Artificial Intelligence And Higher Education

The discussion of AI and its place in Higher Ed is on the table nationwide. Higher education institutions are joining other companies and organizations in several ways to embrace artificial intelligence for educators and students alike. 

First things first, what is AI? Thanks to media influences, consumers have varying ideas of what AI is and what it does. AI creates intelligent machines and systems that perform tasks or solve problems that would otherwise require human intelligence, like playing games or understanding natural language.

So, how will AI benefit Higher Education? 

Streamlining Administrative Processes 

Colleges and universities use artificial intelligence tools to power student record systems, transportation, information technology (IT), maintenance, scheduling, budgeting, and more.

These tools are also used to interpret data on recruitment, admission, and retention efforts to predict if students are in danger of failing or dropping a course. As a result, faculty and staff are alerted of potential problems to support and address a student’s problems before they occur.

Furthermore, many schools are implementing artificial intelligence chatbots to address student questions about financial aid, advising, and career opportunities. This around-the-clock service provides additional answers and support to students in need outside of regular classroom or business hours.

Personalized Teaching and Learning

Teaching and learning artificial intelligence tools like virtual tours and virtual teaching assistants are used to further personalize a student’s education experience.

These virtual learning experiences offered by colleges and universities are readily available and allow students with different needs to receive information at their own personalized pace.

On the teaching side, professors and educators are beginning to use artificial intelligence tools to create all kinds of content while also detecting plagiarism, 

Research & Data 

Higher education institutions use artificial intelligence in research by using tools to sort through large sets and amounts of data to identify patterns, build models, recommend relevant articles, and prepare manuscripts for publication. In doing so, faculty and staff are better equipped to make informed and effective decisions. 

How is Artificial Intelligence Creating a More Positive College Experience?

Artificial intelligence opens the door for more inclusion, access, and support for students, professors, and leadership in Higher Ed institutions. 

There are varying opinions about AI and its place in higher education. Rightfully so, as there are valid concerns. Concerns such as overall ethics, copyright issues, intellectual property, and biases within the training data are continuously being addressed. 

Artificial intelligence isn’t going away. Like any other technology, tool, or resource, Higher Ed can implement AI in a way that best fits their institutions and its needs by utilizing it as a resource to improve student experiences and the overall efficiency of the school’s operations. 

Integrating or implementing AI into higher education institutions is not a futuristic vision but a present certainty. Many colleges and universities are preparing students, faculty, and staff for some type of AI-infused future.

The Best Feature

Artificial intelligence can help students choose the right college, learn more efficiently, graduate on time, and enter the job market feeling confident and prepared. Who doesn’t want that?! 

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Written By: Meredith Biesinger, Professional Writer/ Education Specialist 

Meredith Biesinger is a licensed dyslexia therapist in Mississippi, in addition to being an experienced classroom teacher and K-12 administrator. Meredith also works as a consultant, where she bridges the bridge the gap between K-12 school districts and ed-tech organizations. With a passion for literacy, she is also a professional writer and syndicated author. With a M.Ed in Educational Leadership and a B.S. in English Education and Creative Writing, she has had rich and diverse opportunities to teach students and education professionals in different parts of the country as well as overseas. 

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