It’s interesting how time can change perspectives about new developments or products. A little over a year ago, generative AI was introduced to the world. While many embraced it as an opportunity to expand their abilities, others feared what it might mean. For coders and writers, there were concerns that generative AI would put them out of a job. Perhaps, it will. Others worried training materials in both print and video used for generative AI violated copyright laws. Indeed, it might. And educational institutions feared that AI in higher education would undermine quality learning among students. Interestingly, however, some of these fears, particularly in education, are starting to change. As it turns out, generative AI in teaching and learning may be a perfect match.
(Generative AI and copyright law are clashing–read up on the conflict in this Bold story.)
It was just announced that a partnership between Open AI (the company for ChatGPT) and Arizona State University was formed. With access to ChatGPT Enterprise, the university will be the first to officially utilize AI in higher education. This is a major change in how many other colleges and schools perceive generative AI in teaching and learning. In essence, some have banned its use because they don’t know how to leverage it much less teach it. But this is where the bold leadership at ASU differs. They are invested in using generative AI in many different areas not only including student education but in research also. This is not only intriguing but exciting as ASU enters into a new dimension of higher education not yet explored.
“As OpenAI begins to explore how to market or align a business for universities, they’re looking for a design partner, a thought partner, and I think that’s a significant measure of why we’ve come together today to make this announcement.” – Lev Gonick, CIO at Arizona State University
Insights of the ASU and Open AI Partnership
When the initial conversations between ASU and Open AI about using generative in teaching and learning took place isn’t known. But what is known is that the university’s Chief Information Officer visited Open AI’s headquarters about six months ago. Apparently, the discussions were enough to satisfy ASU’s leadership, which resulted in the recent announcement. As a result of the agreement, ASU will enjoy full use of ChatGPT Enterprise, which is a more comprehensive product. This will allow all faculty, staff and students access to ChatGPT while providing some additional benefits to the school’s administration. The exact date of implementation is not yet known. But professors have already been asked to submit ideas about using AI in higher education by late February.
Of course, like most partnerships, benefits flow both directions. While ASU will receive new opportunities is use generative AI in teaching and learning, Open Ai gains other insights. The company is seeking to learn how they might develop ChatGPT and other generative AI products for educational institutions. The partnership thus allows them to do this in a constructive environment rather than a contentious one. To date, there has been more pushback from schools regarding ChatGPT than praise. The lack of knowledge of how to use AI in higher education has caused some to shy away from this opportunity. The partnership with ASU, however, is a breath of fresh air for Open AI. Should the partnership provide quality strategies of how to incorporate AI into education, other schools will follow. And this is definitely advantageous for Open AI and its future generative AI products.
“ASU recognizes that augmented and artificial intelligence systems are here to stay, and we are optimistic about their ability to become incredible tools that help students to learn, learn more quickly and understand subjects more thoroughly.” – Michael Crow, Arizona State University President
ASU’s Plans for AI in Higher Education
In receiving the ChatGPT Enterprise platform, ASU will gain some nice features that routine ChatGPT users don’t have. Certainly, it can offer the writing, coding, and imaging benefits that the routine generative AI platform provides. But it will also have additional privacy protections and analytics abilities. The Enterprise version is customizable, which ASU fully plans to utilize. This includes developing internal workflows, communications platforms, and shared templates related to generative AI. Likewise, strategies for using generative AI in teaching and learning will involve personal AI tutors. These so-called AI avatars can be created by students and serve as teaching assistants of sort. How these uses of AI in higher education performs is anyone’s guess.
(Fake AI-generated books are being sold on Amazon–read up on the problem in this Bold story.)
In addition to these new strategies for utilizing generative AI in teaching and learning, ASU has other plans as well. This includes expanding its prompt engineering courses, which are among its most popular curricula. The university also expects to develop new research areas related to the use of AI in higher education. This will naturally include leveraging ChatGPT Enterprise to conduct existing research projects. However, it will also involve new research related to AI use in learning and teaching. Specifics on these pursuits are still being developed, but it’s certainly an exciting new direction for academia. In all likelihood, this move will not only attract new students but new faculty to ASU as well.
“We’re keen to learn from ASU, and to work toward expanding ChatGPT’s impact in higher education.” – Brad Lightcap, Chief Operations Officer at Open AI
Diving Into the Fray
When it comes to using generative AI in teaching and learning, there is a great deal of unknowns. But one thing is certain…generative AI is here to stay and will transform the world. With this premise, it only makes sense that universities should embrace the challenge of better understanding AI’s applications. ASU recognizes the potential of AI in higher education and is embracing that challenge. In addition, the university will have a chance to teach and research AI’s use while promoting effective and ethical practices. Perhaps, the endeavor may not be easy, but it’s one worth taking.
