About the Episode
About the Episode: We’re thrilled to share this compelling live discussion with Elizabeth Reilley and Amanda Gulley from Arizona State University, recorded at the inaugural ASU+GSV AIR Show. This episode dives into ASU's pioneering AI projects, exploring how AI technology is reshaping student and faculty experiences at ASU and beyond. Discover how ASU leverages AI for impactful educational innovations and community engagement, pushing the boundaries of traditional education.
Key Takeaways
- ASU's Approach to AI: A Platform for Scale and Impact
- ASU’s Create AI platform enables the university to test and implement cutting-edge generative AI tools, swapping components as technology evolves.
- The platform is built to empower innovation across ASU’s community, supporting a range of applications like course recommendations, advising, and more.
- Innovative AI-Powered Tools
- DRE (Degree Recommendation Engine): Helps students navigate ASU’s 800+ degree programs by aligning their interests and goals with available opportunities.
- AI-driven chatbots and instructional design tools are enhancing faculty and staff workflows, improving student advising, and creating more engaging teaching materials.
- Human-Centered AI: A Focus on Accessibility and Value
- ASU’s charter and design principles prioritize principled innovation—using AI to create societal impact, improve access, and enhance student outcomes.
- Rather than applying AI indiscriminately, ASU carefully evaluates where generative AI can make the greatest impact, ensuring responsible and ethical implementation.
- Opportunities for Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
- ASU serves as a leader in higher education innovation, using events like the ASU+GSV Air Show to share lessons learned, inspire other institutions, and foster partnerships.
- Study Hall, a collaboration with YouTube's Crash Course, Google, and Complexly, showcases ASU’s commitment to making college accessible to underserved learners through low-cost, low-commitment courses.
Episode Summary: FAQs Answered
What is ASU’s Create AI Platform?
The Create AI platform is ASU’s modular, generative AI application platform. It integrates the latest large language models, vector databases, and other tools to provide a secure environment for experimentation and development. The platform supports AI-powered solutions for teaching, learning, and student support at scale.
How is ASU using AI to support students?
ASU is leveraging AI to enhance the student experience through tools like the Degree Recommendation Engine (DRE), which helps students identify programs that align with their goals and interests. AI chatbots and learning support tools are also streamlining processes like advising, financial aid, and course selection, creating a more personalized and efficient experience for students.
What is Study Hall, and how does it support learners?
Study Hall is a collaboration between ASU, Crash Course (Vlogbrothers Hank and John Green), and Google. It provides low-cost, low-risk online courses that allow learners to earn transferable college credits. This initiative helps build confidence in prospective students, reduces barriers to entry, and supports lifelong learning.
How does ASU balance innovation with responsibility in AI?
ASU’s design principles emphasize principled innovation, ensuring that AI tools are deployed with a focus on human value, societal impact, and ethical considerations. The institution prioritizes transparency, education, and responsible experimentation to build trust and avoid unintended consequences.
What advice does ASU offer to higher ed leaders exploring AI?
- Get Hands-On: Experiment with tools like ChatGPT to understand the current capabilities and limitations of AI.
- Focus on Problems First: Identify existing challenges within your institution and determine how AI can augment solutions.
- Start Small: Begin with low-risk applications, such as improving website readability or automating knowledge base content, to build confidence and familiarity with AI.
Why ASU’s AI Strategy Stands Out
A Platform-Centric Approach
ASU’s Create AI platform provides a secure, scalable foundation for experimentation and innovation, empowering educators, staff, and students to access the latest AI tools.
Holistic Focus on the Student Journey
Rather than limiting AI applications to teaching and learning, ASU takes a comprehensive view of the student experience, addressing challenges in areas like advising, career planning, and access.
Collaboration for the Greater Good
From Study Hall to global partnerships, ASU exemplifies how higher education institutions can share knowledge, scale innovation, and support learners beyond their own campuses.
Final Thoughts
As Dustin, Elizabeth, and Amanda discuss, AI in higher education is still in its infancy, but the potential for positive change is immense. ASU’s approach—grounded in ethical innovation, collaboration, and a focus on impact—offers a roadmap for institutions looking to harness AI responsibly.
If you’re curious about how AI can enhance student outcomes, streamline processes, and improve access, follow ASU’s work and look for opportunities to experiment within your own institution. Start small, engage with tools like ChatGPT, and prioritize human-centered solutions to make meaningful progress.
About the Show: The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/
https://twitter.com/HigherEd_Geek
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI and I Wanna Work There.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Connect with Us at the Engage Summit:
Exciting news — Dustin will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI.
Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $200.
Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!
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