Colleges and universities should find uses for artificial intelligence-based technology and foster fluency in AI technology, higher education experts recommend in the report. Éducause Horizon 2024 report.
This was the first year that Educause’s annual report included an honorary category related to AI trends, which includes insights into how technology is shaping the future of critical thinking and its impact on the workforce. of work. Outside of AI, experts involved in the report reported that cybersecurity concerns are growing and the digital divide persists among students, particularly those in rural, low-income and marginalized communities.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic unwinds, talk of a return to ‘normal’ in higher education belies the ongoing major challenges and disruptions that still await many institutions,” the report said. “Data and analytics capabilities continue to evolve, introducing new opportunities and risks to the institution. Chief among these capabilities, generative AI promises to change teaching and learning in ways that many of us have not yet fully understood or prepared for.
Although many colleges and universities have seen a increase in cyberattacks In recent years, these security concerns have been exacerbated as student demand for anytime, anywhere learning increases, according to the report. To address these risks, the report’s experts predict that campuses will implement more cybersecurity and privacy awareness training for students, faculty and staff, which could be frustrating and impact the productivity.
Although the pandemic has increased global connectivity, many students still lack reliable internet access and internet-enabled devices, which can be critical to their success in the classroom, the report said. As a result, the report suggests that universities and colleges loan devices to students and partner with local governments or other organizations to expand internet access.
“Moving forward, institutions must not only find ways to provide access to devices and networks, but, more importantly, train and support their faculty and instructional designers so that they are able to help students students navigate digital learning,” the report said. “Colleges and universities must invest in and develop digital literacy curricula, emphasizing the critical thinking skills students will need to use technology effectively and responsibly. »
The report finds that AI has both a positive and negative impact on the economy and the workforce. In anticipation of these challenges, the report recommends that faculty teach digital skills and help them evaluate career paths based on AI-related workforce changes.
With the emergence of platforms like ChatGPT, there are significant concerns about the use of generative AI in the classroom on campuses, the report said. But as these tools become more sophisticated, these technologies have more and more ways to influence the landscape of teaching, learning, and student experience.
“As these technologies continue to evolve and their adoption increases, higher education institutions will need to regularly update their recommendations and guidelines regarding the use of these technologies, paying particular attention to proposed government policies that could be implemented in the near future,” the report said. said. “Institutions can also help their faculty and students become more attentive and responsible users by providing digital literacy training and resources by finding ways to leverage AI to improve educational experiences and student outcomes.” »
