Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Curriculum, Access, and Emerging Challenges

Explore how Artificial Intelligence is transforming higher education, from curriculum design and student access to ethical dilemmas and generational concerns.

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping higher education, prompting leaders, educators, and students to reconsider traditional structures and expectations. Recent opinion pieces and research highlight the sector´s focus on integrating Artificial Intelligence into curriculum design, addressing ethical issues, and preparing both staff and students for an evolving technological landscape. Anoshua Chaudhuri and Jennifer Trainor propose a set of principles for curriculum design to help institutions navigate instruction in the Artificial Intelligence era, offering a framework for thoughtful curricular decisions that balance innovation and foundational learning.

Ethical considerations remain front and center. Contributor Gwendolyn Reece notes that existing frameworks used in human subjects research can serve as guidelines for evaluating ethical challenges posed by different uses of Artificial Intelligence. Meanwhile, debates persist regarding the transparency of Artificial Intelligence implementations, as highlighted by the California State Bar’s admission of using Artificial Intelligence to develop exam questions, which has sparked controversy and raised accountability concerns among educators and examinees alike.

Access to generative Artificial Intelligence tools remains uneven across colleges, with half of chief technology officers reporting that their institutions restrict student access. This digital divide has implications for equity and innovation, as students navigate coursework and professional development in a technology-driven world. Relatedly, a recent Gallup survey finds that Generation Z adults are both anxious about the impact of Artificial Intelligence and eager for more guidance from schools and employers on ethical and effective use. Additionally, studies caution against the overconfidence and exaggeration in Artificial Intelligence-generated research summaries, particularly when such content influences sensitive fields like medical research. As Artificial Intelligence continues to evolve, experts argue for a preserved, enduring digital record, stressing the importance of documentation for the benefit of future scholars and the integrity of academic discourse.

74

Impact Score

IBM and AMD partner on quantum-centric supercomputing

IBM and AMD announced plans to develop quantum-centric supercomputing architectures that combine quantum computers with high-performance computing to create scalable, open-source platforms. The collaboration leverages IBM´s work on quantum computers and software and AMD´s expertise in high-performance computing and Artificial Intelligence accelerators.

Qualcomm launches Dragonwing Q-6690 with integrated RFID and Artificial Intelligence

Qualcomm announced the Dragonwing Q-6690, billed as the world’s first enterprise mobile processor with fully integrated UHF RFID and built-in 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, ultra-wideband and Artificial Intelligence capabilities. The platform is aimed at rugged handhelds, point-of-sale systems and smart kiosks and offers software-configurable feature packs that can be upgraded over the air.

Recent books from the MIT community

A roundup of new titles from the MIT community, including Empire of Artificial Intelligence, a critical look at Sam Altman’s OpenAI, and Data, Systems, and Society, a textbook on harnessing Artificial Intelligence for societal good.

Contact Us

Got questions? Use the form to contact us.

Contact Form

Clicking next sends a verification code to your email. After verifying, you can enter your message.