In the rapidly evolving higher education landscape, institutions and their leaders face multifaceted challenges, including modernizing solutions and changing business practices to achieve equitable outcomes. Adapting to these challenges requires innovative solutions, and one powerful tool that can help leaders address these challenges is artificial intelligence (AI).
AI is a collection of technologies designed to enable systems to mimic human cognitive functions, while machine learning (ML), a subset of AI, allows systems to learn and improve through experience. Although not new, recent developments, including programs like ChatGPT, have put AI and machine learning in the spotlight. There is tremendous potential, but responsible execution is key, what will set institutions apart and pave the way for meaningful change.
Significant early efforts in AI and ML have unfolded in universities. It has been used to achieve scientific breakthroughs and accelerate breakthroughs. learning-that much The novelty was recognized by the public and aroused a strong reaction..
The use of AI in higher education administration is still an emerging area of institutional strategy and practice. In fact, according to a recent survey Survey conducted by Ellucian Hear from more than 1,000 higher education administrators on how they use AI; 48% of respondents said they had not yet used AI at all in their personal or professional lives. Most people who use AI report using it to: Simple data search rather than the advanced analytics and predictive capabilities that AI can provide. Regardless Your institution's responsiveness and ability to responsibly embrace this rapidly evolving emerging technology will set you apart from others..
Technologists are rushing to find the next large-scale use case, and campus leaders are asking leaders how AI can help them achieve their goals. Harnessing the potential of AI requires effort from all parts of an institution. Leaders, including the CIO's office staff, provosts, student success leaders, and CFOs, must be equipped with the knowledge to engage in conversations on this topic.
Get started with AI
In response to a question about AI posted on Ellucian’s EllumiNation page, Esteban Burbano, Registrar of Process Analytics at Universidad San Francisco de Quito, said, “Artificial intelligence can help improve services and decision-making within our region. . It may also help to conduct institutional research to create panels with indicators to improve decision-making. Likewise, it can help automate repetitive processes.”
One way to leverage AI in higher education is to think of it as an enablement-focused service platform that can always prepare, assist, and support staff by performing tasks that are time- or labor-intensive or require dynamic analysis. If humans do it alone, it will take valuable resources and time. Looking at the following five categories of AI usage can help you get started building your AI service platform.
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Each of these categories can represent a digital assistant. ghostwriter For draft copies Personal assistant To schedule items and meetings for you; research assistant To get data quickly data analyst understand vast amounts of data trend forecaster To monitor students in need and predict enrollment trends.
Characteristics of new AI use cases in higher education
Some of the new practices of AI-based acceleration involve some of the most cumbersome tasks that can be automated without completely eliminating human oversight. Some common characteristics include:
- Manual and labor-intensive tasks: This is generally error prone.
- Tasks that require a high level of analysis: Supports tasks that require significant manpower to synthesize. This is typically the case for systems with a large amount of data to sift through.
- Tasks requiring complex pattern recognition: AI can be set up to find correlations in data that would otherwise be missed.
- Tasks with constraints that AI can unlock: This is work that is currently hampered by operational constraints.
- Jobs with the best data sources for AI training: AI and ML use data as brain food. The more quality data you have, the more you can do with AI and ML.
part of the fieldSuch as higher education consultant, believes that artificial intelligence can help optimize various aspects of operations at all levels. report world economic forum It is estimated that 20-30% of faculty time performing routine administrative tasks could be reallocated to student learning-based activities. Additionally, this task delegation potentially reduces operating costs, helps the student body thrive, and improves the overall academic success of students.
meme Results report based on Elusian’s AI survey, Managers say the three areas with the highest potential for artificial intelligence integration are institutional research and analytics, admissions and advising, writes Ellucian's Karla Beltran.
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Through institutional research and analytics, AI can dynamically analyze campus data on classroom utilization, faculty availability, and more, then use it to create optimal class schedules that minimize conflict and evenly distribute the instructional load. For admissions, AI chatbots can engage with students in real time to answer their questions and streamline the application and financial aid process while generating valuable reports for leaders on enrollment trends. Properly implemented, AI can help advisors recommend courses for students and identify resources they may need to succeed in their academic journey.
How to Start a Conversation with Leadership
The AI-enabled technology that's right for you has the potential to take you and your team's work to the next level. U.S. President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Executive Order on Safe and Trustworthy Artificial IntelligencePublished on October 30, 2023, it specifically mentions President Biden's directive to “shape the potential of AI to transform education by creating resources to support educators deploying AI-enabled educational tools.” . Additionally, the impact of AI on the education sector is not only a learning tool for educators and students, but also an operational tool for employees and managers. Without nuance and open communication with your team, it can be a nerve-wracking experience for your employees. The nature of work is expected to change in many fields, not just higher education, and in some cases jobs are expected to be replaced by AI and AI-based tools. Implementation of these new technologies must be coupled with thoughtful strategies for reskilling and upskilling the campus workforce to ensure that human oversight is incorporated into the deployment and management of these tools.
Despite the interest in AI, higher education has only begun to scratch the surface of its potential. Read the full report Detailing Ellucian's AI research results.