Geeking Out Over EdTech - January 3, 2025

Hey there! It's Ian from LearnWise.

How was your start of the new year? As we're gearing up for 2025, I've been reading up on the latest trends in AI and higher education. In short: the future's looking bright for institutions aiming to implement ethical, responsible AI for better student support.

I'm back after sifting through dozens of articles so you don't have to.

Here are my top 3 reads:

AI Chatbots Roundup: The Role of AI Chatbots for Higher Education Success in 2024 - element451

In the pursuit of growth and higher enrollment, educational institutions must align processes and automations with an ever-changing student audience. Leveraging an AI chatbot for higher education is a powerful way to provide personalized experiences effortlessly, eliminating the need for extensive manual interventions. So, what's the key to this seamless integration that paves the way for a positive learning experience? This article explores current examples of chatbot technology for higher education, popular higher ed use cases, and tips for implementation within your student population.

Preparing the next-gen workforce: How AI Is Reshaping Industries And Creating Tomorrow’s Job Market - Forbes

The artificial intelligence landscape is undergoing a seismic shift every bit as transformative as the Industrial Revolution and the internet boom. Discriminative AI, including machine learning and deep learning, is reshaping traditional industries while GenAI is starting to push the boundaries of human creativity. When combined with rapid advancements in AI hardware and the promise of emerging technologies like quantum AI, it’s clear we are in just the first steps of an ongoing technological revolution.

Pioneering AI Partnerships in higher ed: OpenAI partners with Wharton for a new course focused on leveraging ChatGPT for teachers - Fortune

Generative artificial intelligence is the elephant in the (class)room at schools nationwide. And while many students have largely caught on to its omnipresence, teachers are lagging behind.  OpenAI, the parent of ChatGPT, is hoping to change the dynamic with a new partnership with one of the best business schools in the country. Starting November 2024, learners can take a course from OpenAI and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School: AI in Education: Leveraging ChatGPT for Teaching. "The goal is to empower educators to effectively bring generative AI into the classroom and maximize learning," says Leah Belsky, vice president and general manager of education at OpenAI.

Teaching and learning are increasingly transcending geographical and temporal barriers, and university campuses have transitioned from conventional 9-5 operations to 24/7 hubs of learning and student support activity. 

Students are increasingly seeking flexible learning environments that accommodate diverse schedules and learning preferences. As a result, IT departments and student support services are at the forefront of this shift, tasked with ensuring that students have access to resources and support at all hours. We explored the critical role Tech Support teams play in the 24/7 university campus model and how it can foster round-the-clock student support. Read it here.

Happy new year!

Best,
Ian

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