Abstract
Recently, the rise of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT have prompted deep and wide considerations about teaching and learning, student success, research and development, and the use of data for informed institutional decision making. In this volume, authors discuss specific concepts, considerations for use, and some specific tools and applications of advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence that are gaining prominence in higher education. Although these tools and our perceptions about the tools will continue to evolve, we believe that aspects of advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence will remain in our midst in the future. We believe that members of our community will become better educators and higher education managers as we engage deeply with these tools, stay vigilant about the risks and limitations, and establish policies that ensure student and institution success.
Practical Takeaways
The soaring interest in aspects of artificial intelligence (AI) prompts consideration of its potential applications, impact, and implications for the higher education community.
AI-supported tools hold the promise to help students learn more efficiently and effectively as well as assist faculty and staff with more mundane tasks, yet getting to the place where GenAI helps will take some effort. Since we must consider data privacy, ethical use, security, and accountability, the path may not be straight and narrow.
Analytics through AI tools have a particular promise to support underrepresented and disabled students through focused websites, learning support, and customized tutoring. AI has the potential to narrow the gap in student success, but without focused attention, it could serve to widen the gap across some student groups.
We acknowledge that perceptions about and implications due to artificial intelligence in higher education will change as we move forward; the articles in this volume seek to contribute to the current discussion and may prompt considerations for future conversations.