Steamrolling Forward. AI Tutors. Professors' New Role. Must-Take Actions.
The AI Collaborative: Higher Ed Newsletter | Issue 1
Quote to AI-Generated Image of the Week
“Once a new technology rolls over you, if you’re not part of the steamroller, you’re part of the road.”
- Stewart Brand
This Week In 4 Bullets
AI and Higher Ed in the News
The Evolving Role of Professors in the Age of AI
Essential Actions for Professors in the AI Era
From the Collaborative AI Council
AI and Higher Ed in the News
AI Tutors and Learning Acceleration: Dr. Phillipa Hardman explores the potential of AI tutors to double learning rates, as evidenced by a Stanford study. AI offers personalized education, enhancing engagement and outcomes, while being cost-effective. The article discusses the role of AI in augmenting, not replacing, teachers, and addresses challenges like privacy, bias, and ethical use.
Entrepreneurship Education at the Dawn of Generative Artificial Intelligence: Erik Noyes and co-authors explore how generative AI, like ChatGPT, is transforming entrepreneurship education by revolutionizing learning methods and enhancing creativity. They highlight AI's potential to drive idea generation, concept development, and market insights, urging educators and students to adapt to AI-driven environments to foster innovation.
Generative AI's Role in Higher Education: A report from UPCEA highlights Generative AI's rapid advancements and potential in higher education, predicting AI could replace mid-level administrative roles and assist as adjunct faculty under human supervision, showcasing teaching and tutoring skills.
The Evolving Role of Professors in the Age of AI
In the age of artificial intelligence (AI), the role of the modern professor is evolving rapidly. Here are some ways professors can prepare for the impact of AI and leverage it as a tool to enhance their teaching and professional effectiveness.
Preparing for the Impact of AI
Understanding AI's Potential and Limitations: Professors need to familiarize themselves with AI's capabilities and limitations. According to an article from eSchool News, "AI can automate administrative tasks, provide personalized learning experiences, and support data-driven decision-making" (eSchool News, 2024). However, it is crucial to recognize that AI cannot replace the human elements of teaching, such as empathy and critical thinking.
Continuous Learning and Adaptation: As AI technologies evolve, professors should engage in continuous learning to stay updated. The article from Research Square emphasizes the importance of "lifelong learning and adaptability" for educators to keep pace with technological advancements (Research Square, 2024).
Ethical Considerations: Professors must also consider the ethical implications of AI in education. The Inside Higher Ed article warns that "AI is not your friend" and highlights the potential biases and ethical dilemmas associated with AI tools (Inside Higher Ed, 2024).
5 Potential Actions for Professors in the AI Era
Stay Informed and Educated
By subscribing to this newsletter, you're already taking a proactive step toward embracing AI in education!
Explore AI education platforms like Coursera, edX, and Fast.ai for structured learning
Join AI education communities on LinkedIn and Reddit
Responsibly Integrate AI Tools into Curriculum
Focus on Developing Soft Skills in Students
Use debate platforms like Kialo for structured arguments
Implement project-based learning tools like Trello or Asana
Utilize emotional intelligence assessment tools like EQi 2.0
Design group activities using collaborative tools like Miro or MURAL
Incorporate design thinking exercises using Stanford d.school resources
Engage in Ethical Discussions with Students
Use case study platforms like Harvard Business Publishing
Implement AI ethics frameworks from organizations like IEEE
Utilize scenario-based learning tools like Ethical OS Toolkit
Create discussion forums using tools like Packback
Collaborate with Peers Exploring AI
Join professional networks:
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI)
BoodleBox’s boodleU Community for AI x Higher Education conversations
Use collaboration platforms:
ResearchGate for connecting with AI researchers
Academia.edu for sharing research
Higher Education Leaders Partner to Advance Collaborative AI in the Classroom
The following higher education leaders recently joined BoodleBox Leadership Council on Collaborative AI in Higher Education:
Dr. Jeanne Beatrix Law, Professor of English and Director of Composition, Kennesaw State University
Dr. Sarel Lavy, Professor, College of Architecture, Texas A&M University
Mr. Paul Benedict, MBA, Director, Center for Entrepreneurship, Ohio University
Mr. Rob Kissner, MBA, Clinical Lecturer, Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Iona University
Dr. Howard Aldrich, Kenan Professor of Sociology, Dept of Sociology @ UNC Chapel Hill
Dr. Charlena Miller, Assistant Professor of Business, Doane University
Dr. Jessica Parker, Moxie
Dr. Kimberly Becker, Moxie
Dr. Doan Winkel, John J. Kahl, Sr. Chair in Entrepreneurship & Director, Edward Muldoon Center for Entrepreneurship, John Carroll University
Mr. Adam Peruta, Associate Professor, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Syracuse University
Dr. Sasha Tomic, Associate Dean for Strategy, Innovation, & Technology, and Program Director of Master of Science in Applied Economics, Woods College of Advancing Studies, Boston College
Mr. Mike Kentz, Zainetek Educational Advisors
Dr. Robert Sullivan, Dean, Dallas Baptist University
Dr. Teri Lynn Varner, Professor of Communication, St. Edwards University
Dr. Doug Rose, Assistant Professor, American Public University System
Mr. Michael Jones, Senior Digital Designer and Producer, Indiana Wesleyan University
Mr. Kegan Clark, Program Coordinator Honors, Texas A&M University
Ms. Quinn Karley, Generative AI Program Manager, Rochester Institute of Technology
Interested in joining? Apply today.
Fully Engage Students in Async Courses
Join Jason Gulya, Professor of English and Applied Media at Berkeley College, in the video below as he shares innovative strategies for designing process-oriented assignments in online courses. Learn practical tips to enhance student engagement in fully asynchronous classes, brought to you in collaboration with BoodleBox.
Access training, resources, AI tools, and a supportive community of educators to responsibly integrate GenAI into your curriculum with the Collaborative AI Accelerator for Higher Education - BoodleBox.
From the Collaborative Council
How Grading the Chats Makes Learning - Mike Kentz: Mike Kentz discusses the impact of AI on learning, emphasizing the importance of integrating AI into educational practices. He highlights how AI can be used to enhance learning experiences by providing personalized feedback and automating routine tasks, allowing educators to focus on more meaningful interactions with students.
My Students Are Forgetting What Writing Is - Jason Gulya: Dr. Jason Gulya wonders how to properly define authorship in the age of GenAI. In this post, he explores viewpoints from students, professors, and peers.
How to Channel the Goddess of Wisdom - Lance Cummings: Lance Cummings explores the idea of using AI as a tool to enhance creativity and wisdom. He suggests that AI can serve as a muse, helping individuals overcome creative blocks and encouraging innovative thinking by providing new perspectives and ideas.
Interested in having your work included here? Please submit using this link.
Behind the Curtain
Hi, I’m France, the Co-founder and CEO at BoodleBox. We’re on a mission to partner with faculty, staff, and students to build the best platform in the world for collaborative, responsible AI in the classroom and for classwork.
This newsletter exists to inform and connect those in higher education interested in helping faculty and students responsibly collaborate with GenAI. Come learn more about BoodleBox for Education, and if you’re already onboard, bring a colleague - we’d really appreciate it.
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