What question did this study set out to answer?

This research explores how Artificial Intelligence can aid in managing crises in distance education, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 2, 2026Open Access

Crisis management in distance education in the age of artificial intelligence: opportunities, challenges and ethical dimensions

Key Points

This research explores how Artificial Intelligence can aid in managing crises in distance education, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conducted a targeted literature review
Applied Situational Crisis Communication Theory, Technology–Organization–Environment framework, and Responsible AI Roadmap as analytical frameworks
Performed thematic analysis on existing evidence regarding AI's role and its ethical implications
Identified ethical prerequisites for responsible AI use, including equity and transparency
Highlight the importance of psychosocial safety in educational settings
Proposed a holistic approach integrating pedagogical principles and organizational capacity for crisis management

Abstract

This paper examines the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in crisis management within distance education, focusing on the technological, organizational, and social challenges that became particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a targeted literature review grounded in the theoretical frameworks of Situational Crisis Communication Theory (SCCT), the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework, and the Responsible AI Roadmap, the study analyzes the potential of AI to enhance crisis prevention, response and recovery in the educational process. A comprehensive thematic analysis is applied using SCCT, TOE and the Responsible AI Roadmap as the primary analytical lenses, alongside evidence concerning the role of AI and its ethical and social implications. The findings highlight the ethical and social prerequisites necessary for the responsible use of AI, emphasizing the need to ensure equity, transparency, and psychosocial safety. Ultimately, the study proposes a holistic approach to crisis management in distance education through the thoughtful integration of AI, grounded in pedagogical principles, organizational capacity, and ethical accountability.

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Cite This Study

Kyrou et al. (Tue,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69f593f271405d493affebff https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2026.1791475

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