The Urgent Need for AI Policy Integration in Higher Education
Understanding the Growing Integration of AI
The urgency for higher education institutions to integrate and create policies for using AI technology in the classroom is rapidly increasing. Colleges must also adequately account for AI’s impact on their current and future workforce.
People-Centric Approach to AI Adoption
I believe that placing people, not technology, at the center of these decisions is how educators should embrace AI. By doing so, they can discover new ways to incorporate its capabilities and leverage its power to promote equitable student success.
Defining Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is a machine-based system capable of making predictions, recommendations, or decisions based on human-defined objectives. The origins of AI date back to 1950, when Alan Turing published “Computer Machinery and Intelligence,” proposing a test of machine intelligence known as The Imitation Game. The term ‘artificial intelligence’ was coined by John McCarthy in 1955. Since then, AI research has grown significantly, influencing our everyday lives.
AI in Modern Learning Environments
AI is now reshaping how students learn, and its widespread use has introduced some complexities in education. In late 2023, Educause conducted a survey to gauge sentiments within higher education regarding strategic planning, policies, workforce readiness, and the future of AI. According to the 2024 Educause AI Landscape Study, “AI is making the most significant impact on policies for teaching and learning, technology, and cybersecurity and data privacy,” with 95%, 79%, and 72% of respondents noting these areas as “already impacted” or “soon to be impacted.”
Navigating AI Challenges in Education
Navigating these complexities will not be easy, but it is essential. As highlighted in the 2023 Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning report from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Educational Technology, “educational policy and decision-makers at all levels should prioritize the academic needs of students over the excitement surrounding emerging AI capabilities.”
Leading Institutions in AI Integration
As institutions seek to build the infrastructure for AI implementation, Elon University in North Carolina has become a leader in this area. President Connie Ledoux Book, scholar-in-residence Lee Rainie, and professor Divina Frau-Meigs of Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris have gained support from over 140 higher education leaders across more than 40 countries for their development of six principles designed to guide institutions in their AI strategies. Notably, the first principle emphasizes that “people, not technology, must be at the center of our work.”
Community College of Aurora’s AI Vision
At the Community College of Aurora (CCA), we have adopted a similar approach. Our efforts to enhance the student experience have motivated faculty and staff to explore innovative AI applications. Bobby Pace, vice president of academic success, shared insights about the formation of an AI task force that develops guidelines for promoting equity and inclusion in the classroom. “By framing AI as a tool akin to a calculator or Google, we can present AI as a vehicle for enhanced learning rather than a forbidden technology,” he concluded.
AI in Enrollment Management
In addition to academic enhancement, Clair Collins, vice president of enrollment management and pathway success, noted that AI has been integrated into student enrollment processes to improve retention and completion rates. “CCA has utilized AI and machine learning in academic advising to dissect student momentum indicators by program, enabling early intervention and making data more digestible for staff and faculty,” she explained. This proactive approach marks a significant shift in higher education, moving from reactive, cohort-based strategies to real-time data engagement.
Encouraging Student Engagement Through AI
This deep level of AI integration and intentionality has led to CCA experiencing a 4% increase in fall enrollments and an 11% increase in spring enrollments. Faculty who are incorporating AI into their teaching have reported heightened engagement among students, resulting in improved course success rates. Additionally, the introduction of the college’s first multi-language AI chatbot, Professor Fox, has significantly enhanced website visitor retention and navigation metrics.
Conclusion: The Future of Education with AI
As the higher education landscape evolves with increased AI integration, it is essential that the student experience evolves in tandem. This strategic adaptation will not only aid in the attraction of new students but also foster the retention of current ones, ultimately promoting equitable student success.
FAQs
1. Why is integrating AI into higher education a priority?
Integrating AI is crucial for enhancing teaching methods, improving administrative processes, and fostering student success in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven educational landscape.
2. What are some challenges institutions face when adopting AI?
Challenges include ensuring equitable access to technology, updating policies and procedures, and managing the cultural shifts necessary for effective AI integration in academic environments.
3. How can institutions prioritize student needs during AI integration?
Institutions can prioritize student needs by adopting a people-centric approach, focusing on educational outcomes instead of merely implementing new technologies for their own sake.
4. What role do institutional leaders play in AI policy formation?
Institutional leaders are critical in guiding the development of AI policies, ensuring alignment with educational strategies, and fostering a culture of innovation that prioritizes student success.
5. How does AI improve student engagement and success?
AI enhances student engagement by personalizing learning experiences, providing timely interventions, and fostering a more interactive and responsive educational environment.
