How Universities Can Skill Students in the Age of AI
Right now, the new academic year is in full swing in the US—and AI is already on the syllabus in some college classrooms.??
At a time when AI is disrupting the future of work, universities are grappling with how to equip students for success in future workplaces that will demand a high level of comfort with AI and human-machine collaboration.???
The So What ??
The most far-sighted institutions are thinking more broadly than adding AI majors or developing specialist AI research programs: they are working to embed AI tools and learning techniques through the whole curriculum.? ? ?
That can mean using AI tools for statistical analysis for economics majors, or learning how AI can accelerate drug development for science majors. It also means incorporating AI into the learning process itself, for example, by asking AI to analyze gaps in a student’s knowledge and then generate new assignments to improve those areas. ? ?
“The change is happening now. The winners will be the institutions who are agile and innovative and take a bet on AI being the differentiator that enables them to stand out from the crowd,” explains Nithya Vaduganathan , a managing director and senior partner in BCG’s Boston office.?
Universities should expect to invest upfront if they want to become known for having a first-class AI program.
Now What
New expenditures are tough for the many US colleges that are constrained by resources and teaching capacity. Some also face declining enrollment, further increasing pressure on budgets. And, for all universities, there is also the issue of time: developing new curriculums is traditionally a lengthy process.?
These are some of the levers that universities can consider as they manage resources and target their AI transformation.? ?
Develop deeper industry partnerships. Many businesses are already partnering with universities.??
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Universities should now seek to deepen partnerships to better understand future skills. The most fruitful partnerships will give universities the insights they need to work backwards from demand and reverse engineer their course offerings.?
Harness AI’s potential for transformation. GenAI also provides solutions when looking for increased efficiency and the faster development of new courses. GenAI can help with course outlines, for example, or co-create video modules or tutorials. It is well-suited to synthesizing large volumes of information and research, further assisting in the content of courses. It could also automate some administrative tasks, help with assessment and feedback, or refine targeted marketing strategies to attract future students. ? ?
Foster new collaborations. Governments also have a strong interest in ensuring industry has the skilled workers they need to thrive. And it may be beneficial for employers, universities, and governments to collaborate.??
Peer-to-peer partnerships between colleges may also help, joining forces to understand employer needs. This could include exchange programs between universities and joint partnerships with employers.
For further reading:? ?
When I consult people regareing their search of a career, one of the first questions I ask is: how are your AIGen skills? It's important for 2 reasons: 1. It has become a requirement in work places ( especialy for new employees _ 2. it's very helpful for creating CV's that match the job demands and pass the ATS organisation's systems. Thus, I believe it's emportant to have it implemented in universities learning programs.
Finance Intern @ SABC | BCom in Accounting and Finance
1 个月Insightful
EdTech Innovator, Sustainable Strategic Management Author and Speaker, Research Impact Specialist
1 个月This is extremely timely. The article suggests that universities need to invest upfront to have new faculty and courses in place. This is easier said than done, but as the article mentions, developing deeper industry partnerships is key. An AI themed ecosystem model where partners bring their strengths to the table could be a viable pathway to pursue.
Project advicer at Hony'
1 个月Statical validations are required in testing & confirming the Interpretations of Questionares to assess Opinions, Feedback, Answers to administration of Questionares, Surveys & other Instruments. When volumes are large, statistical validation or analysis can utilize AI & ML support, hence designers of these Qr's/Instruments, Psychologists/Economists/Sociologists etc need to integrate their grip of AI & ML's scope & limitations, in their Work
Corporate & Commercial Banking | Relationship Management | Project Management | Change Management | Business Analysis | Operational Excellence | Continuous Improvement
1 个月Thank you for sharing this insightful article on how universities can skill students in the age of AI. As someone passionate about education and the evolving needs of future workplaces, I fully agree that embedding AI across curricula, rather than siloing it into specialist programs, is the key to preparing students for a rapidly changing world. As a student mentor, job search skills and career advisor, I see firsthand the importance of equipping students with skills in AI and human-machine collaboration. The integration of AI tools into disciplines like economics, science, and even education itself is not just forward-thinking but essential in ensuring students can thrive in their future careers. The challenge of new expenditures for institutions is real, but the long-term payoff of investing in AI education could make a significant difference for both students and the universities themselves. I look forward to seeing more educational institutions take innovative steps toward fully integrating AI into their learning frameworks.