Higher education teaching in the age of AI from edX

This course is structured around three distinct but related topics:

Reclaiming the role of university teachers in the Age of AI

Here we look at the question: Who are university teachers becoming in the Age of AI? We approach from known territory into a possible new reality by looking at the professional identity of university teachers in this current turbulent higher education world. Can AI technologies and literacies be integrated into the professional learning of university teachers towards a reclamation of a critically human and value-driven contribution to higher education?

2. Revisiting the role of university teaching in the Age of AI

The logical follow-up question is: What is the role of university teaching in the Age of AI? As with the human focus on university teachers, university teaching is also placed in the spotlight by current educational AI technology developments. We look at university teaching through the lens of knowledge-building to see how it can potentially flourish through AI technology advances. The critical value-based approach needed to navigate teaching in this changing landscape will also be discussed.

3. Renewing the practice of university teaching in the Age of AI

Lastly, we explore the question: How are university teachers invited to teach in the age of AI? Here we respond with a discussion of innovative, hands-on ideas for the meaningful integration of AI technologies into the teaching-learning-assessment practice. As with the first two topics, we suggest a realistic, responsible but also creative viewpoint on university teaching practices in the Age of AI.

What you'll learn

This course is designed for any professional involved with teaching in the higher education context, who is interested in exploring the intersection between user-facing generative AI tools and education.

At the end of this course, participants be able to:

Critically reflect on who they are as professional university teachers in the Age of AI.
Identify the challenges and opportunities, including the level of trust in AI technologies, for the practice of university teaching in the age of AI.
Meaningfully incorporate pedagogy-enriching AI technologies into different aspects of their teaching.
Operationalise their own values for using AI technologies in teaching responsibly and ethically.
Craft a clear scholarly plan for their short-, medium-, and long-term use of AI technologies in teaching.

What's inside

Learning objectives

the challenges and opportunities, including the level of trust in ai technologies, for the practice of university teaching in the age of ai.

Different aspects of their teaching.

the challenges and opportunities, including the level of trust in ai technologies, for the practice of university teaching in the age of ai.
Different aspects of their teaching.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Introduces critical thinking around the human identity of teachers in the face of AI technologies

Explores how AI can improve teaching practices through the lens of knowledge building

Introduces creative ways to incorporate AI technologies into various aspects of higher education

Taught by instructors experienced in higher education teaching and learning

Exploration of the role of AI in teaching may be useful for personal growth and development

Reviews summary

Ai in higher ed: reflective practice

According to students, this course offers a timely and insightful exploration of AI's impact on higher education teaching. Learners particularly praise its focus on reclaiming the teacher's role and the provision of practical strategies for integrating AI responsibly. Many found the ethical discussions robust and essential, providing a strong foundation. While some initial feedback suggested parts were too theoretical, recent reviews indicate improvements, with the content becoming more hands-on and applicable. Overall, it's considered a very good overview that helps educators move beyond fear to embrace AI's potential, balancing conceptual understanding with actionable ideas.

Balances theoretical reflection with practical strategies, with recent improvements.

"The practical strategies for integrating AI were well-explained and immediately applicable."

"I was hoping for more concrete examples and ready-to-use tools. It's a good starting point for reflection, but I felt it lacked the practical 'how-to' that I needed..."

"The updated content really addresses some of the gaps from earlier iterations. I found the 'renewing practice' section is now much more hands-on."

Learners found modules logical and instructors informative and engaging.

"The modules were well-structured, building logically from understanding the landscape to practical application."

"The instructors were knowledgeable."

"I appreciate how the course helps me move beyond initial fears of AI and embrace its potential."

Provides robust and essential discussions on ethical AI use in teaching.

"The ethical discussions were robust and essential."

"I found the ethical considerations thoughtfully presented, which is crucial in this evolving field."

"The framework for ethical AI use in teaching is something I'll carry forward."

Addresses a crucial and rapidly evolving topic for educators.

"This course was incredibly timely and insightful."

"I found it a very good overview of AI's impact on higher education."

"This course truly opened my eyes to the potential of AI in teaching."

Some learners wished for more diverse and discipline-specific examples.

"I thought some parts felt a bit theoretical and could have benefited from more real-world case studies or hands-on activities."

"I wish there were more diverse examples from different disciplines."

"I felt it was a lot of theoretical discussion without enough practical application for my specific teaching context."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Higher education teaching in the age of AI with these activities:

Review linear algebra and calculus

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Strengthen your foundational knowledge in mathematics, which is essential for AI.

Browse courses on Linear Algebra

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Review textbooks, lecture notes, or online resources on linear algebra and calculus.
Practice solving problems and exercises related to these topics.
Seek clarification from instructors, peers, or online forums when needed.

Read 'Artificial Intelligence for Humans'

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of AI concepts and their potential impact on society.

View On Intelligence: How a New Understanding of the... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Read and reflect on the chapters, taking notes on key concepts.
Discuss the book's insights with peers or online forums.

Join a study group or online forum

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Engage with peers to exchange ideas, clarify concepts, and deepen your understanding.

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Identify or create a study group or join an online forum related to the course.
Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights.
Collaborate on projects or assignments with your peers.

Four other activities

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Explore AI tools and applications

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Enhance your understanding of AI technologies and their practical applications.

Browse courses on Artificial Intelligence

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Locate reputable online resources or tutorials related to AI.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step to gain hands-on experience.
Experiment with different AI tools and explore their capabilities.

Solve Python coding problems

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Reinforce your understanding of Python coding concepts by solving practice problems.

Browse courses on Python

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Identify a reputable online coding platform.
Create an account and select a set of problems aligned with the course material.
Attempt to solve the problems using your Python skills.
Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement.

Develop an AI project prototype

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Apply your AI knowledge and skills to create a tangible project that demonstrates your understanding.

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Identify a problem or opportunity that can be addressed using AI.
Design and develop a prototype that incorporates AI techniques.
Evaluate the prototype's performance and identify areas for improvement.

Mentor junior students or peers

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Solidify your understanding by explaining concepts to others and providing guidance.

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Identify junior students or peers who would benefit from your support.
Offer your assistance and schedule regular mentoring sessions.
Review course material together, answer questions, and provide encouragement.

Career center

Learners who complete Higher education teaching in the age of AI will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers create, develop, and deliver learning experiences. This course may be useful in understanding how to integrate AI technologies into teaching and learning, which is becoming increasingly important in the education sector.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Higher Education Administrator

Higher Education Administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of colleges and universities. This course may be useful in understanding the challenges and opportunities of using AI in higher education, which can help administrators make informed decisions about how to implement AI on their campuses.

See salaries and explore the career path for Higher Education Administrator

Educational Consultant

Educational Consultants provide advice and guidance to educational institutions and organizations. This course may be useful in understanding the latest trends in AI in education, which can help consultants provide up-to-date advice to their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Consultant

Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers design and develop educational programs and materials. This course may be useful in understanding how to incorporate AI into curricula, which can help developers create more engaging and effective learning experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer

Learning Scientist

Learning Scientists study how people learn. This course may be useful in understanding how AI can be used to improve learning outcomes, which can help Learning Scientists develop more effective teaching methods.

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Teacher

Teachers facilitate learning for students. This course may be useful in understanding how to use AI in the classroom, which can help Teachers create more engaging and effective learning experiences.

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Professor

Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. This course may be useful in understanding the challenges and opportunities of using AI in higher education, which can help Professors make informed decisions about how to use AI in their teaching and research.

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Associate Professor

Associate Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. This course may be useful in understanding the challenges and opportunities of using AI in higher education, which can help Associate Professors make informed decisions about how to use AI in their teaching and research.

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Assistant Professor

Assistant Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. This course may be useful in understanding the challenges and opportunities of using AI in higher education, which can help Assistant Professors make informed decisions about how to use AI in their teaching and research.

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Lecturer

Lecturers teach at colleges and universities. This course may be useful in understanding how to use AI in the classroom, which can help Lecturers create more engaging and effective learning experiences.

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Adjunct Professor

Adjunct Professors teach part-time at colleges and universities. This course may be useful in understanding how to use AI in the classroom, which can help Adjunct Professors create more engaging and effective learning experiences.

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Instructional Technology Specialist

Instructional Technology Specialists provide support to faculty and students in the use of educational technology. This course may be useful in understanding the latest trends in AI in education, which can help Instructional Technology Specialists provide up-to-date support to their clients.

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Educational Researcher

Educational Researchers study the effectiveness of different educational methods and techniques. This course may be useful in understanding how to use AI to improve learning outcomes, which can help Educational Researchers develop more effective teaching methods.

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Education Policy Analyst

Education Policy Analysts analyze and evaluate education policies. This course may be useful in understanding the challenges and opportunities of using AI in higher education, which can help Education Policy Analysts make informed decisions about how to develop and implement AI policies.

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Director of Education

Directors of Education oversee the educational programs and services of an organization. This course may be useful in understanding the challenges and opportunities of using AI in higher education, which can help Directors of Education make informed decisions about how to implement AI on their campuses.

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