247198902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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