AI Changes Nothing (and Everything) in Higher Education

Jean Mandernach, Executive Director, Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching at Grand Canyon University

Through this article, Jean Mandernach examines how generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is reshaping higher education. She argues that while AI enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of implementing educational principles, it does not alter the core fundamentals of quality education. Jean highlights AI’s potential to support clear learning objectives, personalized instruction and real-time feedback, allowing educators to overcome traditional constraints and focus more on meaningful student engagement. She emphasizes the importance of integrating AI in a way that complements, rather than replaces, the human elements of teaching and learning.

Higher education is experiencing rapid shifts as generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) permeates virtually all aspects of teaching and learning. Institutions are frantically adapting, focusing on maintaining academic integrity in an era where students can use AI to complete assignments at the touch of a button. Yet, here’s a provocative truth: AI changes nothing. Despite the hype, AI does not alter the foundational principles of effective education. Instead, it enhances our ability to implement these principles more efficiently and effectively. This distinction is critical and is where AI's true transformative power lies.

The core elements of quality education have remained consistent over time:

● Clear, measurable learning objectives

● Engaging and motivating students

● Inclusive and equitable education

● Student-centered, active learning

● Continuous assessment and feedback

● Critical thinking and problem-solving skills

● Real-world connections

● Flexibility and adaptability in instruction

These principles are timeless and fundamental to adequate education, and AI has changed none.

"AI does not alter the foundational principles of education but revolutionizes our ability to implement these principles more efficiently and effectively."

In theory, all these principles could be implemented by humans if they had unlimited time, attention, and resources. However, the reality is that these constraints limit human educators… and AI offers possibilities beyond what humans alone can achieve. AI revolutionizes our capacity to implement these principles with unprecedented precision and efficiency. Imagine a world where educators are no longer constrained by time and resource limitations, every student's needs can be met with personalized attention and the gap between educational theory and practice is finally bridged. AI has the potential to transform this vision into reality.

With AI-powered platforms, instructors can effortlessly create clear, aligned learning objectives. These platforms enable educators to define and communicate specific, measurable goals for their courses, ensuring that students understand what is expected of them and can work towards achieving these objectives systematically. Adaptive learning systems can tailor content to each student's performance level by dynamically adjusting the difficulty and nature of the materials based on real-time assessment of student progress, ensuring that engagement and motivation remain high by providing appropriate challenges and support.

AI identifies learning gaps by analyzing student data to detect areas where individual students or groups struggle. This enables personalized resources, such as targeted exercises, tutorials, and supplementary materials, which promote equity and inclusion by addressing diverse learning needs. AI brings immersive, active learning experiences through simulations and virtual labs, allowing students to engage with complex concepts hands-only. These tools create realistic scenarios where students can apply theoretical knowledge, experiment with different solutions, and learn from their experiences in a safe, controlled environment. AI-automated assessments provide instant feedback on student performance. This immediate response helps students understand their mistakes, learn from them, and track their progress continuously.

AI can present complex, real-world problems and individually guide students through problem-solving, fostering critical thinking skills. By integrating real-world data into the classroom, AI ensures that learning remains relevant and engaging. Students are challenged to apply their knowledge to practical situations, enhancing their ability to think critically and solve problems effectively. Real-time analytics generated by AI allow instructors to monitor student performance closely and adjust their teaching strategies promptly. This responsiveness ensures that instructional methods are continually optimized to meet the evolving needs of students.

Again, while these principles can theoretically be carried out by faculty, the practical limitations of time, attention, and resources hinder their full realization. Faculty, already burdened with numerous responsibilities, typically do not have time to provide the meticulous, customized attention that maximizes individual student learning. This is where AI steps in, offering possibilities beyond humans alone can achieve. With AI, educators can transcend these limitations, allowing for a more efficient application of these fundamental educational principles. Simply put, AI revolutionizes our capacity to meet every student's needs.

AI does not alter the foundational principles of practical education, but it significantly enhances our ability to apply these principles more effectively and efficiently. AI bridges the gap between educational theory and practice, providing tools that elevate the learning experience for all students. As we continue integrating AI into higher education, we must focus on leveraging its potential to implement these timeless educational principles at new levels.Top of Form

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