The Key with Inside Higher Ed

In this engaging discussion, Shlomo Argamon, Associate Provost for Artificial Intelligence at Touro University, shares insights on integrating AI into education. He highlights Touro's philosophy of using AI as an assistive technology that enhances learning experiences. Topics include embedding AI competencies in the curriculum, faculty innovation grants for AI teaching, and the use of AI simulations in training for various professions. Shlomo also addresses concerns about gamification in education and the importance of maintaining human connections in the learning process.

Philip Gray, Op-Ed Editor at the Los Angeles Times, and Susan D'Agostino, a mathematician-turned-writer, explore the importance of public scholarship in today's world. They discuss how scholars can effectively pitch their ideas to editors, the pitfalls to avoid in op-ed writing, and the necessity of making academic work accessible to general audiences. Susan shares her transition from academia to journalism, while Philip emphasizes passion in writing to engage readers. Together, they encourage experts to step into public discourse.

James Frazee, the VP for Information Technology at San Diego State University, discusses the innovative Equitable AI Alliance aimed at providing AI literacy and tools to all students. He highlights the importance of collaboration among institutions to bridge the digital divide in education. Frazee also talks about micro-credentials as a way to equip students with job-ready skills and shares insights on shifting campus culture around AI. The conversation underscores the need for accessible learning and resource sharing in the evolving tech landscape of higher education.

In this episode of The Key, we're diving deep into what’s happening on Capitol Hill and inside the White House—and how it’s all affecting higher ed. Joining Sara Custer, IHE's editor in chief, is news editor Katherine Knott to unpack everything: the funding cuts hitting Minority Serving Institutions, restrictive policies upending life for international students and scholars, the latest twists in negotiated rule making around student borrowing, and yes—that Compact for Excellence in Higher Education everyone's talking about. Thank you to the Gates Foundation for sponsoring this episode. 

Zachary Pardos, an associate professor at UC Berkeley, discusses the game-changing role of AI in education. He highlights how his tool, CourseWise, helps streamline credit transfers between institutions, addressing the common issue of students losing credits. Zach reveals the breakdowns in transfer pipelines that lead to delays and frustrations for students. With insights into making the transfer process more efficient, he also unveils plans for a student-facing planner to help guide course selections. It's a vital conversation for anyone invested in enhancing student success.

Beverly Daniel Tatum—two-time college president, New York Times bestselling author, and one of the country’s most influential voices on race and education – joins Inside Higher Ed’s editor in chief Sara Custer to discuss her latest book, College Leadership in Turbulent Times: Peril and Promise. Tatum shares lessons from her own leadership journey serving as president at Spelman College and serving as interim president at Mount Holyoke and dives into some of the biggest issues facing colleges today, from diversity equity and inclusion to politics and finances.   Thanks to the Gates Foundation for sponsoring this episode. 

This series of Voices of Student Success focuses on uses of generative artificial intelligence in higher education and how technology can support student success goals.   As generative AI tools become more common, a growing number of young people turn first to chatbots when they have questions. A survey by the Associated Press found that among AI users, 70 percent of young Americans use the tools to search for information.   For colleges and universities, this presents a new opportunity to reach students with curated, institution-specific resources via chatbots.   In the most recent episode of Voices of Student Success, Jeanette Powers, executive director of the student hub at Western New England University, discusses the university’s chatbot, Spirit, powered by EdSights, and how the technology helps staff intervene when students are in distress.   Hosted by Inside Higher Ed Student Success reporter Ashley Mowreader, this episode is sponsored by Strada Education Foundation.   Read a transcript of the podcast here. 

For more than 20 years, StoryCorps has been documenting conversations between Americans and broadcasting them on public radio. In 2017, StoryCorps launched One Small Step, a new project that pairs strangers on opposing sides of the political divide for one-on-one conversations. The organization is now bringing its initiative to college campuses. Dave Isay, the founder of StoryCorps, speaks with Sara Custer, Inside Higher Ed’s editor in chief, about the power of conversation and how seeing the common humanity in everyone can help foster understanding and belonging among students.   Thanks to our partners The Gates Foundation for sponsoring this episode. 

Matt Bergman, a senior fellow at the Council on Post-Secondary Education, Dallas Kratzer, an expert in credit for prior learning, and Tracy Teater, an advocate for adult education, delve into the challenges and solutions around supporting military-affiliated learners in higher ed. They highlight the crucial role of translating military experiences into academic credits through credit for prior learning. The discussion also covers data's importance in improving educational outcomes and strategies for enhancing inclusivity in adult education environments.

In this discussion, Jenny Billings, an English department leader at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, shares her journey of embracing AI in education, highlighting its positive impact on student retention and confidence. Alongside her is Jenny Maxwell from Grammarly, who explores innovative AI tools that foster student engagement in writing. They delve into the importance of responsible AI use, the shift in student-faculty conversations, and how tools like Grammarly can enhance learning without compromising academic integrity.