AI in Education 2024: A Year in Review – Progress, Challenges, and What’s Next
The AI Collaborative: Higher Ed Newsletter | Issue 3
Quote to AI-Generated Image of the Week
"The true revolution lies in using AI to empower and elevate the minds of our students."
— Dr. Steve Ritter
This Week In Bullets
AI in Higher Ed: 2024 Predictions, Reality, and the Future
AI x Higher Education 2024 Highlights
Looking Ahead to 2025
AI in Higher Ed: 2024 Predictions, Reality, and the Future
Predictions around AI in Higher Ed for 2024
7 Artificial Intelligence Trends That Could Reshape Education in 2024
As we entered 2024, experts predicted a transformative year for AI in education. The conversation was expected to shift dramatically from "if" AI belongs in education to "how" best to implement it, with institutions prioritizing faculty training and establishing clear guidelines for AI use. Industry observers anticipated a significant move toward personalized learning through adaptive AI systems, while educators were expected to begin creating custom GPT tools - all pointing to a year of innovative educational possibilities.
Recognizing this pivotal shift, BoodleBox launched as a direct response to the growing demand for specialized generative AI tools in academia, providing educators with a secure, education-focused environment for AI integration.
AI in Higher Ed, A Year in Review
2024 in Review: AI in Education
AI in education saw dramatic growth in 2024, with adoption rates soaring as 45% of higher education faculty and 51% of K12 teachers embraced AI tools, up from 24% in 2023. The year was marked by major strides in AI initiatives, with leading universities partnering with tech companies to develop specialized educational AI platforms, while major corporations invested significantly in expanding AI access across higher education.
Throughout 2024, BoodleBox contributed to this educational transformation by partnering with educators and students to build an innovative AI platform designed to bridge the gap between advanced technology and practical educational needs, supporting the growing demand for personalized learning experiences.
A Glimpse at AI in Higher Ed for 2025
How Will AI Influence Higher Ed in 2025?
Looking ahead to 2025, leading voices in higher education predict a pivotal shift in the approach to AI, moving from cautious adoption to full integration across campus operations. The forecast includes AI becoming critical infrastructure, increased focus on ethical implementation, and a stronger emphasis on preparing students with AI literacy skills. Universities that fail to embrace AI risk becoming irrelevant, while those that adapt thoughtfully will enhance personalized learning experiences and operational efficiency.
As institutions prepare for this transformative year ahead, BoodleBox is positioned to address many of the predicted needs for 2025, particularly in supporting personalized learning experiences, promoting AI literacy, and providing the kind of ethical, transparent AI integration that institutions identify as crucial for higher education's future. The platform can help institutions navigate the transition from cautious adoption to meaningful integration of AI in educational settings.
AI x Higher Ed 2024 Highlights
AI Adoption Accelerated in 2024
AI adoption skyrocketed in 2024, and students, teachers, and administrators alike are starting to figure out how this technology fits into their daily lives.
According to Ellucian, AI usage among higher education professionals has more than doubled in the past year, with 93% of faculty and administrators planning to expand their use of AI tools over the next two years.
As Enthusiasm for AI Grew, Significant Concerns Remained Top of Mind
1) Lack of AI Training for Faculty
A significant 73% of students believe that universities should provide training for faculty on the effective use of AI tools. Education Week highlights that the issue is not AI itself but how it is applied in classrooms. Without proper training, teachers risk underutilizing or misapplying these tools.
2) Security and Privacy Risks
Privacy and data security rank as the top concerns for 61% of students. AI systems collect and analyze significant amounts of data, raising fears of breaches and misuse. As Birchwood University points out, trustworthiness and ethical governance of AI are critical. Institutions must ensure that it thoroughly investigates and ensures security of their AI system of choice when selecting institution-wide solutions.
3) Lack of Guidelines within Colleges on AI Use
Only 5% of students believe their universities have comprehensive AI guidelines, and 86% are unaware of existing policies. The absence of clear regulations creates confusion and undermines trust. Birchwood University stresses the importance of institution-wide frameworks to ensure accountability and preserve academic integrity.
Significant advancements were made in education-focused AI technology to answer concerns around training, security, and implementation.
A BoodleBox Year-In-Review
7,000+ students and faculty from 640+ colleges and universities have joined BoodleBox since August 2024.
51,000+ Chats engaged in my the higher education community on BoodleBox
380,000+ Prompts driving creativity, productivity, and enhanced learning
1.04 Billion+ Words generated and built upon
As we step into 2025, one thing is clear - this is just the beginning of something extraordinary. Here's to you and the amazing community that's growing with us!
Looking Ahead to 2025
BoodleBox AI Accelerator for Academic Programs
Check out BoodleBox’s FREE AI Accelerator program, which provides resources, training, and tools to help educators responsibly integrate generative AI into their curriculum. Supported by nationwide educators, it offers a 12-month free BoodleBox license, training & certifications, downloadable resources, and an active educator community. Click here to Register.
Apply to Speak
If you are interested in sharing your innovative use of AI in the classroom, we encourage you to speak at one of our engaging sessions. We want you to showcase your work, inspire others, and contribute to the conversation around AI in education!
The Collaborative’s Voice
The Rise of Ikigai Risk | Mike Kentz
AI in Education Consultant, TEDx Speaker, Founder/CEO, English Teacher, Writer/Journalist
In the rapidly evolving AI-driven workplace, a new and profound challenge emerges: the threat to human purpose, or "Ikigai Risk." Mike Kentz's The Rise of Ikigai Risk examines how AI reshapes work, jeopardizing satisfaction, creativity, and expertise. He urges organizations to balance efficiency using AI with preserving human qualities essential for innovation and growth.
The Smarter Campus Podcast | Sean Amaso
Kennesaw State graduate, screenwriter, illustrator, and aspiring creator of an animated superhero series.
In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, screenwriter, illustrator, and BoodleBox student council member, Sean Amaso, shares his candid perspective on AI’s impact on fields like screenwriting and art. He discusses how AI risks undermining human creativity, storytelling, and the value of hard-earned skills, while exploring the balance needed to integrate innovation without losing the essence of human artistry.
Who D.A.R.E.S. to use AI? | Lara Taylor
AI Literacy Advocate, Educator, and Trainer, Doctorate Student at Purdue, Tech Specialist at MSU Libraries
In today’s rapidly evolving world, a critical skill emerges: discernment—the ability to see beyond the obvious and align decisions with deeper values. As AI transforms education and decision-making, Lara Taylor’s Who D.A.R.E.S. to use AI? examines how discernment, distinct from critical thinking, incorporates wisdom and ethics to navigate complex challenges. Taylor explores how AI tools can foster thoughtful decision-making and emphasizes the urgent need for ethical standards in AI development.
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.
Share this Substack
Know someone who would like what you see?
Forward this emails so they may subscribe too.
After reading your three posts, I’m inspired, yet wondering if (or when) you’ll offer access to high school teachers who also need support and guidance in this AI revolution. Indeed, discernment and mindfulness practices will be essential skills. Thank you for all you’re doing to help educators navigate this transformational time of exponential change.