How higher education can get the most out of AI, for students and staff

With a responsible and informed approach, AI can support education by enabling instructors to create more personalised, engaging learning experiences for students. While AI is just one piece of the larger edtech puzzle, its integration into higher education is critical for equipping students with the skills essential for succeeding in the digital era’s evolving job market.

Promoting the ethical and responsible use of AI

Every new technology carries risks and AI is no exception. However, as history demonstrates, technology has the power to transform education. Take the calculator, for example. A survey in the mid-1970s by Mathematics Teacher magazine revealed that 72 per cent of respondents opposed giving calculators to children in the seventh grade [around 12–13 years old], fearing it would weaken students' analytical skills. Yet, over time, calculators have not only remained a staple in classrooms but have also enhanced learning and problem-solving abilities. Similarly, AI has the potential to transform education in ways we can only begin to imagine.

In response to the rising popularity of AI tools like ChatGPT, many in the education community have focused on limiting student access to uphold academic integrity. While concerns about maintaining integrity are valid, this approach has led to the introduction of AI detection tools, which have repeatedly proven to be inaccurate and often unfairly discriminate non-native speakers or students with disabilities. A more ethical approach is to provide educators with the knowledge and resources needed to ensure that AI technologies benefit the education of all students.

Rather than depending on AI detection software, we need to shift the focus towards better and more authentic assessments – an approach that measures students' abilities through tasks that are difficult for AI to replicate. Unlike traditional assessments, which often emphasise binary right-or-wrong answers, authentic assessments are designed to foster and evaluate critical thinking skills in alignment with Bloom’s Taxonomy. For example, a business course on negotiation might assess students through a live interview rather than a traditional exam. This method not only evaluates their grasp of theoretical concepts but also their ability to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios.

Last year, the Russell Group introduced its principles on AI use in education, emphasising universities' dedication to fostering AI literacy among students and staff in a responsible and ethical manner. The University of Leeds now uses an AI Design Assistant in its virtual learning environment (VLE) to develop test questions, authentic assessment tasks and grading rubrics.

Developed by Anthology, in collaboration with Microsoft and the University of Leeds, tools like the AI Design Assistant keep the instructor firmly in control, while leveraging the advantages of AI technology.

Giving teachers more time to do what they do best

Today’s educators are under immense pressure and must constantly balance multiple responsibilities. AI technology can alleviate some of this burden, allowing teachers to focus more on lesson quality and student impact. AI tools can help provide inspiration and a starting point for instructional design. They can suggest possible course structures and recommend activities, such as discussions, journaling and assessments that are tailored to individual course content. Similarly, these tools can also help improve engagement with students. For example, AI-powered rubric suggestions can help instructors offer students more consistent and meaningful feedback, while allowing the instructor to select which suggestions to incorporate and which to disregard.

At the University of Leeds, 95 per cent of instructors reported that the AI Design Assistant helped save them time and 92 per cent said that it gave them inspiration to approach things differently. These findings highlight how an AI-powered VLE can boost efficiencies and possibilities for an established university.

Providing greater access to education

Breaking down barriers and enhancing access to education are crucial for empowering students and motivating them to continue their studies. This need for support is increasingly pressing as many students quietly quit from education due to inadequate support. Integrating AI technology is essential in addressing this challenge.

Learners may want to engage with content in different ways depending on their circumstances – whether it’s listening to a document on the go or giving them more control over their personal learning path. Building inclusive learning environments is vital for students to fully engage with their education.

At the University of Glasgow, 50 per cent of students have chosen to download course content in an alternative format, as introduced by its use Anthology Ally, highlighting the importance of flexibility in digital learning. AI technology can offer data-driven insights that help educators understand and address accessibility barriers, ensuring that content is accessible to all students and fostering a more supportive learning environment.

Accessing a personalised VLE through a mobile app marks a significant leap forward in educational accessibility. With learning no longer limited to a classroom or even a laptop, students can learn at their own pace, fitting their studies around personal commitments, such as part-time work or extracurricular activities.

Preparing students for an AI economy

In the future job landscape, the ability to use AI tools effectively will become increasingly important for job candidates. AI literacy – grasping AI’s technicalities and using it responsibly – will be a defining skill of our new digital era. To prepare for these changes, higher education institutions should establish controlled environments where students and educators can learn to use AI responsibly and provide them with first-hand experience.

One way to enhance AI literacy among students is by integrating AI conversation tools into the VLE. These tools allow students to engage in meaningful dialogues with AI personas tailored to specific topics. Instructors can set the subject and create the profile of a relevant expert to lead the discussion. For instance, for a lesson on gravity, an instructor might generate an Isaac Newton persona to ask students why apples fall, providing a more immersive and interactive learning experience. Educators might even use the tool to create famous book characters, encouraging students to delve deeper into the storyline. Through AI conversations, students are encouraged to further their critical thinking skills and understanding of various topics, while exploring the strengths and weaknesses of AI in a pedagogically sound way. Building AI literacy courses for educators is also an important step in helping teachers grasp fundamental AI concepts and cultivating responsible practices for integrating AI into education.

While concerns about AI-induced job displacement are on the rise, it’s important to recognise that new career paths will emerge that blend human judgment with machine efficiency. Promoting an interdisciplinary approach to AI education is key. This involves not only teaching algorithms and programming but also engaging students in practical projects that solve tangible, real-world problems. This educational approach will prepare students for a future where AI is a fundamental part of daily life and empower them to make their mark.

Looking forwards

While AI in education has its challenges, higher education institutions must prepare to use it responsibly and ethically to offer more accessible and personalised learning experiences for all students and prepare them appropriately for the next generation workforce.