Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education

Before you finish typing a key word in the search bar, it may appear as if your thoughts have been predicted. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are used to optimize search queries and search results. Every day, Google handles billions of search queries and its RankBrain AI algorithm analyzes which queries yield the best results. This allows the underlying AI to learn. By learning from these search queries, the RankBrain AI can predict future search queries with greater accuracy. AI and machine learning are being used in more industries and sectors, including higher education.

The use of predictive data and AI is providing students an enhanced collegiate experience and helping universities hit KPIs. Universities seek to maintain high marks in the key performance indicators of student retention and graduation rates. Using predictive data and AI, universities can recognize early indicators that a student is “at risk.”

Identifying students who are “at-risk” for retention and intervention. Early “at risk” indicators might be when a student receives a bad grade or does not register for a class which his or her major requires. Identifying “at risk” students earlier leads to better undergraduate retention rates. Advisors are alerted and can intervene and mentor the student before the problem compounds. This improves retention rates which leads to higher graduation rates and keeps tuition revenue in the door.

Supplementing courses with AI can help deliver an improved learning experience. As part of language courses at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, students speak to an AI character in a virtual environment. Upon entering the virtual reality classroom, the student is greeted by the AI character and verbal interaction ensues. Immediate feedback is provided to the students who are instructed on correct pronunciations without the fear of being judged in a real world situation. Instructors have said this allows for learners to be less embarrassed by mistakes and promotes greater learning.

AI is not only improving students’ college experience but also lowering the burden on faculty and staff. Human jobs, in higher education, are not being eliminated by AI, but rather improved. Chatbots can respond to phone calls and can answer simple inquiries that prospective students ask. In some cases, professors can rely on robo-grading to score exams. These AI and machine learning tools can allow for a reduced staff burden and more instructor time to focus on students.

While the presence of a human instructor cannot be duplicated, AI proves its worth. AI’s integration into higher education will continue to improve and enhance the college experience for future generations.

Visit Schneider Downs Risk Advisory Services webpage https://www.schneiderdowns.com/risk-advisory-services.

References:

https://www.insidehighered.com/digital-learning/article/2018/09/26/academics-push-expand-use-ai-higher-ed-teaching-and-learning

You’ve heard our thoughts… We’d like to hear yours

The Schneider Downs Our Thoughts On blog exists to create a dialogue on issues that are important to organizations and individuals. While we enjoy sharing our ideas and insights, we’re especially interested in what you may have to say. If you have a question or a comment about this article – or any article from the Our Thoughts On blog – we hope you’ll share it with us. After all, a dialogue is an exchange of ideas, and we’d like to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].

Material discussed is meant for informational purposes only, and it is not to be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, this information should be relied upon when coordinated with individual professional advice.

© 2023 Schneider Downs. All rights-reserved. All content on this site is property of Schneider Downs unless otherwise noted and should not be used without written permission.

our thoughts on
What are the OCC’s Key Areas of Focus for Fiscal Year 2024?
Gainful Employment Disclosures in Higher Education
Protect Your Students, Faculty and Staff: 3 Common Cyber Attack Methods to Watch Out for in 2023
Key Takeaways from the 2023 CUPA-HR Higher Education Employee Retention Survey
The Latest on the NCAA's National NIL Proposal
Single Audit Reporting Reminders
Register to receive our weekly newsletter with our most recent columns and insights.
Have a question? Ask us!

We’d love to hear from you. Drop us a note, and we’ll respond to you as quickly as possible.

Ask us
contact us
Pittsburgh

This site uses cookies to ensure that we give you the best user experience. Cookies assist in navigation, analyzing traffic and in our marketing efforts as described in our Privacy Policy.

×