Technology has been a disruptive force in society for centuries. The world of formal education has had to absorb those impacts, although often at a slower, more conservative pace. The reluctance of education to change is a more profound topic that I won’t cover in this article, but there is a new technology that could be both very disruptive to education and be occurring at an unprecedented pace. We are likely at the edge of a new era in higher education, shaped by the rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). Universities, colleges and polytechnics are at a critical juncture. The emergence of tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and other AI models has sparked both excitement and apprehension within academic circles. The institutions that understand the potential impact of GenAI technology are reassessing their strategies and adapting to this transformative technology.
GenAI is a powerful tool. Its impact on higher education isn’t simple; it will be complex and far-reaching. There isn’t a single domain of the post-secondary business model that is free from impact. It had the potential to disrupt teaching methodologies and research practices as well as reshape administrative processes and student engagement. As David Paroissien, OES’s Generative AI Lead, aptly notes, “There are so many ways universities can use AI, from creating or re-designing high-quality learning materials to customizing student learning tasks to delivering automated, personalized feedback, to achieving time savings for academics” 1.
However, integrating GenAI into higher education is not without its challenges. Many educators are concerned about academic integrity, data privacy, and the potential erosion of critical thinking skills. These issues underscore the need for a comprehensive strategic analysis to help institutions navigate this new landscape’s complexities.
Strategic analysis concerning GenAI is crucial for several reasons:
- Identifying Opportunities: Evaluating the range of GenAI use cases allows universities to uncover innovative ways to enhance their existing operations.
- Mitigating Risks: A strategic approach allows institutions to anticipate and address potential risks associated with GenAI, such as concerns about academic integrity and AI bias.
- Adapting to Change: The speed of innovation in AI requires a proactive approach. A well-designed and agile strategy can help universities stay ahead of the curve and adjust their practices accordingly.
- Maintaining Relevance: GenAI is becoming increasingly prevalent as a business tool in various industries. Obsolescence is a genuine concern, and universities must ensure that their curricula and research initiatives remain relevant and aligned with real-world developments.
- Ethical Considerations: A strategic analysis can help institutions develop robust ethical guidelines for using GenAI, ensuring its implementation aligns with academic values and principles.
The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has identified five significant ways that higher education can leverage GenAI, including:
1. Personalized recruitment marketing through hyper-personalization.
2. Improved student engagement and outcomes.
3. Enhanced course planning and curricula.
4. Teaching students to use GenAI.
5. Enhanced assessment and feedback for students.
These categories are a good starting point for any institution looking to incorporate GenAI into its operations 2.
Creating more efficiency in an existing business model is only the start of the process. As Steve Andriole points out in Forbes, GenAI’s impact on higher education goes beyond mere enhancement of existing processes. It has the potential to fundamentally reshape the roles of professors and students, necessitating a comprehensive reevaluation of the educational paradigm 3.
As universities embark on this strategic journey, it’s essential to consider the multicultural perspectives on the impact of GenAI in higher education. A recent study published in the Educational Technology Journal highlights the importance of developing policies responsive to cultural expectations when integrating GenAI tools 4.
Although this is a quick overview, it is apparent that GenAI presents unprecedented challenges and extraordinary opportunities for higher education institutions. A thorough strategic analysis is not just beneficial—it’s imperative for universities and colleges seeking to thrive in this new technological landscape. By carefully examining the potential impacts, opportunities, and risks associated with GenAI, institutions can chart a course that leverages the power of this technology while upholding the core values and mission of higher education.
As we move forward, it’s clear that the institutions that will lead in this new era will embrace change, foster innovation, and maintain a steadfast commitment to academic excellence and integrity. The time for strategic action is now.
References:
1 https://www.oes.edu.au/generative-ai-higher-education/
2 https://www.bcg.com/publications/2023/five-ways-education-can-leverage-gen-ai
3 https://www.forbes.com/sites/steveandriole/2024/03/18/how-generative-ai-now-owns-higher-education–now-what/
4 https://educationaltechnologyjournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s41239-024-00453-6
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