Three inclusive AI strategies for higher education

Considerations for adopting AI for education

As educational institutions navigate an increasingly digital world, artificial intelligence (AI) has easily become the fastest growing topic of conversation. While everyone seems to be talking about it, the adoption of AI has been slow. In fact, in a survey by Inside Higher Ed, only one in five presidents said their college or university has published a policy governing the use of AI, including in teaching and research.¹

Adopting this technology doesn’t just mean following the latest trends, it's a powerful tool for transformation. The advantage of AI lies in its vast ability to identify patterns or inconsistencies, analyze large amounts of data, and make connections at virtually any scale. Considering how higher education tends to embrace any widespread change at a snail’s pace, they are long overdue for a shift that puts innovation and inclusion at the forefront. With careful implementation and oversight, AI in education can dramatically improve the way these institutions teach, learn, and manage campus life.

Bringing AI-powered technologies to colleges and universities also comes with the need to ensure that it doesn’t perpetuate existing gaps in access and education. Just the perceived complexity of AI can make it seem inaccessible to those who aren't tech-savvy. This could create a class that can 'speak AI' and utilize it without difficulty, while others are left behind. Bridging this gap requires both access to technology and an environment where AI is as common and user-friendly as the campus Wi-Fi.

An inclusive approach to using AI in education

There’s no denying that new technologies come with complexities and a steep learning curve—AI is no exception. Resistance to AI adoption over concerns for privacy, cybersecurity, and trust is valid, and any technology of this magnitude must be met with caution. But, there’s a catch.

Avoiding an inevitable shift in the way we learn and work will leave students and staff unprepared for the ways AI has already integrated into the daily lives of working professionals. The higher education community can embrace this change while also ensuring proper safeguards and education on AI ethics are upheld. This will empower the community to become digitally-savvy, equipped with the tools and skills necessary to navigate technology advancements in the future.

Here are 3 strategies any institution can employ to ensure all are equipped with the right tools needed to prosper in the age of AI.

1. Establish standards on AI ethics and privacy

   Institutions should first focus on developing clear policies and frameworks that guide the ethical development and deployment of AI, ensuring they are flexible enough for continuous review and adaptation as AI technologies evolve. This includes addressing concerns such as data protection, algorithmic bias, and transparency. Universities can leverage the 2024 EDUCAUSE Action Plan for AI Policies and Guidelines to adopt comprehensive strategies and ensure AI is used ethically and responsibly.²

2. Reinforce cross-disciplinary collaboration

   Establishing cross-disciplinary AI programs can foster collaboration between different departments, offering new opportunities for innovation and problem solving. The University of Pittsburgh is spearheading these efforts in AI for education. The Pitt Artificial Intelligence Scholar-Teacher Alliance (PASTA) aims to create an open, inclusive, structured environment for research and teaching conversations within AI.³ PASTA (yes, you’ll find food puns on their site) exemplifies how collaborative efforts bring diverse perspectives together to explore AI's uses and implications for overall campus and community impact.

3. Encourage AI literacy

   The third, and arguably most important strategy, is promoting AI literacy across the board. A multidisciplinary approach to AI education ensures that students from all fields gain an essential understanding of AI's capabilities and ethical considerations. A great example of this is taking place at Oregon State University. Their stance on AI underscores the importance of developing a skillset for productive and ethical interaction with AI tools, not just for personal or academic reasons, but to prepare for a rapidly changing workforce. According to their framework, AI literacy includes the ability to understand, use, monitor, and critically reflect on AI applications without necessarily being able to develop AI models themselves.⁴ To foster this, institutions might consider integrating AI topics and assignments into various courses, hosting foundational workshops or AI-focused town halls, and establishing accessible online resources such as an AI resource hub.

Lead the way with AI for education

Embracing an inclusive approach is just the beginning in elevating the voices of higher education in the global AI conversation. Through a shared commitment to these principles, educators and administrators can plan for the future of educational systems and empower communities and students. By making this technology an accessible tool for all, higher education institutions pave the way for AI to reflect the rich diversity of thought, experience, and culture that lies at the heart of academic institutions.

CAI is spearheading AI uses cases and concepts within higher education. By partnering with institutions, we explore how AI can transform learning and professional experiences for students and staff. We’ve also collaborated with the National Association of Counties on their AI Exploratory Committee to develop an AI toolkit for local governments that can easily be leveraged by any public entity.

If you’re ready to have a conversation about how AI can help your institution, connect with our experts to learn more.