Since the introduction of ChatGPT in November of 2022, AI (Artificial Intelligence) use for non-technical users has taken off and this use is growing at an exponential pace. Terms like SGE (Search Generative Experience) and prompt engineering have now entered our lexicon.
AI tech and tools are being incorporated into just about every facet of life. Gallup recently reported that AI is used by almost everyone, even if they don’t realize it. However, when asked, about a third of people did acknowledge using it within the last 7 days. No doubt that number is growing by the day.
Young adults and students, typically known for their early adoption of new tech have also taken to AI use. This use presents situations both good and bad. While AI can help in many ways, it can also pose some ethical issues such as cheating.
AI looks to be here for good and it’s use continues to become more pervasive so how will that change the college experience? How will higher learning evolve?
What Will Remain the Same in Higher Education Despite AI
While AI will certainly impact the college experience, some of the fundamental aspects of university life and learning will most likely remain intact. For example, human connection and mentorship that is a mainstay of the college experience will not change. For all it’s benefits, AI is not human and cannot replace face-to-face interactions and experiences between student and professors and amongst the study body itself. Humans crave interpersonal connections, and college is known for being a place where many lifelong relationships begin.
Educational standards such as an emphasis on critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving don’t look to change as well. Universities pride themselves on their academic research and innovative thinking. Administrative leaders, in the wake of AI’s intrusion into the learning environment will also most likely take a strong stance to preserve academic integrity and ethical behavior amongst its professors and students.
One last thing sure to remain the same are the communities and collaborative groups college campuses have been known to foster for their student body. Additionally, other social experiences such as Greek life, clubs, sports and networking events will continue to connect students to each other and their interests.
Changes AI will Bring to College Campuses
It would be naive to believe that AI would not have a significant impact on the future of education. At the very least, AI can assume many administrative tasks that can now be automated, reducing the need for paperwork and bureaucratic inefficiencies and surely AI will impact education in general, such as:
Learning and Teaching Methods
AI can not only reduce administrative tasks but it can add to the educational experience as well, making it more individualized and personalized; something relatively unachievable at any scale until now. When professors incorporate AI they will be able to adapt their curicullum and feedback to meet unique needs and learning paths. AI will be able to identify specific strengths and weaknesses and adjust accordingly for each student. Schools can employ virtual tutors or AI teaching assistants to help professors deliver these individualized learning and immersive experiences.
Assessment and Evaluation
Given it will become easy to use AI tools for some types of assignments such as take-home essays, it’s likely these assignments will be modified to ensure work turned in is truly from the student. Handwritten composition books may make a resurgence in English classes. Group projects that require creativity and new ideas may also become more prevalent.
AI tools could be employed to offer student’s real-time feedback and assessments of learned skills and concepts. Depending on class size, this level of personalization has been all but impossible for professors in the past but can now be achieved through AI.
Access to Education
Covid expanded access to online education, out of necessity, but AI will further grow and normalize remote learning even more. Through AI, colleges can hyper-personalize and create adaptive curricula designed to cater to individual needs. AI also possesses the capacity to break down geographical barriers for international students by analyzing a student’s learning style and pace and develop customized course materials and assessments in a way that will maximize one’s ability to not only understand the material but to retain it as well.
Breaking Down Language Barriers
Language barriers have long been a challenge for international students, but AI-powered translation tools are changing the game. Real-time translation technologies, such as AI-driven subtitles and voice recognition, enable students to participate in lectures, discussions, and assignments in their native language. This will foster inclusivity and allow students from diverse linguistic backgrounds to equally access educational resources without limitations. Additionally, AI can assist in translating academic materials, making global research and knowledge more accessible to everyone.
Career Preparation
AI is transforming college career services by providing students with personalized guidance and opportunities. AI-driven platforms can analyze a student's skills, interests, and career goals to recommend tailored career paths, internships, and job opportunities. These systems can also simulate job interviews, provide feedback on resumes, and identify skill gaps, helping students better prepare for the job market. Job placement rates can increase as AI will be able to connect students with employers through intelligent matchmaking, ensuring a more efficient and targeted job placement process.
The integration of AI into higher education is not just a possibility—it’s an inevitability. While some aspects of the college experience, like human connection, mentorship, and the emphasis on critical thinking, will remain steadfast, AI is poised to revolutionize how education is delivered, accessed, and experienced. From personalized learning paths and real-time feedback to breaking down language barriers and enhancing career preparation, AI offers immense potential to make education more inclusive, efficient, and impactful.
However, with these advancements come challenges, such as maintaining academic integrity and addressing ethical concerns. Universities will need to strike a balance between embracing AI’s capabilities and preserving the core values of education. As AI continues to evolve, it will not only reshape the college experience but also prepare students for a future where AI is an integral part of their personal and professional lives.
The question is no longer if AI will change higher education, but rather how we can harness its power to create a more equitable, innovative, and enriching learning environment for all. The future of education is here, and it’s powered by AI.