In a world captivated by the promises and perils of artificial intelligence, the latest discourse revolves around the potential transformation of higher education. The groundbreaking book, “All-in On AI: How Smart Companies Win Big with Artificial Intelligence” by Tom Davenport and Nitin Mittal, delves into the myriad ways companies are leveraging AI for strategic advantage.
While the book only briefly acknowledges AI as a support tool for online learners, it prompts a crucial question: What could a university fully committed to AI adoption look like, not just in the classroom but in every facet of its existence? Exploring the profound impact AI might have on university operations and competitiveness, the narrative extends beyond teaching and learning to envision a university terrain where data takes a prominent role, steering institutional decisions and shaping the educational experience.
Generative AI’s impact on higher Ed
While “All in On AI” offers a comprehensive exploration of AI’s impact on various industries, it gives only a cursory glance at higher education. The authors recognize AI as a potential proactive support tool for online learners, leaving the broader implications for universities largely unexplored. Looking beyond generative AI’s influence on teaching and learning, the critical question emerges: What would a university committed to an all-encompassing integration of AI look like?
The data advantage
A pivotal insight from the book is the crucial role of data in any successful AI strategy. Companies like Anthem, Kroger, and Capital One, showcased in the book, possess a distinct “advantage over universities due to their centralized decision-making structures. The mandate from CEOs allows these organizations to prioritize data in their AI initiatives. For universities aspiring to go “all in on AI,” the first step is clear: data governance and management must become integral to the organizational leadership structure.
Few universities currently have a chief data officer, let alone one with a direct line to the president. The book argues that universities must rethink their approach, positioning the custodian of institutional data as a prominent figure in the leadership hierarchy. Linking data to AI is a crucial yet underexplored avenue in higher education, with a need for sustained dialogues on embedding artificial intelligence into the core of institutional business strategy.
AI in university decision-making
In the realm of online programs, where data-driven decisions guide marketing strategies, the potential for AI is significant. The book suggests that universities can utilize AI-trained models to inform program pricing and marketing strategies. As technology advances, predictive models can become instrumental in strategic decision-making, shaping the future of higher education.
The competition for learners, a characteristic challenge in the higher education landscape, stands to benefit from AI integration. As “All in On AI” emphasizes, companies are strategically leveraging AI tools for long-term gains. It’s conceivable that a university president, aiming to position her institution at the forefront of AI adoption, might seek to address local supply-demand imbalances by infusing AI into various institutional decisions, investments, and processes.
The prospect of universities going “all in on AI” is not just a theoretical concept but a strategic imperative. The journey begins with a profound understanding of the role of generative AI, transcending its impact on teaching and learning. Data emerges as the linchpin, with universities needing to elevate data governance to a central position in their leadership structure. As the higher education landscape evolves, embracing AI is not just an option—it’s a data-driven future universities must actively shape.
