Higher education is at a crossroads. Institutions are not only competing with each other for students but against changing perceptions about the value of higher education. They are also concerned about preparing today’s graduates for a workplace that requires very different skills than in the past.
Generative AI lies at the intersection of these challenges. It is rapidly transforming the knowledge economy while also providing colleges and universities with new tools to optimize their operations and enhance instruction. Institutions that embrace gen AI will find themselves better positioned to compete in this changing marketplace.
That’s not to suggest that gen AI isn’t disruptive. Educators have very real concerns about the impact of gen AI on academic integrity. Introducing new technology into instruction is a complex process that some faculty members may resist. AI adoption can be even more complex in administration, where entrenched culture and operational processes are difficult to change.
The key to success lies in understanding the different ways that faculty, staff, administrators and students might use gen AI to streamline processes and support creativity and higher-level thinking.
Gen AI Use Cases in Higher Education
Administration
Colleges and universities can increase efficiency by using gen AI for a range of document processing tasks. Gen AI can facilitate procurement, generate budgets and financial reports, and ensure policy compliance. AI tools can also streamline HR tasks such as screening applicants, inventorying skills and onboarding new hires. Administrators can use gen AI to compare the performance of specific departments or programs to other institutions and adjust policies to optimize student success.
Academics
Gen AI can help faculty create a more personalized experience for students with tailored learning plans and course materials that continuously adapt to student engagement and performance. AI tools that integrate with learning management platforms help maximize accessibility and create a more consistent and cohesive learning environment. By automating a range of tasks such as creating graphics and learning aids, developing exercises and quizzes, and drafting tailored feedback, gen AI can free faculty to devote more time to interacting with students. Advanced analytics can also provide the insight needed to enhance student outcomes.
Research
AI-powered tools can analyze trends along with available funding and grants to identify new research opportunities. They can then review literature, fill out application forms and draft grant proposals. Gen AI can rapidly search and summarize content to increase efficiency. Researchers can also use AI to automatically collect and analyze data so they can focus on interpreting the results.
Gen AI Challenges in Higher Education
Faculty and staff resistance can be a significant roadblock to AI adoption. AI tools may also come at a high cost and create concerns about the privacy and security of student data. Outdated IT infrastructure may be unable to adequately support advanced AI tools.
Beyond the technical obstacles, gen AI comes with concerns about academic integrity, as students can use it to produce work without learning the material. AI algorithms can perpetuate societal biases, which can affect hiring processes as well as educational outcomes. Overreliance on technology can reduce the human interactions that are essential to effective teaching and learning.
How Cerium Can Help
Cerium Networks can help colleges and universities address these challenges and successfully implement gen AI across their organizations. Our team has the skills and experience to plan and execute AI deployments while ensuring security, privacy and regulatory compliance. We have also helped customers in a wide range of industries assess potential legal and ethical challenges and develop sound policies governing the selection and use of AI tools.
Higher education is at a crossroads, but gen AI can help take colleges and universities into the future. Cerium is your partner in developing a sound AI strategy that will benefit faculty, staff and students.
