9 April 2024
Generative AI has become a significant force in shaping the landscape of education, leaving a lasting impact on how institutions approach teaching, learning, and student support. Initially met with skepticism and even resistance, the integration of generative AI, notably exemplified by ChatGPT, into educational settings has evolved into a process of establishing ground rules and guidelines.
Recognising both the potential and the complexities associated with this technology, educational institutions have engaged in debates surrounding its role and have expressed concerns about ethical use. To address these issues, Amazon Web Services (AWS) partnered with EDUCAUSE, a non-profit membership association dedicated to advancing technology’s strategic use in higher education, to develop a Higher Education Generative AI Readiness Assessment.
This assessment, grounded in responsible use, offers a curated list of questions designed to provide visibility into factors related to an institution’s readiness for the identification and adoption of generative AI solutions across three core focus areas: strategy and governance, capacity and expertise, and infrastructure.
Approachable in multiple ways, the assessment can be undertaken individually, with an IT team, or with a cross-functional team. Query areas include the widespread application of generative AI in day-to-day operations, benchmarking of institution guidelines on AI use, and the level of institutional resilience and agility.
Kathe Pelletier, director of teaching and learning for EDUCAUSE, highlights the assessment’s significance, stating, “This assessment will help institutions identify areas of strength and opportunities to shore up these areas, whether they start with boundary-pushing innovation and experimentation or invest in infrastructure like governance and AI fluency.”
The tool aims to foster a shared understanding among higher education leaders of the strategic and tactical considerations necessary to ensure the safe and secure implementation of generative AI at their institutions. Kim Majerus, vice president of global education and US state and local government at AWS, emphasizes the transformative potential of generative AI in education, noting that it will “transform how educators engage students inside and outside the classroom, with personalized education and accessible experiences that provide increased student support and drive better learning outcomes.”
The Higher Education Generative AI Readiness Assessment represents a practical step forward in preparing colleges and universities to leverage generative AI effectively, supporting students throughout their higher education journey while addressing ethical concerns and ensuring responsible use.
