A brief review of the impact of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) on engineering education

Engineering education is evolving continuously since its inception. The rise of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) has marked a transformative era in engineering education. This review presents the multifaceted impact of GAI on teaching approaches, learning experiences, and skill development within engineering education. GAI technologies, such as machine learning algorithms and natural language processing, have revolutionised curriculum design by enabling personalised learning pathways, adaptive assessment methods, and enhanced problem-solving capabilities. These technologies facilitate interactive and immersive learning environments through virtual labs and simulations, assisting students with hands-on experience. Moreover, GAI aids in bridging the gap between theory and practice, fostering innovation and creativity among engineering students. Challenges such as ethical considerations, the need for technical literacy among educators, and the integration of GAI tools into existing educational frameworks are also discussed. This review underscores the potential of GAI to recast engineering education by training students in such a way that they can work effectively in an increasingly AI-driven world. This study also presents future research needs on GAI in engineering education to make this technology an effective mode of engineering education.