Nicolaas Matthijs addresses the misconceptions around AI in higher education and establishes seven realities of how AI will improve efficiencies and unlock potential in the classroom
In 2023, generative artificial intelligence burst on the scene, seizing headlines and setting off a maelstrom of superheated takes on how it will either revolutionise or wreak havoc across industries. Education, in particular, was in focus, with AI and its applications finding their way into conversations at institutions globally and being hailed as transformational or disregarded as the end of higher education as we know it.
With so much noise, as an instructor, it may be difficult to discern what implications AI will have for your work. So, let’s separate the hype from the reality and examine what AI means for higher education instructors.
AI in the Context of Education
AI is not new. While it has made significant strides in various industries, its impact on education has been modest. Traditional AI techniques rely on large amounts of structured data, a rarity in education.
Generative AI, however, is designed for unstructured and natural language data and holds immense educational potential due to its compatibility with the sector’s unique data landscape.
Now, let’s examine how AI will impact classroom instruction and its potential to transform the processes supporting your work as an educator.
Reality 1: Humans should always be in control
While AI can enhance productivity, retaining human involvement for validation context and reducing risks like AI hallucinations (when AI models generate false or illogical information but present it as fact) is imperative. Instructors and instructional designers play an irreplaceable role in the education ecosystem. Institutions should exercise control over AI integration, ensuring they remain in command of the learning process.
Reality 2: Educators will never be replaced
As the higher education sector embraces the potential of AI, it is crucial to acknowledge the pivotal role of educators in this transformative journey. AI is not replacing educators; they are being empowered to enhance the learning experience.
The true potential lies in the synergy between human and artificial intelligence. Educators should view AI as a powerful tool to augment their capabilities, not as a substitute for their expertise. For instance, AI can assist in automating administrative tasks, allowing educators to focus more on personalised instruction and mentorship. It can also serve as a creative spark, encouraging instructors to reimagine their content or find efficiencies in administrative tasks.
Reality 3: AI can foster innovation through creative ideation
Generative AI offers a unique opportunity for educators to stimulate creativity and innovation. By incorporating AI-powered tools in tasks requiring brainstorming and idea generation, educators can inspire students to think critically and imaginatively and be inspired to create higher-quality course experiences.
This enhances the learning experience and prepares students for a future where creativity is a prized skill. Studies have shown significant performance improvements by leveraging generative AI in tasks requiring creativity and idea generation, benefiting all proficiency levels.
Reality 4: We’ll navigate ethical considerations together
As AI becomes an integral part of education, it is imperative to address ethical considerations. Educators must actively engage in conversations about data privacy, transparency, and the responsible use of AI. By participating in these discussions, educators can help shape the ethical framework that governs AI integration in higher education and provide space for their students to understand these considerations.
Reality 5: AI will help improve assessment practices
Much has been written about how AI is turbocharging plagiarism and cheating and that the solutions designed to detect AI plagiarism are only up to the task of raising ethical and accuracy questions. The reality is that we should be rethinking how we assess this new landscape. AI can also unlock more authentic forms of assessment like case studies and peerwork that minimise the efficacy of AI plagiarism and better assess learners for critical thinking skills that will be vital in their future workplace.
Reality 6: Empowering learners with digital literacy will be critical
In an AI-driven world, digital literacy is a fundamental skill for students. Educators play a pivotal role in equipping students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills to navigate AI technologies responsibly. By incorporating AI-related topics into the curriculum, educators prepare students for a future where AI proficiency is a valuable asset.
Given that students will be expected to leverage generative AI in the workforce, higher education intuitions are ideal for honing the requisite skills. Guided by instructors, students can be exposed to generative AI technologies, given an opportunity to experience them responsibly, and critically reflect on their strengths and weaknesses.
Reality 7: You’re pioneering the future of education
Finally, as higher education embraces the transformative power of AI, educators stand at the forefront of this revolution. By embracing AI as a collaborative tool, leveraging its capabilities for creative idea generation, and utilising contextual insights, educators can enhance and accelerate the learning experience for their students.
Educators play a crucial role in shaping the ethical considerations and digital literacy skills necessary for a future where AI is seamlessly integrated into education. Together, educators and AI will pioneer a new era of learning. The higher education community, including technology vendors, must consider carefully where and how to apply generative AI to solve real problems with high impact while minimising the risk as much as possible.
This piece was written and provided by Nicolaas Matthijs, Vice President of Product Management at Anthology.
