EDTECH: Exploring the Future of AI in Higher Education
SHEHU: It’s exhilarating to contemplate how we can foster an AI-skilled and AI-literate workforce. The critical questions we must address include: What courses will be most beneficial? How can we weave AI into our curriculum effectively?
By equipping individuals with the right tools, we unlock a plethora of innovative applications. I foresee exciting new use cases emerging that will revolutionize teaching and learning. Additionally, the intersection of AI with ethics and policy presents an array of research opportunities. At Mason, we are actively engaged in this research landscape. Concepts like digital twinning are increasingly leveraging generative AI, while predictive AI can help communities strategize for resilience. Nearly any challenge you can imagine has a team of faculty members here either tackling it or preparing to take their first steps.
EDTECH: What Challenges Does AI Present to Higher Education?
SHEHU: The rapid evolution of these technologies brings with it numerous unknowns, making it a considerable challenge to stay informed and adaptive. For instance, AI has transformed the coding landscape, enabling students to use these advancements to generate code. This shift prompts us to rethink our teaching methodologies in the classroom.
To remain at the forefront, we must acknowledge the apprehension that many feel. More concerning is the prospect of our students lacking competitiveness in the job market. This urgency compels us to stay engaged rather than retreating with apprehension. Disruptions caused by technology are inevitable, irrespective of whether we choose to engage. My role is to invite the Mason community to participate and shape the conversation. We live in fascinating times, and I feel privileged to lead during this transformative era.
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EDTECH: Priorities in Choosing AI Tools for the University
SHEHU: Last October, I initiated an AI task force dedicated to determining the essential requirements for AI tools we integrate into our university. We are focused on articulating clear principles and guidelines for the utilization of AI across campus among faculty, students, researchers, and staff. Each group’s needs may vary slightly. For instance, we are refining a core framework that addresses our concerns surrounding data privacy and security to ensure we safeguard all campus data.
EDTECH: The Future Vision: AI at George Mason in Five Years
SHEHU: My focus always returns to the impact on people. Ultimately, we can develop educational programs, workforce training initiatives, and research collaborations, but we must honestly evaluate their effectiveness. In five years, I hope to hear our graduates express, “This experience changed my life.” That is the kind of impact I aim to achieve.
