The impact of AI in higher education
Not long ago, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in universities was out of the question. But today, AI is quite common in higher education. From AI-driving research tools to smart learning platforms that adjust to the needs of each student, there is a huge shift in how universities work. In the world of education, AI offers new opportunities for learning, teaching, and even managing institutions. Personalized learning paths, AI student support 24/7, and smart systems that help professors identify students who may need help are just a few of the ways AI makes things better for faculty and students.
For universities, adopting AI has become imperative. And that’s because the future of higher education requires adaptation and innovation. As student expectations evolve and institutions compete globally, AI offers a way to meet those needs more efficiently. However, using AI is not about replacing human teachers or demystifying classrooms. When used responsibly, it can enhance the work of professors by taking over repetitive tasks so they can focus on teaching, mentoring, and inspiring. So, how can universities get the most out of AI? In this article, we’ll explore practical ways higher education institutions can take advantage of this and prepare for what’s to come.
7 Strategies for Universities to Leverage AI
1. Personalized and adaptive learning
Not every student learns the same way, and most know it. So, it’s only logical that they don’t teach things the same way. Some prefer visual learning materials, others textual materials, and many have to practice. Using an adaptive learning system, AI can help you adjust to each learning preference. With them, universities can tailor educational experiences to fit each student’s pace, strengths, and gaps. Basically, these platforms learn how students learn. So, if someone is struggling with a concept, the system can slow things down, give examples, or recommend additional practice. Similarly, if one specializes in a subject, the platform can offer more advanced content. For example, Arizona State University has seen great results with adaptive courseware in its core classes. (1) The results were students with better grades, especially those who needed some extra help.
2. AI-powered educational support
With tools like chatbots and virtual teaching assistants, students can get academic help whenever they need it, 24/7. These AI systems can handle general quizzes, explain complex concepts, and even quiz students to help students understand concepts and increase knowledge retention. This is especially beneficial for large classes, where professors may not have time to respond to hundreds of emails. However, an AI chatbot can quickly answer questions about deadlines, projects or exams. They can even walk students through a problem-solving process step-by-step, helping them build confidence without feeling embarrassed to ask questions. In addition, AI learns by itself. So, the more students use it, the smarter it becomes. A great example of this is Georgia Tech’s Virtual TA, Jill Watson, powered by IBM Watson. (2) Students in the online course had no idea they were interacting with an AI for weeks, proving how advanced the AI system is.
3. Automated admin process
University admin work can be tough. Between managing enrollment, answering student questions, managing course schedules, and dealing with financial documents, university staff have a lot to do. Thankfully, AI can help higher education handle all of these administrative processes. As we mentioned, many universities are now routinely using AI-powered chatbots to deal with student enquiries. But it doesn’t stop there. AI is also being used to automate application reviews, schedule appointments with advisors, and spot errors in registration forms. This reduces human error and saves valuable time. Of course, this doesn’t mean replacing real people with robots. In fact, it allows faculty and admin staff to focus on more meaningful tasks. For example, universities can use AI during peak admissions seasons to sort and rank thousands of applications based on their criteria. This results in happier students, satisfied employees, and an organized campus.
4. Better analysis of research and data
Research can be overwhelming, whether you are a student or a professor. The good news is that AI can also become a research partner. How does it work? AI systems with NLP can scan and summarize massive amounts of academic literature in seconds. This means that instead of spending hours trying to find relevant studies, researchers can spend more time reading the results. AI is also helping researchers make sense of complex data using predictive modeling and spotting patterns. For example, in climate science, AI can analyze multiple environmental data points to predict future events. In the social sciences, it can look for hidden trends in survey responses.
5. Smart content creation
Keeping up with creating new, engaging learning content each semester can be a challenge for educators. With the right tools, though, higher education institutions can now use AI as an assistant to professors, helping them design and even develop course content that fits students’ needs more effectively. AI tools can answer quiz questions, summarize long research articles, or even translate educational content. AI is also adept at organizing and recommending resources. These systems detect what students are struggling with and automatically suggest articles, videos, or exercises accordingly.
6. Plagiarism detection
AI has made it easier than ever for higher education students to get help with assignments. But at the same time there are concerns about academic integrity. With generative AI systems, universities are now thinking of making sure that students are doing their own work. Thankfully, AI has a solution. Many organizations now use AI-powered plagiarism detection tools like Turniton, which are designed to catch copy-paste and AI-generated content. These systems use advanced pattern recognition and linguistic analysis to spot suspicious submissions, helping educators identify potential problems. AI also supports universities in educating students on what plagiarism is and how to avoid it. Some tools provide real-time feedback to students as they write, helping them to revise or properly cite their work before submitting it. However, relying heavily on AI detectors can sometimes lead to false positives, so it is important for universities to clearly establish AI use policies to avoid false accusations.
7. Access
The most impactful way AI is changing higher education is to make learning more accessible to everyone, especially people with disabilities or language barriers. There are many AI-powered tools with text-to-text features such as built-in accessibility features that can automatically transcribe lectures in real-time. For students who are deaf or hard of hearing, this means they no longer struggle to keep up with spoken material. And then there’s real-time translation. Many universities have international students who speak English as a second or third language. AI tools can translate lectures, subtitles, or even notes. Let’s not forget the screen readers and AI-enhanced voice assistants that support visually impaired students. These tools can read digital textbooks aloud, explain on-screen images, and help students navigate courses easily. Even AI is starting to interpret sign language and convert it into text or speech in real time. ()) Although it is still new, the potential for making classrooms more inclusive is huge.
The result
When it comes to AI in higher education, the key is using it responsibly, with humans always involved. AI should be a helpful assistant, not a substitute for teachers. After all, the best AI systems empower both teachers and students, giving them new ways to connect, create and succeed. So, while the AI is powerful, it won’t matter by itself. You should approach it thoughtfully with a human-centered approach.
References:
(1) Student Success and Retention with Adaptive Courseware;
(2) Jill Watson: A virtual teaching assistant for online education
()) AI can voice to sign language, empowering the deaf
