- T3: Bron Eager's Newsletter
- Posts
- T3 Feb 26 2024
T3 Feb 26 2024
Bron Eager
February 26, 2024
Hello AI Enthusiasts 👋
It’s been a busy week in AI + Higher Education!!
In This Edition
Guest Post – Report on The 2024 AI in Higher Education Symposium
Introduction to AI Training & Development – New Program Launch!
AI + Higher Ed News Updates – Curated selection of news articles
Guest Posts Arrive on the BronEager.com Blog!
🔗 Fail forward together with Generative AI: The 2024 AI in Higher Education Symposium
In the first guest post on my blog (hopefully many more will follow!), Carmen Vallis and Dr. Linus Tan share key takeaways from the recent 2024 AI in Higher Education Symposium, including how educators are experimenting with generative AI in creative and practical ways. Includes lots of links to useful resources!
AI-generated Image by Dr. Linus Tan
If you’ve written a practical, applied, and useful blog post that might benefit readers, please reach out [email protected] to have it considered for the blog.
NEW: Introduction to AI Skills Training & Development Online Sessions
For the last 14 months, I’ve been delivering introductory and applied AI skills training and development across the higher education sector, helping thousands begin their journey with AI tools. It’s been an absolute delight to help people go from ‘zero to hero’ after only one session! I’m enthusiastic to continue this work globally via online training sessions and advance my mission to help the higher education sector prepare for the new world of AI-augmented work.
Learn more about my introductory AI training sessions at broneager.com/training
Weekly AI News Updates
Catch up on the latest AI news in higher education with this selection of curated articles from around the globe.
Higher-ed CIOs are facing increasing demands and complexities as AI becomes a top priority in academia. This article shares the obligation universities have to prepare students for the job market, where AI skills are increasingly valued, and highlights how CIOs are challenged with embedding AI practices within the institution and teaching students how to use and manage AI tools. By exposing students to AI in the classroom, universities are equipping them with valuable skills for future employment. Read the full article for more information.
Stanford University has conducted a pioneering study on geographic bias in AI models, highlighting the need to address biases in LLMs that are trained on data predominantly sourced from the internet.
The study focuses on the nuanced problem of geographic bias, where models make systematic errors in predictions about specific locations, leading to misrepresentations across cultural, socioeconomic, and political spectrums.
The research serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in building AI technologies that are beneficial for all and highlights the need for a more inclusive approach to AI.
Duke University has announced that it will no longer provide numerical ratings for standardized testing scores and essays in its undergraduate admissions process.
The change was implemented due to the increase in the use of generative artificial intelligence and college admissions consultants, which has made it difficult to determine the authenticity of essays. Instead, essays will be used to understand applicants as individuals and provide insight into their unique qualities.
The University of Arizona (UA) is grappling with how to implement artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms – AREN’T WE ALL!!! They are currently working holistically across the university to pave a way forward, sharing reflections and resources in this blog post. Some key points include:
The UA currently leaves AI guidelines up to individual instructors, leading to different guidelines for the use of AI across classes.
Different perceptions of AI across disciplines can create confusion and discrepancies in instruction.
Accessibility, equity, and representation are focal points in discussions about AI in education.
AI has both equalizing potential and historical exclusionary practices.
Educating instructors on the merits and uses of AI is necessary to integrate it effectively into the classroom.
The UA offers resources and workshops on AI literacy, ethics, and equity, and continues to encourage discourse and policy change through the AI Access & Integrity Working Group.
See also: The University of Arizona AI Resources, including:
Universities are considering how higher education can remain relevant as artificial intelligence (AI) transforms the job market, and adivce for universities and students. Tips in the article include:
Embrace interdisciplinary study
Pursue “real life” experiences
Learning extends through postgraduate education
The president of the University of Tokyo, Teruo Fujii, suggests that students who embrace interdisciplinary study will be better positioned to navigate the changing workforce.
The University of Michigan is developing an AI coaching bot that can provide personalized guidance, feedback, and support to students.
The bot aims to strengthen students' critical thinking and self-regulated learning skills by guiding them to understand the underlying conceptual framework of problems. Rather than simply providing answers, the bot helps students examine their thinking process and identify how they arrived at incorrect answers. The goal is to develop a platform that helps students develop metacognitive skills, which are crucial for critical thinking and problem-solving. Other universities, such as Harvard, are also exploring the use of AI chatbots in education. However, it is important to note that AI chatbots are not infallible and students may need to verify their explanations. The role of the AI coaching bot is to guide students towards the right approach to problem-solving.
AI tools have the potential to greatly improve educational systems by freeing up teachers from administrative tasks and enhancing the teaching and learning processes.
Gradescope: AI tool that allows students to assess each other and provides feedback, making grading easier for teachers.
Fetchy: AI-powered platform that simplifies various tasks for educators, such as creating engaging lessons and generating newsletters.
MathGPTPro: AI-driven math tutor that solves math problems with a 90% accuracy rate.
Nuance's Dragon Speech Recognition: Speech recognition software that helps students with writing difficulties by transcribing their speech.
Cognii: AI-based virtual learning assistant that helps students improve critical thinking skills and provides personalized tutoring and feedback.
Century Tech: AI platform that creates personalized learning plans for students based on cognitive neuroscience and data analytics.
Carnegie Learning's Platforms: Learning platforms that utilize AI and machine learning to provide personalized learning experiences in math, literacy, and languages.
Ivy Chatbot: Chatbot AI tool designed for universities and colleges to assist with various university processes and provide information to students.
Knowji: Audio-visual vocabulary application for language learners that uses AI and spaced repetition algorithm for better learning.
Queirum: AI platform that helps students master critical STEM skills through personalized lessons and step-by-step tutoring assistance.
These AI tools have various features that enhance the teaching and learning experience, provide personalized learning plans, improve student engagement, and support educators in their tasks.
That’s a Wrap!
Thanks for your support.
I appreciate you reading this newsletter and sharing it with your friends.
Take care and chat soon,
Bron