AI Awareness Week brings artificial intelligence to forefront of higher education

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — OCTOBER 7, 2024) Artificial Intelligence is quickly making its way into everyday life, including the landscape of higher education. Empire State University’s Center for Teaching, Learning, and Faculty Development recently held an Artificial Intelligence Awareness Week to teach faculty, staff, and students how to approach AI heading into the academic year.

“AI Awareness Week was created to foster deeper conversations and understanding about the role of AI in higher education,” Melissa Wells, director of the center for teaching, learning, and faculty development, said. “We wanted to provide both faculty and students with resources and opportunities to explore how AI can enhance teaching, learning, and research.”

The week’s programming included different sessions on faculty and student engagement, ethics and data privacy, pedagogy, and research. Each session was chosen based on their direct impact with the academic community and the need for integration in each area. Wells said there was an average attendance of 133 people each session and strong engagement with the university community.

As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into different aspects of education, Wells said it’s essential to equip the university community with the tools and knowledge to use it ethically and effectively.

“These seminars and resources help demystify AI, allowing people to approach it with both excitement and caution, ensuring that it’s used in ways that enhance learning without compromising security, privacy, or academic integrity,” Wells said.

At the same time, Wells said it’s crucial to be vigilant about the implications of artificial intelligence quickly becoming a vital tool in higher education.

“Professors and students can utilize AI to improve engagement and productivity, but they must also be mindful of ethical considerations, such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the importance of maintaining academic standards,” Wells said. “We aim to provide the knowledge to approach AI responsibly, ensuring that it supports teaching and learning in ways that align with our institutional values.”

Empire State University is incorporating artificial intelligence into its programming in multiple facets throughout the academic year, featuring AI-oriented speakers at the upcoming Fall Academic Conference in October and bringing other speakers to the university community.