Yes, AI could profoundly disrupt education. But maybe that’s not a bad thing - Rose Luckin, the Guardian

AI has been used in education for more than a decade. AI-powered systems, such as Carnegie Learning or Aleks, can analyse student responses to questions and adapt learning materials to meet their individual needs. AI tools such as TeachFX and Edthena can also enhance teacher training and support. To reap the benefits of these technologies, we must design effective ways to roll out AI across the education system, and regulate this properly. Staying ahead of AI will mean radically rethinking what education is for, and what success means. Human intelligence is far more impressive than any AI system we see today. We possess a rich and diverse intelligence, much of which is unrecognised by our current education system.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/14/ai-artificial-intelligence-disrupt-education-creativity-critical-thinking

What is digital-twin technology? - McKinsey & Company

What would you do if you had a copy of yourself? A digital doppelgänger, identical to you in every way, in an accurate digital rendering of your home, workplace, neighborhood, or city? Even better: What if the digital version of you—your digital twin—was impervious to injury, pain, or embarrassment? The mind boggles at the possibilities. Suffice it to say, you’d probably be able to make decisions for yourself with a lot more certainty of the outcome. In business, this heightened degree of certainty is extremely valuable—and emerging digital twins may help deliver it.

https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-is-digital-twin-technology

Four directions for assessment redesign in the age of generative AI - Julia Chen, Times Higher Education

The rise of generative AI has led universities to rethink how learning is quantified. Julia Chen offers four options for assessment redesign that can be applied across disciplines. At the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, our institutional position is to embrace GenAI and rethink learning purposes and assessment design. Instead of banning it or using detection tools to check student use of such tools, starting this September the university will allow, and indeed expect, the use of GenAI in take-home assessments. This means teachers have to rethink what they want students to learn and consider how their assignments can be redesigned in such a way that GenAI can be used to help with, but not complete, an assignment for a student.

https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/four-directions-assessment-redesign-age-generative-ai

ChatGPT showed it could pass a freshman year at Harvard and achieve a 3.34 GPA, student says - Beatrice Nolan, Business Insider

 ChatGPT is capable of achieving respectable grades at Harvard, an experiment found. Per the experiment conducted by a Harvard student, the bot ended the year with a 3.34 GPA. The rise of generative AI has rocked the higher education sector in recent months.

https://www.businessinsider.com/chatgpt-harvard-passed-freshman-ai-education-gpt4-2023-7

The Digital Classroom: Five Perks of Pursuing Online Training - Royal Examiner

Whether you’re exploring new disciplines or deepening your knowledge in a specific field, online training presents a unique opportunity. If you’re considering a new educational challenge, here are five reasons why online training could be your perfect match. Cost-effectiveness is a major advantage of online training. Inclusivity is another cornerstone of online training. Various courses are designed to cater to a diverse audience, often requiring no prerequisites. While some courses are tailored for those with certain skills, a significant portion is open to everyone, thus democratizing education. Online training is also lauded for promoting efficient learning.

https://royalexaminer.com/the-digital-classroom-five-perks-of-pursuing-online-training/

The top 5 things higher education students want from online learning - World Economic Forum

Indeed, new McKinsey research finds that most higher education students want to continue to incorporate at least some aspects of online learning into their education. However, a significant share of students are dissatisfied with the online experiences their universities offer, signaling that higher education institutions could benefit by evolving their online learning models. To ascertain which learning models higher education students prefer and why, as well as what they find satisfying about online education and which elements of the online learning experience they value most, we surveyed 7,000 students across 17 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East (see sidebar “About our research”).

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/education/article/2001477234/the-top-5-things-higher-education-students-want-from-online-learning

Supporting Internship Experience With Pay - Ashley Mowreader, Inside Higher Ed

To offset expenses and provide students with equitable access to internships, Emory University in Georgia has joined the growing number of institutions developing solutions to the issue. The Pathways Internship Funding program, launched this summer, provides students with financial aid and support their career pursuits. “Our goal is to allow students to say yes to their dream internship even if it is unpaid or underpaid,” says Ed Goode, director of experiential learning at Emory’s Pathways Center, adding that he and his staff strongly recommend to employers that they pay their interns.

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/student-success/life-after-college/2023/07/19/private-funding-covers-internship-expenses-emory

Elon Musk announces new AI start-up - James Clayton, BBC

The new company is called xAI, and includes several engineers that have worked at companies like OpenAI and Google. Mr Musk has previously stated he believes developments in AI should be paused and that the sector needs regulation. He said the start-up was created to "understand reality".

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-66183034?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=2023-07-17&utm_campaign=What+s+happened+in+AI+this+week+

What every CEO should know about generative AI - McKinsey

The public-facing version of ChatGPT reached 100 million users in just two months. It democratized AI in a manner not previously seen while becoming by far the fastest-growing app ever. Its out-of-the-box accessibility makes generative AI different from all AI that came before it. Users don’t need a degree in machine learning to interact with or derive value from it; nearly anyone who can ask questions can use it. And, as with other breakthrough technologies such as the personal computer or iPhone, one generative AI platform can give rise to many applications for audiences of any age or education level and in any location with internet access.

https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/what-every-ceo-should-know-about-generative-ai

Sam Altman’s Plans for OpenAI Academy and More on AI Education - Ron Strand, Generative AI

The OpenAI Academy is set to launch in late 2023. Although there is limited information available about the academy, it is expected to align with OpenAI’s mission of ensuring the benefits of AI are accessible to all. OpenAI has previously collaborated with organizations like the Khan Academy. GPT-4 is used to power Khanmigo, an AI-powered assistant that functions as both a virtual tutor for students and a classroom assistant for teachers, launched in March 2023. This collaboration could provide some insight into the potential educational applications of the OpenAI Academy. OpenAI Academy plans to provide affordable, possibly free, education for anyone who wants to learn anything. The Open AI Academy will allow users to access a variety of courses and topics. Users will be able to interact with ChatGPT-5 as their teacher, tutor, and/or mentor, receiving feedback and guidance during their courses. Users may have the ability to create their own courses and share them.

https://generativeai.pub/sam-altmans-plans-for-openai-academy-and-more-on-ai-education-ca01cdf75a39

Inflation will continue to batter colleges through fiscal 2024, Moody’s predicts - Laura Spitalniak, Higher Ed Dive

Colleges will continue to be hit by high inflation through at least fiscal year 2024, according to a new analysis from Moody’s Investors Service. Analysts predict that increasing costs of labor, food, utilities and construction will spur difficult decisions and force higher education leaders to reprioritize how they allocate resources. Employee compensation will be the most difficult expense to manage in the coming years, as collective bargaining efforts seek to close the gap between wages and an increasing cost of living, analysts said. Employees are turning to work stoppages to secure increases above inflation and advocate for better terms for part-time and nontenured faculty, as well as graduate student workers, the analysis said.

https://www.highereddive.com/news/inflation-batter-colleges-through-fiscal-2024-moodys/686573/

Restricted access to lucrative college majors harms underrepresented students most - Zachary Bleemer, Amelia Davidson, Aashish Mehta, Brookings

College major choice is a high-stakes decision frequently discussed by economists and policymakers because of the significant, long-term impacts of major on a student’s financial success after graduation. While substantial attention has been paid to policies designed to increase the share of women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, few have noticed the growth over recent decades of a new racial disparity in college majors, driven not by students’ preferences but primarily by tightening “major restriction” policies imposed by universities.

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/restricted-access-to-lucrative-college-majors-harms-underrepresented-students-most/

Google's Tech Team Unveils Its Powerful New AI, Gemini - TECHROUND TEAM

DeepMind’s CEO, Demis Hassabis, boldly claims that Gemini will not only match but surpass GPT-4, the engine that powers the renowned AI chatbot, ChatGPT. Unlike GPT-4, Gemini’s design will allow it to handle any data or task without needing specialised models. Gemini is expected to revolutionise AI systems by generating original content that goes beyond the constraints of its training set.

https://techround.co.uk/news/google-deepmind-unveils-new-ai-gemini/

How privacy legislation can help address AI - F. Kerry, Brookings

Artificial intelligence policy presents a challenge for lawmakers, but comprehensive privacy legislation provides a starting point. The American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA) includes provisions on algorithmic accountability and fairness that can create a baseline for AI regulation. The developers of AI systems, policymakers, and citizens will need to learn much more about the operation of the systems to address the biggest questions of AI policy.

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-privacy-legislation-can-help-address-ai/

Fixing the Global Digital Divide and Digital Access Gap - Landry Signé, Brookings

The number of global internet users and the percentage of internet penetration continued to grow from 2021 to 2022 at 7% and 6% respectively. While this growth indicates that progress has been made in digital access, the fact remains that as of 2022, 2.7 billion people, representing a third of the world, do not have access to the internet and 53% of the world does not have access to high-speed broadband, leading to the risk of compounding negative effects in terms of economic, political, and social inclusion and equality. These trends make it plain that policymakers should care about addressing the global digital divide, and pay attention to the continental differences that exist around technology access and use.

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/fixing-the-global-digital-divide-and-digital-access-gap/

Advancing Microcredentials: Communicating Potential to Learners, Partners and Stakeholders - Cynthia Proctor, the Evolllution

 With growing awareness and understanding of the value of short-term credentials, the remaining roadblocks standing in the way of microcredential program growth become clearer, and each day we progress in meeting challenges and exploring opportunities—with a driving focus on effective communication. As we move forward in the 2023-24 academic year, the State University of New York’s (SUNY) system-wide directory will grow to nearly 600 microcredentials with 51 of 64 campuses engaged—including community colleges, technology colleges, comprehensive colleges and doctoral institutions (from R1 research universities to medical centers).

https://evolllution.com/programming/credentials/advancing-microcredentials-communicating-potential-to-learners-partners-and-stakeholders/

Advancing Microcredentials: Communicating Potential to Learners, Partners and Stakeholders - Cynthia Proctor, the Evolllution

With growing awareness and understanding of the value of short-term credentials, the remaining roadblocks standing in the way of microcredential program growth become clearer, and each day we progress in meeting challenges and exploring opportunities—with a driving focus on effective communication. As we move forward in the 2023-24 academic year, the State University of New York’s (SUNY) system-wide directory will grow to nearly 600 microcredentials with 51 of 64 campuses engaged—including community colleges, technology colleges, comprehensive colleges and doctoral institutions (from R1 research universities to medical centers).

https://evolllution.com/programming/credentials/advancing-microcredentials-communicating-potential-to-learners-partners-and-stakeholders/

From Education Data to AI: Exploring Innovations in Education Research - Mark Schneider, Higher Education Digest

Harnessing AI for the betterment of education is an incredibly important and exhilarating challenge that I have witnessed in recent years, and it may be one of the most significant challenges ever faced. AI presents an unparalleled opportunity to develop personalized approaches to teaching and learning, enabling every student to reach their full potential. Additionally, AI has the potential to alleviate teachers from the burden of administrative tasks, which often consume their time and energy, allowing them to focus on their core responsibilities of teaching.

https://www.highereducationdigest.com/from-education-data-to-ai-exploring-innovations-in-education-research/

Report reveals ‘disturbing’ trends in academic salaries - Nathan M Greenfield, University World News

While full-time faculty members took home 4.1% more money in their pay packets in 2021-22, in real terms – ie, after inflation – America’s higher education faculty saw their pay drop by 2.4% over the same period. Combined with declines dating back to fall 2019, professors and instructors have lost 7.5% in their income adjusted for inflation. Over the same period, presidents’ salaries rose 9.6% and chief financial officers’ (CFOs) pay rose by 12.7%.

https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20230621152458582

Historic convening to boost mobility in higher education - Stefania Giannini, University World News

UNESCO will host a two-day conference to chart a way forward for higher education qualifications to be recognised and accepted, even if they are received outside of one’s country of residence or through alternative means, like online learning. In a world where migration, forced displacement and international study are a reality for millions, such a meeting is both necessary and historic. The First Session of the Intergovernmental Conference of the States Parties, as the conference is titled, will set the rules and modalities of how the international community can implement UNESCO’s landmark Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education. 

https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20230630102654720

The 2023 Emeritus Global Workplace Skills Study Finds 80% of Professionals Look to Continuing Education for Career Success - Emeritus

Emeritus announced results from its 2023 Global Workplace Skills Study, which gathered insights from 6,600 people between the ages of 21 and 65, across 18 countries and five continents, to assess how professionals are approaching learning and skill development amidst continued economic, geopolitical, and technological change. Findings show that interest and investment in pursuing continuing education continues to rise globally, with significant uptick in the last year. 80% believe that upskilling will help them stand out in the job market and 74% would choose a job at an organization that invested in their education over one that did not.

https://emeritus.org/newsroom/the-2023-emeritus-global-workplace-skills-study-finds-80-of-professionals-look-to-continuing-education-for-career-success/

From Fragmented to Holistic: Online Learning in Higher Education Grows Up - Julie Uranis, the Evolllution

Mobile technology, gamification, microlearning/MOOCs, virtual and augmented reality, and social learning have all played a role in shaping the online learning we see in postsecondary education today. During this period of development, institutions have worked to transform fragmented approaches to online learning into more holistic strategies that support and advance their overall mission. This evolution is driven by the inherent benefits of online learning, the challenges of siloed responsibilities across faculty, administration and operations, and a growing awareness of the need for a more comprehensive approach.

https://evolllution.com/revenue-streams/distance_online_learning/from-fragmented-to-holistic-online-learning-in-higher-education-grows-up/

How online learning & work from home can level the playing field for women - Marni Baker Stein, the Print

Online learning platforms have democratized access to education, ensuring that people from all walks of life have access to high-quality learning resources. This has been especially important for women, because in many parts of the world, they face cultural, societal or logistical challenges that make traditional education inaccessible. Online learning allows women to acquire knowledge, skills and credentials from renowned and trusted institutions, regardless of location or personal circumstances. In emerging markets, 45% of women and 60% of women caregivers say they would have had to stop or postpone their studies if online learning was not an option. This enables them to expand their horizons, pursue their passions, and gain expertise in diverse fields.

https://theprint.in/feature/how-online-learning-work-from-home-can-level-the-playing-field-for-women/1639150/

Using AI with Cognitive Apprenticeship Theory, Upscaling and Retooling - Tonya Amankwatia, the Evolllution

Educators considering cognitive apprenticeships with generative AI to support upskilling and retooling should be aware of the potential challenges related to cost, privacy and technical expertise. The costs of implementing generative AI systems can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the system and the amount of data required for training. Professional and Continuing Education leaders may need new partnerships to help cover upfront costs of hardware, software and training, as well as ongoing maintenance and updates.

https://evolllution.com/technology/tech-tools-and-resources/using-ai-and-cognitive-apprenticeships-to-upskill-and-retool-adult-learners/

Six skills you need to become an AI prompt engineer - David Gewirtz, ZD Net

With the explosive rise of generative AI in the past half a year, prompt engineering is the exciting new career that's growing along with it. If you want to get a gig as a professional prompt engineer, we've outlined six skills you need to hone. With professional AI prompt engineering jobs going for $175,000 to well over $300,000 per year, prompt engineering is an attractive gig. But being a good AI prompt engineer involves more than being able to ask leading questions. You need to combine the disciplines of AI, programming, language, problem-solving, and even art to thrive on this career path.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/six-skills-you-need-to-become-an-ai-prompt-engineer/

This Fall, How Will You Integrate Gen AI into Your University Work? - Ray Schroeder, Inside Higher Ed

We are already halfway through the summer.  Now is the time to put into action your resolution to apply the power of AI at work! Generative AI has been around for a few years, but it hit the higher ed scene in a big way in 2022 with GPT 3.5.  All of a sudden, it seemed, artificial intelligence was becoming more than science fiction. Useful tools became available to the average person and the imperative to understand and join the revolution became a reality. This fall, those academic offices, university classes, and research studies that do not tap the potential of GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) apps using LLM (Large Language Models) will stick out like virtual Model T Fords on the turnpikes of the 21st century. Seriously, the power of these apps is enormous and growing fast. Our colleagues and students are expecting us to utilize these tools this fall.  With only half a dozen weeks left to the start of the fall term, what can you possibly accomplish?   

https://www.insidehighered.com/opinion/blogs/online-trending-now/2023/07/05/how-will-you-integrate-gen-ai-your-university-work

The role of AI in higher education - Kevin Pirehpour, Enterprise Technology Arizona State University

Today, AI’s fingerprints can be found everywhere — from voice assistants in our homes to advanced research tools in our labs. Education is no exception. In the not-so-distant future, AI-driven personalized learning platforms are set to reshape the learning experience, using personal data to tailor content based on each student's needs.  We talked with three faculty members at ASU to gain insight into how AI is currently shaping education across the university and beyond.  Speaking from both their unique and shared experiences in academia, three central themes emerged, along with specific insights to advance our understanding of AI tools in the classroom.

https://news.asu.edu/20230622-creativity-role-ai-higher-education

How to identify the leaders you might be missing - Cheryl Hyatt, eCampus News

Most institutions underestimate and under-utilize one of their core assets: their current staff. Outside hiring is one key strategy, but it is not the only avenue to executive excellence. Internal hires cost less in on-boarding while also bringing invaluable institutional knowledge. When your C-suite leaders have experience at different levels of your organization, they understand historic complexities, appreciate departmental strengths, and can identify opportunities for growth.

https://www.ecampusnews.com/campus-leadership/2023/06/22/higher-education-leaders-you-might-be-missing/

9 Ways to Help Students Use Technology to Get the Most Out of College - Elliot Felix, EDUCAUSE Review

Of the approximately 70 touchpoints of experience tracked in the "Student Experience Snapshot," a 2023 national survey, students were most satisfied, at 78%, with their student services portal, 70% were satisfied with their learning management system for accessing and engaging with course materials, 75% were satisfied with software access, and 68% were satisfied with tech support. With this success in mind, the next frontier is clear: go beyond providing and supporting tools. We need to create partnerships and offer programs that increase and enhance the use of technology—and do so in a way that improves students' wellness at a time when 33% of students have been diagnosed with anxiety and 26% with depression. I offer nine suggestions below for using technology tools, support services, training, and events to help students find their people, program, and career paths.

https://er.educause.edu/articles/2023/6/9-ways-to-help-students-use-technology-to-get-the-most-out-of-college

As AI Spreads, Experts Predict the Best and Worst Changes in Digital Life by 2035 - Janna Anderson and Lee Rainie, Pew Research

Spurred by the splashy emergence of generative artificial intelligence and an array of other AI applications, experts participating in a new Pew Research Center canvassing have great expectations for digital advances across many aspects of life by 2035. They anticipate striking improvements in health care and education. They foresee a world in which wonder drugs are conceived and enabled in digital spaces; where personalized medical care gives patients precisely what they need when they need it; where people wear smart eyewear and earbuds that keep them connected to the people, things and information around them; where AI systems can nudge discourse into productive and fact-based conversations; and where progress will be made in environmental sustainability, climate action and pollution prevention.

https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2023/06/21/as-ai-spreads-experts-predict-the-best-and-worst-changes-in-digital-life-by-2035/

The Next Generation Of Workers Is Less Tech Savvy Than We May Think - Aaron Skonnard, Forbes

 According to the World Economic Forum, by 2025, Gen Z will comprise 27% of the global workforce. This should be good news for organizations looking for tech-savvy talent. After all, having grown up with smartphones and constant connectivity to the internet, Gen Z has a reputation for being a tech-literate generation, right? Unfortunately, Gen Z may be less equipped for the future of technical work than we think. The key reason is that traditional education is not preparing the new generation for a digitally-driven job market. A recent study from Dell, which surveyed 15,000 Gen Z members, found that 37% of them feel that schools are not adequately preparing them for the demands of a digital world. Furthermore, 56% have received minimal to no digital skills education.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/06/23/the-next-generation-of-workers-is-less-tech-savvy-than-we-may-think/?sh=3885be9a1a52