Leaders are being brought together by the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) at the ITEC23 Conference to highlight the opportunities & risks of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in tertiary education
As technology continues to shape the landscape of education, generative artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool with the potential to revolutionise tertiary education
From automated content creation to personalised learning experiences, generative AI offers opportunities for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in the educational realm.
Alongside these promising prospects, there are also risks and ethical concerns that need to be carefully addressed to ensure responsible and equitable use of AI in tertiary education.
Generative AI, a branch of AI that involves machines creating original content, has gained significant traction in tertiary education. One of the key opportunities of generative AI is the ability to automate content such as essays and other study tasks.
Educators and experts have expressed concerns that the increasing use of AI language models like ChatGPT in the classroom could lead to a lack of critical thinking and independent learning among students.
ITECA Chief Executive, Troy Williams said “For many tertiary education professionals, generative AI presents a major threat to academic integrity,”
“The ability for students to leverage the technology to write essays is self-evident and is a critical issue for providers across the skills training and higher education sectors,” he said
ITECA members have also recognised that generative AI presents new pathways to engage students better in their studies.
“Generative AI provides exciting opportunities for skills training and higher education providers, such as the ability to create personalised learning experiences and develop interactive educational content,”
“In a learning context, generative AI could enhance simulations and virtual training environments and create new forms of assessment and feedback,” Mr Williams said.
Pushing back against the technology isn’t an option, according to ITECA.
According to Mr Williams if a tertiary education leader fails to fully consider the risks and opportunities of generative AI, they may miss out on innovative new ways to enhance student learning experiences.
“These providers risk falling behind other tertiary education providers that have embraced these technologies,” he said
The diverse nature of the independent skills training and higher education sectors highlights the need for providers and regulators to consider the matter carefully.
“There are around 4,000 independent providers which support around 87% of the 4.3 million students in skills training, with a further 140 providers supporting 10% of the 1.6 million students in higher education,”
“The number of tertiary education providers and the number of students involved highlights the significance of the sector’s willingness to consider this issue,” Mr Williams said.
Leaders from across the skills training and higher education sector will meet at the ITEC23 Conference to consider the issues that generative artificial presents.
“The ITEC23 Conference offers a platform to explore the latest advancements in generative AI and the impact on skills training and higher education.,”
“Attendees can exchange ideas, gain insights, and collaborate with leading experts in the field, ultimately shaping the future of tertiary education,” Mr Williams said.
Striking a balance between the opportunities and risks of generative AI is crucial to ensure responsible and equitable use in tertiary education.
As the field of AI in education continues to evolve, it is essential for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders to work collaboratively to harness the full potential of generative AI while addressing its ethical implications.
ITECA members recognise that generative AI presents new pathways to engage students better in their studies; however, many tertiary education professionals, believe generative AI presents a major threat to academic integrity.
Formed in 1992, the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) is the peak body representing independent providers in the skills training, higher education, and international education sectors.
The ITEC23 conference will be held over 7-9 June 2023 at the Sofitel Gold Coast and, as with last year’s conference, is expected to sell out.
