Embrace AI as a Performance Tool to Benefit Higher Ed

Changing Higher Ed

In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Bruce Dahlgren, CEO of Anthology and trustee at Stetson University, explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education. They discuss the parallels between human and AI development, address ethical concerns, and provide actionable recommendations for college and university leaders looking to integrate AI effectively.

Podcast Overview

Understanding AI's Learning Process and Addressing Concerns

§ AI systems, like humans, accumulate knowledge and experiences to grow smarter over time.

§ Natural language models like GPT now draw upon neural networks with over 1.7 trillion parameters, enabling sophisticated outputs.

§ Occasional "hallucinations" in AI outputs are a result of drawing upon mismatched patterns and will decrease with more data exposure.

§ Proper data, training, and policy frameworks can mitigate risks of AI misuse in higher education.

Piloting AI as a Faculty Productivity Tool

§ AI-powered "design assistants" streamline course preparation, saving faculty significant time.

§ 94% of faculty in a pilot study reported substantial time savings using AI assistants.

§ Faculty remain in control, reviewing and approving AI outputs before use.

§ Time saved allows faculty to dedicate more energy to working directly with students.

Developing a Proactive AI Policy Framework

§ University leaders should craft clear AI policy frameworks defining supported tools, guardrails, and benefits to students.

§ Gathering input from faculty senates, administrators, and trustees helps develop policies with broad support.

§ The goal is to help faculty build practical, adoptable policies and frameworks.

Empowering Staff and Administrators with AI

§ AI can predict enrollment likelihood, target personalized communications, and boost yield.

§ Demographic analysis helps universities understand the demand for new programs or facilities.

§ AI chatbots provide 24/7 student assistance while machine learning optimizes campus operations.

Three Key Recommendations for Higher Ed Leaders

1. Immerse yourself in new AI technologies and consider applications across all university functions.
2. Use shared governance to surface concerns, build consensus, and codify responsible AI usage policies.
3. Leverage technology to drive student success and support their growth and development.

By embracing AI as a performance tool thoughtfully and transparently, with the student experience at the center, colleges and universities can significantly improve institutional performance and student outcomes. The synergies between human and computer intelligence pave the way for incredible advancements in the years ahead.

Read the transcript on our website → https://changinghighered.com/ai-as-a-performance-tool-to-benefit-higher-ed/

About the Guest

Bruce Dahlgren is a seasoned technology executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience. As Chief Executive Officer at Anthology, Bruce leads our diverse team of higher education and technology experts to empower our clients with innovative solutions and services. He strongly believes in the importance of a company’s purpose and how organizations can serve the greater good.

About the Host

Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the CEO of The Change Leader consulting firm and consultant to higher education institutions specializing in accreditation, governance, strategic planning, and mergers. To learn more about his services and other thought leadership pieces, visit his firm’s website: https://changinghighered.com/.

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