Best practices / UTAS

How UTAS overcame AI resistance

Leveraging AI-powered tools to adapt learning to meet the diverse needs of each student

UTAS

Honorable mentionThe University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) aims to provide high-quality, technology-driven education to equip students with the skills needed for Oman’s labor market. Its objectives include fostering innovation, promoting research, and contributing to national progress through industry collaboration and lifelong learning initiatives. Education and training are central to achieving these goals by developing technical expertise, practical skills, and innovative solutions that align with Oman’s Vision 2040.

“I would recommend CYPHER for its ability to engage learners through interactive tools, and provide personalized learning paths for students. Its ease of use and support for remote learning make it a great choice for educational sectors looking to enhance learning outcomes.”

Faiza Al Jabri, Director of Information Technology

INDUSTRY

Higher education

COUNTRY

Oman

SIZE

Large

The challenge

  • Needed a user-friendly platform that would be easy for faculty to adopt
  • Existing LMS lacked interactive elements and flexibility
  • Decision-makers were resistant to AI-based solutions in education

Before implementing CYPHER, the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) faced significant barriers to digital transformation. The existing LMS was rigid and outdated, offering limited interactivity and no support for personalized learning. Faculty struggled with cumbersome course creation, lacking the ability to quickly update content with relevant materials from trusted sources.

Additionally, resistance to AI adoption from leadership and faculty created further challenges. Many educators feared that AI-driven automation would diminish instructional quality or reduce control over teaching methodologies. The absence of a clear framework for AI integration made it difficult to keep up with evolving educational demands and technological advancements.

“There was general reluctance to adopt AI-based solutions and interact with them. Some believed that these technologies could lead to a loss of control or negatively impact the quality of education, making it difficult to keep up with the fast-paced developments in technology.”

Faiza Al Jabri, Director of Information Technology

The solution

  • AI 360 features streamline course creation and delivery
  • Seamless integration with existing academic systems
  • Structured approach to AI adoption through training and intuitive tools

Since adopting CYPHER, UTAS has transformed its learning processes, making education more engaging, interactive, and efficient. AI 360 significantly reduced the time required for course creation and content updates, allowing faculty to focus on delivering high-quality instruction rather than manual administrative tasks.

One of the most impactful factors in overcoming AI resistance was the intuitive, user-friendly interface. Faculty members quickly adapted to the platform, realizing that AI was not replacing their expertise but enhancing their ability to personalize learning. Training sessions demonstrated how AI could support educators, leading to increased confidence and adoption.

Additionally, CYPHER integrated seamlessly with UTAS’s existing academic systems, reducing disruptions and allowing faculty to continue using familiar tools while benefiting from AI-powered enhancements. This incremental approach to AI adoption helped faculty gradually embrace automation without feeling overwhelmed.

“CYPHER has accelerated UTAS digital transformation, offering a seamless and interactive learning experience that boosts engagement, and empowers both students and instructors through its AI capabilities.”

Faiza Al Jabri, Director of Information Technology

The results

  • Enhanced user experience with easy-to-use interface
  • Flexible, personalized content delivery
  • Dynamic training meets the diverse needs of the academic community

With CYPHER, UTAS has elevated its approach to education, making learning more adaptive, engaging, and scalable. Faculty now have the tools to deliver interactive courses, track student progress efficiently, and standardize educational programs across departments.

By introducing competency-based learning and AI-driven customization, UTAS ensures that course content aligns with specific skills and industry needs, making education more relevant for students. Additionally, self-paced learning and remote accessibility have improved flexibility, allowing students to learn on their own schedules without compromising academic rigor.

The CYPHER AI-powered platform has transformed UTAS into a leader in digital education, proving that with the right tools and a strategic approach, AI adoption can enhance — not replace — human-led instruction.

“CYPHER Learning has transformed our approach to training and development by providing a personalized, user-friendly, and scalable platform that enhances learning outcomes, encourages collaboration, and supports continuous growth.”

Issa Al Maashari, Head of E-Learning Department

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false UTAS UTAS UTAS Enhanced learning experience with AI 360 “CYPHER Learning has transformed our approach to training and development by providing a personalized, user-friendly, and scalable platform that enhances learning outcomes, encourages collaboration, and supports continuous growth.” Issa Al Maashari, Head of E-Learning Department