The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Learning Analytics (LA) represents an emerging frontier in the field of educational data analysis, thanks to advanced and innovative tools that are able to optimise learning processes and improve the effectiveness of educational paths.

This contribution aims to explore some data analysis tools based on AI systems and to verify what possible impact these tools may have in the different phases of the Research Project of National Interest (PRIN) entitled "Learning Analytics. Across data processing ethics, instructional design and academic policy" (funded by the European Union - Next Generation EU, Mission 4 Component 1, CUP H53D23009590001). The aim is to combine the technical potential of AI for data analysis with a rigorous ethical approach, ensuring the protection of the rights and empowerment of key stakeholders.

The PRIN project aims to develop operational guidelines that optimally regulate AI techniques in university contexts. These guidelines aim to ensure a balance between the effective use of data to improve educational pathways and compliance with ethical and regulatory principles, as set out in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

A further challenge arising from the use of these AI tools is to analyse educational data by not limiting the mechanical collection and processing of information, but by orienting the processing and interpretation processes towards a fair and transparent approach that can effectively address the challenges related to privacy protection, data security and algorithmic bias mitigation.

The research therefore focuses on identifying opportunities and possible critical issues arising from the use of AI technologies, such as machine learning, text mining and predictive analytics, in the collection, pre-processing, modelling and reporting phases of the Prin Project data.

Keywords: Learning Analytics, AI for Education, Data Analysis, AI and data ethics, PRIN.